Big and rising names from Hollywood gathered on Monday morning, March 11 (Sunday night, March 10 in the US) at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, USA, for the 2024 Oscars. 

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Arguably one of the biggest events in Hollywood, the Oscars signal the nearing culmination of a months-long awards season. Oppenheimer, the atomic bomb drama by Christopher Nolan, led this year’s nominations with 13 nods. Jimmy Kimmel is hosting the ceremony.

But aside from the winners, audiences also look forward to the Oscars red carpet as their favorite stars arrive in their glitziest and glammed-up ensembles.

Here are some of the celebrities who delivered stunning red carpet looks for Oscars 2024:

Cillian Murphy

Michelle Yeoh

Cynthia Erivo

Bradley Cooper

Emma Stone

Jennifer Lawrence

Emily Blunt

Margot Robbie

Ryan Gosling

Vanessa Hudgens

Zendaya

Jessica Lange

Issa Rae

Lupita Nyong’O

Charlize Theron

Florence Pugh

Olivia Munn

Ariana Grande

Hailee Steinfield

Jack Quiad

– Rappler.com

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Strong silhouettes, sparkles dominate Oscars 2024 red carpet

Anatomy of a Fall best actress nominee Sandra Huller donned a black gown with a dramatic neckline, as did actresses Eva Longoria and Rita Moreno. Cynthia Erivo donned a green gown with large cap sleeves that led to a train down the back. 

Poor Things best actress nominee Emma Stone wore a light green outfit with a flared, strapless bodice. 

America Ferrera, a best supporting actress nominee for Barbie, wore a sparkly pink form-fitting gown.

Midnight blue was also popular among women, like Killers of the Flower Moon best actress nominee Lily Gladstone, Nyad best actress nominee Annette Bening and co-star and best supporting actress nominee Jodie Foster. 

Several men also broke with tradition. While many wore the standard black tuxedo, several went in other directions. 

Rustin best actor nominee Colman Domingo wore a silver button tuxedo, complete with a brooch on his bow tie. 

Barbie best supporting actor nominee Ryan Gosling wore a suit with sparkly trim and no tie. Maestro best actor nominee Bradley Cooper also skipped the tie, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson appeared in a teal shiny suit and no tie. 

And a few of the women opted for a pantsuit, like best director nominee Justine Triet for Anatomy of a Fall, who chose a suit decorated with sparkly lines. 

Another accessory on the carpet were red pins calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, spotted on songwriting siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell and actor Mark Ruffalo. 

Members of the Osage Nation, who will sing the nominated best song from Killers of the Flower Moon, came to the red carpet in colorful tribal dress. – Rappler.com

I can understand the need to find your personal set of colors – I’m sure I’m not the only indecisive girly who’s stood in front of retail shelves, wondering which color top won’t wash me out. I’ve spent too much time at drugstores swatching on multiple concealers and blushes to find the shades that “seem” to work best for my skin’s unknown undertone.

This is where the art of color analysis comes to play – a fascinating world where science meets style. By unlocking a palette of color possibilities, this can help hue get to know your colors (and yourself) better! Thankfully, a trip to South Korea is not needed for this – certified color analyst Enzo Villacorta of Color Match is here to bring more color into his client’s lives, helping them embrace their personal rainbow, one shade at a time.

No shade – just love

Inspired by the K-beauty trend taking Seoul by storm and his hunger for creativity, Enzo – who started in theater, marketing, and branding, and is now in beauty content creation – trained under the Korean Standard Color System in South Korea in 2023 and brought his learnings to Metro Manila shortly after.

Needing to fulfill his creative drive and apply his many learned skills, Enzo realized that a lot of his interests gravitated towards telling stories. “I realized how important and underrated the role of colors plays in our lives,” he said.

A color analysis session will tell you which shades can bring out more life in you, and which ones don’t necessarily do you much justice. No shade thrown here, just the truth and a sense of empowerment to explore and play with color in your daily wardrobe, makeup looks, and even personal space. Plus, it’s a fun and in-depth learning experience that you can apply forever!

“My philosophy when it comes to personal color analysis is that we shouldn’t be adjusting to colors. People often think that color analysis is about restricting yourself on what you should and shouldn’t wear – but I see it more as using colors to your advantage,” Enzo said.

“If a client likes a certain color that doesn’t complement them so much, I’ll try to find a way to incorporate it into their wardrobe.”

Color analysis relies mostly on the principles of color theory and the science of human perception. Every individual has undertones in their skin that are usually either warm, cool, or neutral. These undertones interact differently with various colors, affecting how they appear against the skin. And it’s not just skin tone – the process also considers your eye color, hair color, and even personal image to determine the most flattering shades for you.

“My color analysis method is like a guide. I can’t dictate what you’re going to wear, but I can tell you why certain colors affect you a certain way. That way, you’re able to be more intentional and mindful when picking out colors,” Enzo said.

Are hue ready for this?

Every color analysis experience is deeply personal, and Enzo fosters a warm, non-judgmental, and intimate atmosphere where insightful conversations are encouraged. Think of it like a personal puzzle, where every pigment is a piece, and Enzo helps you find each piece and arrange them accordingly.

My session began with Enzo casually running me through what to expect for the next two hours. I was tasked to answer a personal info sheet – alongside a serving of tea and cookies – on my personal color preferences and personal image.

“A lot of people really think that it’s simply being told what they should and shouldn’t wear, so I like to set the tone early during my sessions,” Enzo said, making sure to inform his clients that sometimes cameras don’t always capture what we’re seeing in real life, so sometimes the changes we see in person aren’t always the same on camera.

The next step – which may be one of the most crucial – was finding out my undertone through a nifty skin-analyzing device, which helps Enzo compute the amount of redness and yellowness present in your skin, which determines the undertone.

After 30 years of existence, I finally found out that I was a cool-toned chick, and not the warm-toned woman I thought I was! This explained a lot, like why certain concealers weren’t covering my dark circles as well, or why I always gravitated towards pink shades of lipsticks and blush.

“People with deeper skin tones are told to only wear dark colors, people that are more fair are told that pastels suit them best— which isn’t always the case,” Enzo said as he proceeded to explain the basics of color analysis, color theory, and even the set of colors associated with the “personal image” I chose about myself (I chose spring, which shows “tender, “delicate,” “soft,” and “sensitive” pastel shades). I say: ACCURATE.

Now onto the main event: the draping! I was led to a fully set-up room with a long table of different fabric swatches laid out, a beauty mirror, chair, and a phone stand for time-lapse video-taking. Enzo’s fabrics and materials are all sourced from Korea, and the lights are specifically timplado according to science to showcase your real skin, Enzo says, which is why online consultations for color analysis aren’t advisable.

After tying my hair back and removing my makeup, I donned a white cape and let the colors do the talking!

Swatch and learn

The overall draping session typically lasts an hour – Enzo really took his going through every shade with me and its effect on my skin, while also answering my questions. At the beginning, Enzo instructed me to focus only on the apple of my face – the center area of my nose, cheeks, and undereyes – whenever a fabric is draped against my skin. Instantly and amazingly, I could see the impact of color on my skin!

The shades are categorized by seasons – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter – and according to strength: soft, vivid, deep, dull, pale, and whitish. We went through each shade meticulously, and I could really see how two shades that look almost the same made a difference.

Some colors noticeably brought out the natural redness in my face, while others helped diminish it. Deeper and dull shades made my undereyes darker, while the lighter, more pale shades made my skin look more filtered and clear, even. Some brought upon a dullness, while other shades evened out my complexion. It was fascinating to see for myself!

We even did a makeup analysis, where Enzo “drapes” lipstick and blush shades to match, as well as hair colors (warm-toned and dark browns work well, apparently). The last part was the jewelry analysis, which was so helpful – apparently, I am not a silver girly, but a gold and rose gold one.

At the end of the session, I felt validated, affirmed, and excited to maximize my newfound colorful discoveries! Through Enzo’s work, we discovered that Summer Whitish shades work best for me – nudes, creams, pastel pinks, lavender, baby blue, pale yellows and greens – which are already the colors I love the most and have in my wardrobe. Included as well were Spring Pale and Autumn Soft shades.

I was also surprised to find out that Winter Vivid shades work on me too, which I’ve always discredited for being too dark and bold for myself. This then gave me the nudge to add new colors to my closet and inch out of my comfort zone with bright red, yellows, and royal blues!

My best colors were those of “high value and low-med chroma,” and as for monochromatic colors, white and light gray were my best friends. Enzo’s makeup recommendations are also extensive and very useful – he suggested a green primer/corrector for excessive redness, and even gave my K-standard foundation number of 20, as well as specific beauty brands and products.

Everything is visually presented in your own color board, and his makeup suggestions are also presented after your session. For me, spring colors are best (warm, corals, and peaches). He even checked out my makeup pouch and analyzed each beauty item, letting me know if the current concealer, cheek tint, or tinted lip balm I’m using are working for me.

“Color analysis isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of thing. When done right — it’s really such a personalized process, and in some ways it’s also very intimate,” Enzo said.

“It’s a really great feeling when I see people realize how good certain colors look on them. Growing up in the Philippines, I think a lot of people were taught to view colors in a somewhat stereotypical manner. That said, a lot of my previous clients have mentioned how good of an investment it was to do color analysis with me. Some of them even sent me updates on how they apply their personal colors, and it’s really such a wonderful feeling to see them looking so confident and happy,” Enzo added.

Admittedly, some clients come out more confused than excited – a lifetime of thinking black is your color can suddenly be challenged in just an hour, and some panic over the thought of overhauling their entire wardrobe. But that’s okay! It is a learning process, and as Enzo said, there is “no bad color” – it’s just about guiding you towards more coordinated color choices that reflect your best and most confident self better. Embrace the versatility!

Enzo’s Color Match packages cost P6,000 for the Basic Analysis, which includes the skin tone analysis and finding out your best and secondary colors. The Full Color Analysis (P8,000) includes makeup, hair, and accessory colors. You can also make your own package by choosing what to add to the basic analysis (ex. Basic Analysis + Makeup colors).

I can agree wholeheartedly that a color analysis session is a worth-it investment, especially if you’ve always been curious to try it out or are just looking for new ways to amp up your style. It’s an eye-opening and exciting experience that you will be able to carry with you your whole life – the knowledge you gain from Enzo is timeless and practical, and you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the vast world of color around us. And hey, it gives you an excuse to buy new clothes and makeup! – Rappler.com

You can check out Color Match by Enzo Villacorta on his Instagram page.

The activists entered the runway as the models were walking down it, holding up placards that read “Viva Vegan Leather” and wearing t-shirts with the message “Turn your back on animal skins,” and “Animals aren’t fabric,” before being escorted away by security.

As Beckham greeted the audience at the end of the show, another activist managed to slip onto the runway bearing the same placard.

Beckham, who was walking with crutches due to a reported gym injury, showcased a collection of sheer dresses and boxy coats for fall/winter.

The former Spice Girl, who made her Paris Fashion Week debut in 2022, sent down edgy looks such as a backless blazer and an exaggerated sweetheart neckline on a mini dress.

Chiffon and silk dresses came softly draped, while tassels flowed from a black bustier pantsuit.

The show was held at the 19th century Salomon de Rothschild Hotel, near the Champs Elysees.

Beckham’s husband David Beckham, and their children Cruz, Brooklyn and Harper, were on the front row.

Paris Fashion Week runs through March 5, featuring legacy brands like Chanel, Dior, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. – Rappler.com

Kicking off this year’s stylish events are the Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter shows, which will run from February 20 to 26. Renowned fashion houses in the industry, such as Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Giorgio Armani have showcased the newest pieces in their collection. 

And several of the Philippines’ biggest names in the fashion industry graced the event. 

Sofia Andres

Sofia is the latest Filipino celebrity to make her fashion week debut! The actress was invited to attend Onitsuka Tiger’s show where she donned a chic all-black ensemble. Her whole look was completed with a sleek updo. 

On Instagram, Sofia shared photos from the event, where she was seen posing with other Filipino personalities such as Heart Evangelista, Pia Wurtzbach, Camille Co, Bryan Boy, and Tim Yap. 

“Stepping into the world of fashion with my fabulous friends & fashion icons by my side, soaking in all the glamor and style at my first ever fashion week,” she wrote. 

Pia Wurtzbach

After making a huge impact on her fashion week debut in Europe last year, Pia is back to dazzle the fashion world anew. To recall, the Miss Universe 2015 titleholder made her first appearance at the Milan and Paris fashion weeks in 2023. 

According to reports, the beauty queen even became one of the top-ranked international guests during Milan Fashion Week 2023, wherein she garnered a total of $3.4 million (or around P192 million) in media impact value. She placed second to K-pop boy group’s ENHYPEN. 

For this year, Pia delighted her fans with show-stopping looks as she attend various fashion events. 

One of the many shows she went to was Onistuka Tiger, where she wore a black see-through long-sleeved top with a black bra underneath. 

“Kicked off things with a roar,” she wrote. 

For the brand Fendi, Pia looked regal in a blue silk dress. Meanwhile, she went for a more comfortable and laid-back but still stylish ensemble for the Max Mara show by donning a brown knitted mini-dress.

She strutted in a dark red blazer and skirts ensemble for Gucci and switched it up with a clean all-white look for Genny. 

Sharing a compilation of clips from her Milan fashion week experience, Pia wrote: “Fashion’s absolutely rocking my world. It’s fun to play dress up.” 

In the video, she also disclosed that she already received several invitations for Paris Fashion Week — which means more OOTDs to watch out for from the beauty queen! 

Heart Evangelista

Of course, a fashion list won’t be complete without style icon Heart! The socialite has been one of the first Filipino celebrities to make a name in the international fashion scene and she hasn’t stopped dominating it since! 

Proving that she’s indeed a fashion veteran, Heart don’t only simply post photos of her look but most ensembles get their own fashion videos. 

For Onitsuka Tiger, Heart looked chic in a floral printed dress with side cut-outs and black ribbons. She also looked sleek in Roberto Cavalli ‘fit — printed pants, brown jacket, and red scarf. 

Heart was oozing with freshness when she graced the Fendi show in her strapless nude dress accentuated by aqua and yellow-colored blocks. 

A fan-favorite included a white Alberta Ferretti dress, which Heart paired with a white bag that also had the same flowing straps as her outfit. 

Switching it up, Heart went for an all-black ensemble for Max Mara. Her whole look consists of a sleeveless turtleneck dress with a high slit and a wool coat. 

One of her latest looks is from Prada where she donned a baby blue silk with sheer side cut-outs.

Which of their looks are your favorites? – Rappler.com

The Met Museum announced on Friday, February 17, the four personalities who will co-chair Met Gala 2024 alongside Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. 

Actress-singer Jennifer Lopez, Dune star Zendaya, rapper and Grammy winner Bad Bunny, and Thor actor Chris Hemsworth were confirmed to co-host the gala. Notably, this will be the first time for Hemsworth to attend the fashion event. 

The 2024 event, which will take place on May 6, will have the theme “The Garden of Time.”

According to WWD, the theme drew inspiration from the spring exhibition titled “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” The report noted that the said exhibition will feature 250 pieces that can “no longer be dressed on mannequins due to their fragility.” These 250 pieces were chosen from the Costume Institute’s pool of more than 33,000 items. 

Additionally, the exhibit also aims to “create a sensorial experience” with the use of artificial intelligence, video animation, light projection, and diverse technologies. It will run from May 10 to September 2. 

For the attendees’ dress code for the gala, curator-in-charge Andrew Bolton told WWD that the event may have a “nature theme.”

Meanwhile, the Met Gala 2024 will be sponsored by TikTok, with support from Loewe and Condé Nast. 

The annual extravaganza aims to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. – Rappler.com 

Tantoco was the chairman and CEO of the Rustan Commercial Corporation (Rustan’s) and Rustan Marketing Corporation, as well as Stores Specialists Incorporated (SSI), the Philippines’ leading specialty retailer that markets at least 80 high-end brands such as Lacoste, Marks & Spencer, Salvatore Ferragamo, Anne Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Armani Exchange, Hugo Boss, and Zara. 

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Nedy, who would have been 78 on July 20 this year, was the eldest daughter of the late Ambassador Bienvenido “Benny” Tantoco Sr., founder of the Rustan Group of Companies, who passed away on July 6, 2021, at the age of 100. 

“It is with profound sadness that SSI Group, Inc. announces the passing of Zenaida “Nedy” R. Tantoco. The retailer, philanthropist, patroness of the arts, loving mother, and grandmother passed away on February 8, 2024,” the publicly listed SSI said in a disclosure.

“The Rustan Commercial Corporation, SSI Group, Inc., and Rustan Marketing Corporation Chairwoman leaves an enduring legacy of excellence in the luxury retail sphere founded by her parents, Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco in 1952,” the company added.

Rustan’s said Nedy and her siblings “uncompromisingly upheld the sacred values taught by their parents in running a family enterprise.” 

“Although known in the industry for her astute professionalism, Nedy will always be better remembered as a nurturing force in fostering family empowerment and unity. These, she believed, were key for their family’s future generations to thrive,” Rustan’s said.  

Her parents started a gift shop in their home in Manila in 1952, the beginning of Rustan’s department store. There are five major Rustan’s Department Stores in the Philippines, of which Rustan’s Makati, which opened in 1971, is the most memorable. This flagship store’s original facade, with blue, black, and yellow panes, was described to be like a “jewelry box” that glimmered under the sun.  

Other major department stores are: Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong City; Rustan’s Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City; Rustan’s Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa City; and Rustan’s Cebu in Cebu City.

Nedy headed Rustan’s starting in 2008, and applied the lessons she learned from her parents in growing the retail business.

“I have worked in Rustan’s all my life, from my high school and college days when I assisted my mother in the store and accompanied her on buying trips abroad. I experienced working from the bottom up, from display and merchandising, to buying and marketing. Understanding the business from top to bottom, I believe, makes a person a good leader,” she once told lifestyle magazine People Asia.

As chair and CEO of SSI, Tantoco oversaw a retail network of 524 stores in around 80 major malls in the Philippines. 

SSI had 85 brands in a wide range of categories such as: 

• Hermès, Cartier, and Salvatore Ferragamo for premium luxury apparel and accessories; 
• Zara, Bershka, Stradivarius, Pull&Bear, and Old Navy for popular fast fashion; 
• Lacoste and Gap for casual wear; 
• SaladStop! and Shake Shack for food and beverage selections; 
• Samsonite for stylish travel and luggage offerings; 
• MUJI, Pottery Barn and West Elm for modern home furnishings and accessories. 

Most of SSI’s luxury brand stores are found in upscale malls in central business districts such as in Ayala Commercial Center. 

SSI also developed its own store brands including “Beauty Bar” in personal care, and “MakeRoom & More” in home solutions.  

Rustan’s and SSI now compete with international retailers such as Uniqlo, H&M, Ben Chan’s Suyen Corporation, and the Gokongweis’ Robinsons Specialty Stores Incorporated. 

As of third quarter of 2023, SSI had a net income of P1.5 billion, up from P918 million in the same period the year prior. 

Other major companies of the Tantocos are: 

• Sta. Elena Reality Inc., developer of the Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate; 
• Royal Duty Free Store – Royal Subic Mall – in Subic Freeport, Zambales; 
• Rustan Coffee Corporation, which introduced the Philippines’ first Starbucks in December 1977 in Makati.

Controversial parents

Nedy’s parents, Bienvenido and Gliceria “Glecy” Rustia-Tantoco, were alleged “cronies” and friends of the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos and First Lady Imelda R. Marcos. 

In the book, Some Are Smarter Than Others: The History of Marcos’ Crony Capitalism, by Ricardo Manapat, the Tantocos were alleged to be “Imelda’s fronts and associates” in Rustan’s. The store’s name is taken from the first three letters of the couple’s surnames, Rustia and Tantoco.

“The Tantocos have been Imelda’s partners as early as the 1960s during Marcos’ first presidential term. They have been among the closest and most loyal of the cronies,” Manapat wrote. “As a reward for their loyalty and service, they were named to choice positions and were showered with different forms of government assistance and Imelda’s generous patronage.” 

Bienvenido, for instance, was named ambassador to the Vatican from 1983 to 1986. Manapat said Imelda bought many goods from the Rustan chain of stores. 

“The Rustan’s Flower Shop, for example, was among the top suppliers for the First Couple, representing a bill of P5.8 million for purchases in a single year,” he wrote. 

“Most of these expenses were incurred without following the normal government procedures governing purchases. The purchases of flowers, for example, were carried out either through ordinary phone calls or simple order slips,” Manapat alleged. 

Not guilty

After the fall of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986, the Tantocos were among the cronies who were slapped with criminal cases. 

The Philippine Commission on Good Government (PCGG) filed Civil Case No. 0008 against the Marcoses and the Tantocos, which alleged that the Tourist Duty Free Shops (TFDS) run by Mrs. Tantoco were used by the Marcoses to amass wealth. 

According to the first PCGG chief, the late former Senator Jovito Salonga, among the “smoking gun” documents found in Malacañang were letters and reports of Mrs. Tantoco which “confirmed” that the “flourishing” TFDS was actually owned by Imelda, “either solely or in partnership with the Tantoco family.”

In his book, Presidential Plunder: The Quest for the Marcos Ill-Gotten Wealth, Salonga said Marcos gave special favors to TFDS, such as duty and tax-free importations, and stores spaces in airports and hotels. Out of a 7% franchise tax collected from the TFDS, government got only 2% of net sales, while three private foundations of Mrs. Marcos got 5%, he said.

In his meetings with the Tantocos, Salonga also said that Mrs. Tantoco, whom he described as “one of the blue ladies of Imelda,” agreed to acknowledge that the Makiki Heights property occupied by the Marcoses in Honolulu after the EDSA revolution was “ill-gotten.”  

“It was she who organized the shell company, a Panamanian corporation, which held title to that property,” Salonga said, adding that Mrs. Tantoco also told him it was no longer hers. 

No compromise was reached between the PCGG and the Tantocos, however.

In 2019 or after more than 30 years of litigation, the Sandiganbayan acquitted the Marcoses, the Tantocos, and other defendants in Civil Case No. 0008 due to insufficient evidence. 

The PCGG had presented letters of the Tantocos to Marcos asking for favors. Some of the letters were excluded from the evidence as they were just photocopies. 

“Plaintiff Republic failed to prove by preponderance of evidence that the defendants by themselves, or in conspiracy with defendants Marcoses, obtained ill-gotten wealth,” the Sandiganbayan 2nd Division unanimously ruled in a decision promulgated on September 25, 2019. 

The decision was penned by then-Associate Justices Michael Frederick Musngi, Oscar Herrera, and Lorifel Lacap Pahimna.

Nedy is survived by her partner Patrick Jacinto, and her three children: Anton with wife Nina and daughters Nikki and Isabelle; Michael with wife Kathy and children Kenzie and Kameron; and Catherine with husband David Endriga; her siblings: Rico and wife Nena Tantoco; Menchu and husband Jun Lopez; Marilou and husband Eddie; Marlien Tantoco; and, Maritess and husband Renato Enriquez. 

A private wake is scheduled from February 10 to 12 in her home in Forbes Park, followed by a public wake at Heritage Park in Taguig City from February 13 to 15. Her funeral is on February 15 at Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Makati City. – Rappler.com

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Women artists figure prominently in this year’s list of nominees, with SZA leading the pack with nine nods. She’s followed by Victoria Monét, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Eilish. 

The soundtrack of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie also received 11 nominations, including four from the visual media category. 

Meanwhile, Swift, who’s among the contenders for Grammy’s top prize this year, may become the first artist to win album of the year four times. 

The awarding ceremony will be hosted by Trevor Noah and will feature performances from Eilish, Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, U2, and more. 

Prior to the performances and awarding proper, attending artists already wowed the crowd with their red-carpet fits. Here are some of them: 

(All photos by Mario Anzuoni for Reuters)

Taylor Swift

Miley Cyrus

Dua Lipa

Billie Eilish

Olivia Rodrigo

Boygenius

Victoria Monet

Paris Hilton

TJ Osborne and John Osborne of Brothers Osborne

Brandi Carlile

Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz

Kylie Minogue

Janelle Monae

Ice Spice

Alessandra Ambrosio

Dawn Richard

Lainey Wilson

Niecy Nash-Betts

Maluma

– Rappler.com

When it comes to self-care and beauty, the windows of the soul must not be forgotten, but sometimes, time isn’t on our side, especially in the mornings. If your everyday makeup look usually consists of a freshly curled set of lashes and a swipe of mascara, maybe a lash lift would make your life easier.

Lash extensions and keratin lash lifts are all the trend now; both procedures definitely add life to your eyes and overall face with little to no effort every day. However, many are still understandably apprehensive – what’s the difference between the two, anyway? Don’t extensions cause natural lashes to fall off? How permanent are they?

I was one of these people until recently, after visiting new beauty hub Naya Studio located in Greenhills, San Juan City. Known for being an “organic beauty escape” that uses meticulous Japanese techniques for its nails, lashes, and eyebrows services, Naya Studio guided me along my first keratin lash lift experience, also sharing with me a guide on what to expect before, during, and after the treatment!

Team #LashLift or #LashExtensions?

Do you prefer a more natural look over a dramatic one? When it comes to beauty, are you more on the high-maintenance side or low-maintenance? Your answers to these questions will ultimately help you decide on which treatment to go for.

A keratin lash lift and lash extensions are both distinct eyelash enhancement procedures. Naya Studio told Rappler that a keratin lash lift “enhances the natural lashes and its definition by providing a semi-permanent curl and lift, lasting several weeks.” This treatment focuses on the natural lashes and does not involve adding extra length.

“Understanding the process, which involves a gentle lifting solution, is key. Expect longer-lasting results compared to traditional lash perms, typically lasting six to eight weeks,” Naya said.

A lash lift makes your lashes look permanently curled up – not necessarily darker or more voluminous – which is good for a brightened, natural look (you can still apply some mascara). With proper care, it can last for up two months, as long as you regularly brush up your lashes with a dry spoolie.

Lash extensions, on the other hand, “involve attaching synthetic or natural fibers to individual natural lashes, resulting in increased length and volume.” Lash extensions provide a more dramatic and noticeable effect, and they require regular maintenance as the natural lashes grow and shed.

Those who have events, parties, or meet-ups over the course of two weeks or a month opt for extensions because they do make your eyes significantly pop and make it look like you’re wearing heavy makeup when you’re not. However, this requires professional retouches and special home care. Your lashes are more susceptible to damage and loss, too.

If you aren’t 100% sure, Naya recommends scheduling a consultation with the studio head artist first. Not everyone is immediately eligible for either procedure; the quality and length of your natural lashes need to be assessed first. When my friend and I visited, we were told that our lashes were of suitable length and thickness for a lash lift, but mine were naturally facing downwards, which could affect how long the lift would last on me.

“The consultation also serves as an opportunity for clients to articulate their desired look, as preferences vary. It’s essential to note that both procedures have inherent limitations, and our professional guidance ensures a tailored approach that aligns with your individual goals and the natural attributes of your lashes,” Naya said.

Lash set of reminders

Lash lift it is! Naya Studio’s luxurious space is as estetik as they come – minimalist, zen, and warm, with a calming and relaxing ambiance. It’s an open floor plan, with the lash section of three beds not closed off from the nails area. The open layout actually helps make the procedure feel less claustrophobic.

We were asked to lay on a comfortable bed, complete with a cozy blanket. The process involves closing your eyes for an hour and a half, so I recommend bringing your phone and earphones with you and have a playlist or podcast ready. It’s also best to go with a friend so you have a chika buddy to keep you company during.

I also realized that it’s best to not wear any makeup prior since I apparently could not wash my face for 24 hours after the procedure. When I got home, I had to make do with just a hydrating micellar water cleanser without applying it on my lashes. Naturally, my face got oily the day after, so I also recommend planning your lash session on a weekend, where you’re just staying at home the next day.

Ready for lash lift-off!

A keratin lash lift procedure at Naya Studio typically follows a gentle step-by-step process. It starts with the consultation, where Naya’s head technician first understands the client’s preferences and assesses the natural lashes for suitability.

With my eyes shut, Naya proceeded to cleanse my eye area thoroughly to remove any makeup, oils, or debris. Next was the “shield application,” where eye shields or pads are placed to protect the lower lashes and the delicate skin surrounding my eyes.

Next, a gentle lifting solution was applied to my lashes, which, according to Naya, “helps to break down the bonds of the hair, allowing them to be molded into the desired shape.” The skill and technique of the artist comes into play here, having to meticulously and manually curl up each lash to its desired shape. Note that a chemical-like smell may emanate, which is part of the solution, and some solution may leak from the lashes and sting on the skin. I made sure to let my artist know for any discomfort.

Afterwards, it’s “processing time,” which allows the lifting solution to process for a specific duration, typically around 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the product used and the desired lift. I was advised to stay still with a fan by my face.

Next, “neutralization” – a neutralizing solution is carefully applied to halt the chemical process and set the lashes in their lifted position.

Afterwards, the lashes are moisturized and nourished with a keratin-infused moisturizer to promote health and resilience. Lastly, it’s completion time! The eye shields or pads are removed, and I was given a mirror to instantly see the enhanced curl and lift of my natural lashes. I was pleased with the final result – they stayed upright for a month, naturally lifted for all the holiday parties of December!

Because I wasn’t used to it yet, my eyelids did feel a bit sticky and heavy afterwards as some of the solution was still stuck on my skin until I could wash my face the next day. I could adjust any stray lashes with the free spoolie given by Naya Studio – they also give a handy flyer of post-care reminders.

I felt at ease the whole time and actually drifted off to sleep at one point during the process. Admittedly, the post-care maintenance was a bit of an inconvenience at first – having to remember all the no-nos and must-dos, which took some time to get used to. Once I got the hang of it, though, I appreciated having my lashes naturally curled and lightweight daily.

Naya’s prices for its lash treatments start at P2,000.

Lash but not least! After-care musts

“Refrain from wetting your lashes for the first 24 hours post-treatment to maximize the effectiveness of the keratin infusion,” Naya strictly reminds clients to allow the lifted lashes to fully set.

I was told to avoid any heat exposure (steam, saunas, or hot water) for the next 24 to 48 hours as heat can affect the lash lift. I also couldn’t use any oil-based cleansers from here on, as oils could break down the lift. A gentle cleanser is okay (micellar water is what I use), as long as I don’t rub my eyes. Also, avoid any oil-based eye makeup removers and heavy eye creams as they can affect the longevity of the lash lift.

Naya also advised to skip any waterproof mascara or eyeliner. “Steer clear of this as its removal may compromise the lifted effect. Opt for water-based, non-waterproof mascara, if needed,” Naya said, also advising not to use lash curlers on lifted lashes since it can lead to damage.

Part of proper post-care is regular moisturizing (something I didn’t get to do), which involves using a lash conditioner or a nourishing serum containing keratin to keep the lashes hydrated and healthy. I did try to brush up my lashes daily with the spoolie; on the days I’d forget, I did notice my lashes begin to droop or spread out and go awry. I also have a tendency to rub my eyes upon waking. However, the lift is pretty forgiving!

“You can also schedule follow-up appointments as recommended by your technician to maintain the lift and address any new lash growth,” Naya said. “Adhering to these post-care reminders will help preserve the results of the keratin lash lift and contribute to healthier, lifted lashes over time.” – Rappler.com

Naya Studio is located at Richbelt Terraces, Annapolis, San Juan, Metro Manila. It’s open from 11 am to 8 pm daily. To make an appointment, you can message them on Instagram.

The chair emeritus normally provides guidance, advice, and mentors the younger generation of leaders. He or she also gets invited to important ceremonial gatherings, especially when VIPs are expected to attend. 

For Filipino billionaire James Go, 83, chair emeritus of the Gokongwei Group’s Universal Robina Corporation, Robinsons Land Corporation, and JG Summit Olefins Corporation, there’s one perk in being chair emeritus that he treasures: he gets to wear comfortable rubber shoes, regardless of whether it’s a formal or informal event. 

During the inauguration of JG Summit Olefins Corporation’s expanded petrochemical manufacturing facility in Batangas City last January 19, Go was wearing sneakers in the event, the lone VIP to do so among the most prominent VIPs, as this photo (below) from JG Summit president/CEO Lance Gokongwei’s Facebook shows. 

A week later, or on January 26, in the “Setting of the Cornerstone” evening event for the Gokongweis’ ambitious “The Jewel” property project on EDSA corner Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City, where the dress code was “black tie” and where most guests were wearing formal, Go was wearing a Barong Tagalog, accented by red, blue, and yellow embroidery, along with his favorite footwear – sneakers, as this photo taken by Rappler shows. The other VIPs in the event would probably have loved to be in Go’s shoes!

Gokongweis dream big, launch ‘The Jewel’ to match Marina Bay Sands, Twin Towers, Taipei 101

His sneakers aren’t even the more popular ones in the Philippines like Nike, Adidas, Converse, or Under Armour. 

His favorite appears to be the lesser-known and less expensive US brand, New Balance, which is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Affinity could be the reason for this. Go is one of the few Filipinos with a Bachelor of Science and masters degree in chemical engineering from one of the best technological schools in the world, Massachusetts Institute of Technology or MIT, which reportedly has an acceptance rate of only 4%. 

The New Balance logo is also apparent in this JG Summit photo of the launch of the Gokongwei Group’s master brand on August 24, 2022, which also marked the 30th anniversary of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF), one of the biggest donors to scholarships in the country.

Go was wearing neon green and black New Balance sneakers. Note that retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban was also in comfortable sneakers. 

Go’s brother, the late industrialist John Gokongwei Jr., also liked sneakers and sometimes wore rubber shoes in ceremonial events with VIPs, as this old photo (below) during the launch of the John Gokongwei Innovation Center at the DLSU Laguna Campus back in January 2019 shows. 

In the Philippines, shoes are more associated with another rich Filipino family, the Sys, not the Gokongweis. The late patriarch Henry Sy ventured into the business of selling surplus boots after World War 2, and opened the first Shoe Mart store in 1958 along Carriedo in Manila. The Sys and the Gokongweis, however, compete strongly in the retail business of shoes and other clothing via their malls.

Aside from petrochemicals and real estate, the JG Summit conglomerate, one of the Philippines’ biggest employers with over 70,000 personnel combined, also includes Cebu Air Incorporated, Luzon International Premier Airport Development, among others. It also has minority stakes in power distributor Manila Electric Company and telecommunications giant PLDT Incorporated. – Rappler.com

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