Indonesian retailer to adopt more Filipino fashion brands

MANILA - The retailer behind the Indonesian foray of Penshoppe is also eyeing to franchise Filipino clothing brands Bayo, Bench, and Plains and Prints, the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc (PhilExport) said in a statement over the weekend.

PhilExport quoted Alma F. Argayoso, commercial attaché at the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Jakarta, as saying that Indonesia’s leading lifestyle retail group PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP) has expressed interest to introduce more Filipino brands after launching Penshoppe last year. MAP operates almost 1,400 stores, mostly upscale American and European concepts, across the Indonesian archipelago.

Penshoppe is being managed in Indonesia by PT Prima Mode Indonesia, a subsidiary of MAP. Two Penshoppe stores were opened in Indonesia last year, with 10 more slated for opening this year, according to Indonesian media reports.

“PT Prima Mode Indonesia president and director Agus Gozali plans to open at least 150 Penshoppe stores all over Indonesia within the next 10 years,” Argayoso said.

Penshoppe is geared towards Indonesia’s young, middle-class market, which may also be served by fashion-wear brands such as Bayo, Bench, and Plains and Prints.

“We are arranging a meeting between Bench and Mr. Gozali sometime in March or April 2013,” Argayoso said.

Gozali was also interested in other Filipino lifestyle concepts such as fashion designer Rajo Laurel’s kiddie couture line Rajito, Carolina’s Lace Shoppe bridal accessories, and Regalong Pambahay home handicrafts, Argayoso said.

Since MAP is also engaged in the food and beverage business—it operates Burger King, Domino’s Pizza and Starbucks in Indonesia—Filipino food exporters may soon also tap the huge Indonesian population.

“Gozali promised to link Philippine exporters and franchisors to the manager of The FoodHall, one of Indonesia’s leading gourmet supermarkets,” Argayoso said. The FoodHall is MAP’s supermarket arm.

“Interested retailers, franchisors and exporters in the Philippines are advised to coordinate with us to propose/offer business opportunities to the MAP group,” she said.

Penshoppe was MAP's first Asian fashion-wear brand. MAP holds licenses to about 115 fashion and food and beverage brands, according to reports.

source: interaksyon.com

Renee Salud: Ambassador of Philippine fashion ​

I first met Renee Salud in the early 90s. He is an energetic, vibrant and talented designer. I featured him in my Reflections show about twenty years ago.

I admire his work, designs, and artistry, which led me to produce his first US fashion tour, where he featured beauty queens and top models like Desiree Verdadero, Sarah Jane Paez, Myrna Benipayo, Lala Flores and supermodel Melanie Marquez.

The show was a big success and catapulted Renee to the international scene. He is very humble, fun, easy to work with, and looked up to by aspiring designer and models. He has an eye for beauty and can transform an ordinary looking girl to a beautiful swan.

We have had tours in Las Vegas, Nevada and other parts of the United States. Through that first Reflections fashion show, he was able to connect with different fashion producers and gain loyal clients that are still with him up to now.

“Mama Renee,” as he is fondly addressed by his peers, has also been in fashion segments of various shows and has coordinated beauty pageants as a judge and coach.

Melanie Marquez (the Philippines’ third Miss International) was an average, tall teenager. But with Renee’s expert eyes, he saw something in her and pushed her to join the Binibining Pilipinas, making her the representative of Miss International and winning the much coveted title.

Also some of his protégés (like Desiree Verdadero and Chat Silayan), who were Miss Universe hopefuls, made it to the top five under his tutelage.

​His claim to fame as the “Ambassador of Philippine Fashion” is due to his runway shows in the fashion capitals of New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Milan and the designs that he has made for his established clientele -- from wedding brides, to the elite, to socialites . He is known for his fusion of the classical Philippine look with modern-day style. He is known for his innovative use of handmade fabrics and organic materials from different regions of the Philippines.

His designs have been described as “timeless,” “genius,” “culturally hip,” and “world-class.”

This fashion icon is now busy with his first love: fashion design. He would sometimes take various cameo roles in telenovelas.

After so many years I am so excited to see Renee again in Los Angeles on August 25, at the White Party fashion event in Pasadena Hilton, which ws produced by LA designer Lou Razon.

To me, it is a sweet reunion because he will show his fabulous artistry and collections once again. He makes us proud to be Filipinos because he has proven that when it comes to fashion, we are world-class.

Bienvenido, Mama Renee!

article source: asianjournal.com