A Guide to the Latest Luxury Shopping Haven in Cebu

November 21, 2024

Experience luxury shopping at its finest at the Mall, NUSTAR Cebu that recently welcomed Givenchy, Kenzo, Loewe, and Versace to their space

As Cebu City’s skyline continues to expand and evolve, also comes with the rise of Filipino fashionphiles and tourist shoppers in the city. “Cebu is a new opportunity for us, not only to serve the local Cebuaños but also the tourism market that visits the city,” Anton Huang, President and CEO of Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) shared. To serve this growing market, SSI has brought over four luxury boutiques—Givenchy, Kenzo, Loewe, and Versace—at The Mall, NUSTAR.

The Mall now holds the most stunning line-up of sought-after fashion and lifestyle brands and MEGA experienced it all including the four new luxury boutiques. Below is an ultimate guide on what to expect from each store, alongside how each personality invited embodied each brand’s signature style.

Loewe

Situated at the center of the mall is Loewe and its 144 sqm space that contains a full offering of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, small leather goods, shoes, eyewear, and soft accessories. With red and amber ceramic tiles that span across its walls and facade, the store is easily a stand out amongst the rest. Inside, every piece of furniture, from the angular lines of Thomas Gerrit Rietveld’s Steltman and Utrecht armchairs to the artisanal wool rugs from Spain, are all intentional to reflect the Spanish luxury fashion house’s commitment to innovation while respecting the brand’s heritage.

^{Sofia Andres, BJ Pascual, Laureen Uy, Nadine Lustre, Keiko Nakajima and Ry Velasco in Loewe}

At the event, Nadine Lustre, Sofia Andres, Laureen Uy, Ry Velasco, and Keiko Nakajima were also dressed up in Loewe’s Fall-Winter 2024 collection. Under the helm of Creative Director Jonathan Anderson, the pieces toyed with the idea of subversion and artistic flourish. The jacket Keiko wore takes inspiration from Eton College‘s famed morning coats; Laureen sported a polo top that was transformed with volume at the hem and a belt buckle that fastens the draping of the top. She then paired it with the hand-beaded Squeeze bag; Nadine and Ry also wore the signature knits and form-flattering draped dresses of the brand. Meanwhile, BJ Pascual modeled a fuzzy bow top from the men’s collection.

^{Nadine Lustre in Loewe ‘Pebble’ dress}

^{Ry Velasco in Loewe jacket, skirt, and Flamenco purse bucket in dark khaki green; Photo by ShotbyMik}

^{Sofia Andres in Loewe tailored jacket}

^{Laureen Uy in Loewe belted shirt in pink and squeeze mini pug bag in olive}

^{BJ Pascual in Loewe bow overshirt in acid green and straight leg jeans in vintage blue}

^{Keiko Nakajima in Loewe short jacket in navy mélange, shirt in light sky blue, balloon cargo trousers in clay, and ‘Flamenco’ purse in eucalyptus green}

Kenzo

East meets West—this is the philosophy that echoes through the walls and clothing at Kenzo’s 155 sqm shop. Red accent designs, from feature walls to school locker-inspired shelves, were sprawled throughout the space to provide a youthful feel to the space. Meanwhile, a medley of raw materials such as aluminum, clear glass, and wood reflected the house’s street aesthetic. Together, they help every customer understand the brand and have an immersive shopping experience in the store.

To further highlight their design codes, Michelle Dee, Kryz Uy, Leila Alcasid, Rei Germar, David Guison, and Chris Nick wore the Fall-Winter 2024 collection, wherein Nigo took inspiration from Japanese traditional design and sci-fi fashion. Leila wore a mini dress that featured a weave pattern based on Japanese Takeshi baten fireman’s jackets; Michelle, Chris, and David each had on a leather, letterman, and multi-pocketed jacket; Rei had on a jumpsuit that was equal parts denim workwear and space suit; and Kryz paired her pleated red dress with a judo-inspired belt.

^{Rei Germar, David Guison, Kryz Uy, Chris Nick, Michelle Dee, and Leila Alcasid in Kenzo}

^{David Guison in Kenzo army flight jacket, ‘Kenzo Weave’ jacquard slim shirt, and ‘Kenzography’ vest backpack}

^{Chris Nick in Kenzo varsity jacket in wool, relaxed school boy pants, ‘Boke Flower’ shirt, and black ‘Discover’ small duffle bag}

^{Leila Alcasid in ‘Kenzo Weave’ jacquard dress in cotton and wool}

^{Kryz Uy in Kenzo sun-ray pleats short dress, sun-ray pleats midi skirt, and ‘Kenzo Buckle’ judo leather belt}

^{Michelle Dee in Kenzo shearling bomber jacket, high-neck top in black suede, and ski pants; Photo courtesy of Mike Gella}

^{Rei Germar in Kenzo bomber jacket, cargo pants, rib tank top, and ‘Kenzo Furoshiki’ bag}

Versace

Inside the Versace store is a symphony of gold trimmings, white ceramic, and their signature Greca motif, together they help the space exude both the classical and contemporary style of the brand. The newly opened boutique spans 192 square meters and houses a full selection of ready-to-wear and accessories designed for both women and men. Before entering, clients are welcomed by the head of Medusa, the most powerful and instantly recognizable symbol, inviting visitors to live the unapologetic Italian lifestyle.

Angelique Manto, Verniece Enciso, Liz Uy, and Max Collins captured the fierce but refined essence of a Versace woman by power dressing for the event. Angelique and Liz wore a long coat and blazer dress, respectively, with broad shoulders. Meanwhile, Verniece and Max wore tweed and knitwear in modern silhouettes.

^{Angelique Manto, Max Collins, Verniece Enciso, and Liz Uy in Versace}

^{Angelique Manto in Versace jacket, top, pants, and shoes}

^{Max Collins in Versace jacket, dress, and shoes}

^{Verniece Enciso in Versace jacket, pants, and underwear}

Givenchy

One look at Givenchy’s facade and you’ll immediately feel a a sense of modern luxury, sophistication, and creativity. While the space boats of neutral, dark lacquered display cases, the sleek architectural details and the products displayed are curated to reflect the brand’s innovative spirit and cutting-edge approach to fashion.

^{Gabbi Garcia and L.A Aguinaldo in Givenchy}

Gabbi Garcia and L.A Aguinaldo were also spotted at the store during the event, both modelling the Maison’s Fall-Winter 2024 women’s and men’s collections. L.A wore a double-layered knit paired with trousers that created an overall casual but sophisticated look inspired by Hubert de Givenchy’s personal, daily wardrobe. Meanwhile, Gabbi Garcia was in a little blue velvet dress that embodies the brand’s expertise in pieces that are elegant but seductive.

^{Gabbi Garcia in Givenchy dark navy big bow dress in fluid velvet and feline golden multi earcuff earrings}

^{L.A Aguinaldo in Givenchy V-neck sweater, crew neck cardigan, scoop neck cardigan, charm feather golden necklace, charm weight golden signet ring, and ‘Voyou’ roller bag}

Photos: VISIONS PR

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