Greenbelt 5: Lavish Finds for X'mas (Part 1)
Over the holidays, you’ll probably be shopping for tons of gifts but there is bound to be one present that puts the others in the backseat. So if you’re searching for something that’ll leave them gasping in astonishment and gratitude then go to Greenbelt 5- home to luxury international brands like DKNY, Marc Jacobs, and Bulgari. It’s also a hub for posh Filipino designers you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some of the stores that left me salivating:
Gaupa Shoes
This is a shoe brand that makes fabulous high heels but specialize in custom-made shoes. Have them make one for the love of your life or even for your fashionable grandma. Beautiful, wearable art that starts at P12,000. That’s around $250- not bad for something completely unique.
Rafe and Celestina Bags
The works of Rafe Totengco and Tina Maristela-Ocampo have graced the pages of Vogue and have been seen being toted around by Hollywood A-listers. No wonder, these two shops can charge such a hefty price tag. Bags here go for no less than P25,000 ($500)- very expensive arm candy for one very lucky lady.
Viktor Jeans
Here’s something for the sexy man in your life, a pair of Viktor Jeans that fit him like a second pair of skin. Customized designer jeans that will probably last you a lifetime (if you don’t get fat that is).
Greyone Social Apparel
Here’s another place for the boys. This place imports rare sneakers, a big craze as of late. They also have a selection of vinyl toys that will make your toy-collecting friend go nuts.
Bleach Catastrophe Clothes
A hipster store that employs Pinoy artists to make shoes, bags, jewelry, and clothes. The pieces will appear to the trendy socially aware set because of the designer flair and commitment to local patronage. They even have bags made out of recycled materials. I was told that each item sold in the store was produced only seven times assuring you a certain degree of fashion exclusivity. The prices are decent going between the P1,000-P4,000 ($20- $80) price range.