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City dwellers have long been accustomed to the sights and sounds of high-rise malls and shopping complexes of labyrinthine proportions.
While such structures obviously bear a distinct appeal, there are times when one seeks a more laid-back setting for retail therapy.
Perhaps it is a fashionista in a quest for unique finds, or a worn-out yuppie seeking gear and apparel for downtime at the beach or in the gym, or parents eager to indulge their kids but in less stressful surroundings.
At Bonifacio High Street, such individuals can enjoy not only the greenery that gives the place a more relaxing atmosphere, but also the diverse merchandise offered by chic and cozy shops.
Take, for example, wake, skate and surf shop Stoked that features local and foreign brands that would suit hobbyists on a budget and those who want to update regularly their gear.
Owner JV Borromeo says the store carries 100-percent technical products and sporty apparel such as those by popular brand Billabong.
Just next door is a surprise discovery — or rediscovery: Puma. The sports-lifestyle brand may not seem as splashy as its more popular counterparts, but the products look otherwise.
Shelves and racks feature trendy pieces of durable materials and in a variety of attractive colors. And the best part? Items are sold at reasonable prices.
Kids’ fashion and accessories brand Big & Small Co. continues to offer locally made products at its High Street branch.
Owner Joanna Duarte has, in fact, come up with a line of top-selling “professional uniforms” that transforms kids into little doctors, rangers or policemen.
The boutique also carries assorted girls’ dresses, from formal to casual wear, in materials such as cotton, soft denim, chiffon, lace, cheesecloth.
Royal treatment
Kids may want to tag along with mom and dad on a visit to High Street and make sure Club Princess, owned by Mye Cruz, Angelette Calero and Elly Dee, is on the itinerary.
Charming, glittery and whimsical, the store’s display window and interiors, done in yummy pastel shades associated with royalty, draw the attention not only of kids but adults as well.
Club Princess offers numerous accessories, miniature beauty products, even makeover, nail-care and glitter-tattoo services. A party package that combines these treats is available to parents who want a day of royal treatment for their little princesses.
Malaysian menswear brand Philosophy has built another elegant boutique at High Street.
The theme for this year’s collection is Incredible India, which explains the riot of Indian prints, colors and designs on shirts, shorts, even underwear.
Philosophy also has unique accessories made of metals and semiprecious stones, with prices at P800-P6,000.
US fashion label Von Dutch, on the other hand, has a rock- and biker-inspired home for its equally edgy merchandise.
The array of denimwear, jackets, tops, and accessories for him and her are complemented by marble-like columns, a crystal chandelier, a vintage motorbike, and furniture and wallpaper in black, gold and earthy tones.
Von Dutch is the place to go for graphic art-inspired fashion with a twist.
For more styles and accessories, visit Benetton, Calvin Klein, G Force Oakley, Kenneth Cole, Nike, Rudy Project, Nine West, Charles & Keith outlets at Bonifacio High Street. |