Herve Leger launches its first Asian store in Manila

Iconic haute couture has made its way to Manila in a grand way. Who would ever have imagined that Manila would trump the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong by playing host to Herve Leger's first and only store in Asia?

Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Diane Kruger, Miranda Kerr and Jennifer Lopez are among Herve Leger's growing list of celebrity clientele so having it launch in Asia and in Manila, of all places, is an indication that Manila is probably holding its own as being a style capital in the region as well.

Vicky Belo was one of the celebrities who cut the ribbon to officially open the store in the new East Wing of Shangri-la Plaza. Other celebrities who were also spotted sporting Herve Leger outfits were Heart Evangelista, Tootsy Angara (wife of Sen. Sonny Angara), Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Herve Leger Philippines' Kat Florencio, Cristalle Henares and a few more.

Vicky Belo and Tim Yap

Heart Evangelista

Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Dong Ronquillo

Herve Leger's brand ambassadors

The look that Herve Leger is known for is what is known as the "bandage dress" because of the trademark strips of rayon, nylon and spandex/elasthanne material that are the hallmark of Herve Leger outfits. Talking to someone from the Herve Leger store during the launch, I learned that the strips are sewn ONE BY ONE to form the entire dress or gown. You can imagine how difficult that is when you are working with stretchable material. Each piece has to be perfectly cut and perfectly sewn together to give the entire dress a seamless look while still forming the billowing lower hem as well as the curves and dips in the design.

A look on the reverse side of an Herve Leger garment

Another thing I learned -- each outfit has its own unique code that the owner can register with Herve Leger to get personalized service on how to care for her garment; in addition, the Herve Leger website says that registration also gives the owner access to "VIP invitations to special events, advance notice of new arrivals and sale events as well as private access to other promotions". The unique code is also an assurance of authenticity - very important for a brand like Herve Leger.

Here are some outfits I took pics of at the Herve Leger store.

They also sell shoes and bags!

Herve Leger can be found at Level 1, Atrium, East Wing of Shangri-la Plaza, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong.