New launches and retail finds worth discovering
The holiday season may kick off as soon as the “ber” months hit but along the way, we take a brief pause to celebrate Halloween and pay respects to the dearly departed during Undas.
After that, however, the holiday spirit makes a comeback. And so do the product launches, new collections and collaborations, and store openings. Whether you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping or just want to get a little something for yourself, these are the brands to keep on your radar.
1. A brush-up on self-expression with Ready Set Glow and Lovi Poe
Following the success of its pioneer makeup collection with Lovi Poe (aptly called “Love You by Lovi”) in 2024, Ready Set Glow (RSG) has once again teamed up with the award-winning actress to debut a new collection of makeup brushes.
The second collection dubbed “The Art of You” is a 10-piece Signature Makeup Tools Collection made up of two series: The Art of Base and The Art of Definition.
Nine brushes across two sets and a beauty sponge to complete it all. The tools that make up this collection are designed to shape, define, and perfect your makeup finish, with 0.06mm ultra-fine fiber bristles for that soft, gentle touch, a lab-tested antibacterial performance feature (where the hygienic ingredients are integrated directly into the bristle fibers instead of being directly applied to the surface), and nano-tech-treated velour fibers for consistent placement and even distribution.
“Our first collaboration, ‘Love, You,’ was all about celebrating self-love. Now, with ‘The Art of You,’ we’re taking that message a step further,” Poe expresses. “What makes this partnership so special is that Ready Set Glow and I share the same vision. We don’t just want to create beautiful products; we want to create something meaningful, accessible, and empowering.” — Diane Nicole Go
RSG Cosmetics is available at select Watsons and SM Department Stores nationwide, with dedicated kiosks at SM City North EDSA and SM City Davao. Shop your RSG favorites online at rsg.ph, or through official stores on TikTok Shop, Shopee Mall, and Lazada Mall
2. The Starbucks Traditions Collection is a gift that keeps on giving (stickers)
Part and parcel of the brand’s annual tradition, Starbucks Philippines debuts its 2027 Starbucks Traditions Collection—its 24th year in the Philippines.
With the theme “Wrapped in Joy,” Starbucks Philippines debuts a five-piece collection built on the idea that happiness is found in the moments shared, and the little surprises given—with each item designed to look like a gift waiting to be unwrapped. Bringing together warm copper, ivory, and black in swirling patterns and woven gestures, the collection incites thoughtful giving through a curated lineup of everyday companions.
These include the Siren Planner with Pouch, 20oz Stainless Steel Tumbler, and 24oz Cold Cup, along with new items in the collection: the 20oz Glass Mug and the Travel Case with Towel.
From Nov. 3 to Jan. 4, 2027, customers can get one e-sticker for every purchase of a Starbucks handcrafted beverage via the Starbucks app or QR promo card. Customers who accumulate 19 e-stickers can then redeem one item of choice from the 2027 Starbucks Traditions Collection until March 5, 2027. — Diane Nicole Go
Visit www.starbuckstraditions.ph for a closer look at the 2027 Starbucks Traditions Collection and this season’s holiday offerings
3. Pining for piña in Lulu Tan Gan’s latest collection
Long hailed as Manila’s Queen of Knits, designer Lulu Tan-Gan is flipping the script on heritage textiles once again with Tailored Traditions—a sleek collection of piña “shirt stories” launching this November.
After two decades of reworking handwoven piña, the designer takes a material historically reserved for stiff, high-maintenance ceremonial wear and re-engineers it into fluid, zero-waste wardrobe staples built for modern life. The lineup reimagines classic tailoring through versatile barongs, breezy oversized dress shirts, and structured vests crafted from soft, washable piña blends.
“Tradition thrives when it evolves through contemporary participation,” Tan-Gan notes. “Adding that fashion-forward factor keeps tradition alive, relevant, and continuously inspiring.”
Driven by a farm-to-fashion ethos, sourcing provincially and working with weaving traditions, Tan-Gan applies clinical precision to every cut, making sure not an inch of fabric goes to waste. — Lala Singian-Serzo
“Tailored Traditions” runs at the Tan-Gan pop-up space on the 2nd floor of Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City starting Nov. 4
4. Couture-level culture at Kultura Atelier
Kultura is taking local craftsmanship to haute new heights. Kultura Atelier is the brand’s more curated luxury concept, which has since opened in Nustar Resort Cebu and SM Aura Premier. Now, it has a newly minted spot in its flagship store inside SM Makati.
Conceptualized as a permanent, year-round haven for homegrown designers, the space bridges time-honored traditions with sleek, modern sensibilities. The pieces range from wearable Filipiniana, handcrafted jewelry, and contemporary statement pieces built for dynamic wardrobes today.
Some of the sought-after designers include Zarah Juan, Jor-el Espina, Ken Samudio, Tim Tam Ong, Apol Massebieau (Good Luck, Humans), Alvin Degamo (Wear Your Culture), Philip Rodriguez (Isla by Filippo), Daryl Maat, Martin Uy, Roland Magalang (Rodolfo), Sari Lazaro, and Harold Sarabia (Harold and Harry).
By gathering such an eclectic roster of both established names and high-octane indie talents, Kultura Atelier makes what was once considered artisanal luxury all the more accessible. — Lala Singian-Serzo
Kultura Atelier is located on the 2nd floor of SM Makati, Ayala Center, Makati City
5. Sunday Staples offers both comfort and style
A universal Filipino truth: Commuting in Manila is a test of patience, mettle, and strength—of body, mind, and, honestly, your shoes. Especially for the ladies. To find a pair of shoes that are not only comfortable for long walks and various transportation switches but are also stylish to go from day to night, work to date, and everything in between, is a godsend.
Or maybe we can say, Singapore-sent. Sunday Staples has opened its second physical store in the Philippines at SM Mall of Asia (MOA), making the brand even more accessible to Filipinos. Known for pieces that balance feminine styles with comfort, functionality, and versatility, Sunday Staples’ shoes (and bags) are proof that each piece is designed for the everyday.
At its SM MOA branch, customers can take a closer look and feel of the brand’s signature Cloud series: shoes and sandals that feature ultra-soft, bouncy padding while maintaining a slim, elegant silhouette. Sunday Staples’ thoughtful design goes beyond just the silhouette, though—it also incorporates innovative materials that work well with climates like ours.
It’s also why the brand’s latest pieces feature waterproof linen, waterproof satin, and waterproof suede.
“We’re not just opening a store—we’re bringing a solution to Filipino women who are tired of choosing between comfort and style,” says Sunday Staples founder Cherriann Wong. “Every pair is designed to handle the [Philippine] climate and long days, whether you’re in back-to-back meetings or exploring the city.” — Pauline Ysabel Miranda
Sunday Staples is located at Level 2, North Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, and 2nd Level, Power Plant Mall, Makati City
