Back in the early 90s, Benetton jeans were the hottest things to have, along with their colorful sweatshirts. It's fair to say that Benetton started my denim obsession actually.
It was probably the J Brand/Mother Denim/Current Elliott of my high school years, before Girbaud and Armani Jeans made us pay Php4,000 for denims, and way before a plethora of cult denim labels like Seven for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity changed our jeanetic makeup and made us think nothing about dropping hundreds of dollars on a pair of denims.
The last time I bought something from Benetton, I was in college.
I remember it was a pair of light blue skinny printed trousers and a cotton t-shirt from the Benetton store on Kensington High Street in London.
After that however, I had moved on from the classics and explored more trendy high street brands like Topshop, Miss Selfridge and H&M (which was called Hennes & Mauritz then). I started buying denims from Replay and Diesel then.
So it was with a bit of nostalgia when I stepped into the United Colors of Benetton store on Bonifacio High Street again. It had been years since I last went inside, after over a decade of associating it with my teenage years.
It was a pleasant surprise to see that the brand had grown up with me. Especially since I find that as I get older, all the more that I am drawn back to classic pieces.
Clothes that transcend seasons and are meant to be worn season after season. There was no semblance to the logo tees and denims of my youth.
It was like Benetton had graduated, gone to college and started a career along with us.
Take this jacket for instance. It's feminine and yet it says, "I'm responsible" heehee.
Love this figure flattering shift dress.
Light, airy tops that can be worn underneath a blazer or paired with a cardigan and pencil skirt.
Structured bags for work.
The only things trendy and playful were the shoes, such as these neon cut-out flats...
These polka dot and camo flats...
And these fun, summer-y fold-over clutches that are a steal at less than Php2,000 each.
It was the men's section that were a complete throwback to the Benetton I knew 20 plus years ago. They still had the classic polo shirts, jackets, caps and denims that I remember teenage boys were wearing during my time.
These camo sneakers for guys are very "now" though! We had none of these growing up, heehee.
My favorite finds from my recent visit to UCB?
Thermal underwear! If you've been looking for thermals to take on a trip to some place cold, UCB has it in all the colors you'll need - nude, grey and white!
And these sandals that are still made in Italy, but retail for only Php2,250 O.M.G.
I really do have a soft spot for shoes still made in Italy. Heehee.
I just had to try it on, and they were love. Love. LOVE.
As for you my dears, 2 of you get a chance to win an ENTIRE OUTFIT (top & bottom + accessories) from United Colors of Benetton! All you have to do is:
1. Go to your nearest United Colors of Benetton store and take a photo of your favorite piece/s from the store. Better yet, take a photo of yourself wearing the entire outfit you want to win!
2. To send an entry, you have the option of
- emailing it to me, manilafashionobserver(at)gmail(dot)com and or
- posting it on your Instagram account sharing which items you like, with the hashtag #MFOxUCB and tagging me @christinedychiao
3. Leave a comment here so I can look for your entry!
Two winners will be announced by April 30, 2013 - so join join join!
