Monique Lhuillier designs one of Anastasia Steele’s signature looks
Davao’s best coffee shop now in Manila
Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele dons a custom gown and capelet by Monique Lhuillier, renowned bridal, ready-to-wear and accessories designer, in the new film
Fifty Shades Darker, the second chapter based on the worldwide bestselling Fifty Shades phenomenon. The film is now showing in theaters.
Known for her glamour and modern elegance, Lhuillier brilliantly captures Ana’s alluring beauty and vulnerability with the modern design. The liquid satin sheath gown with draped neckline and cross back in a silver hue exudes femininity and sophistication, while the handmade ostrich feather capelet adds exquisite glamour for Ana’s grand entrance in the film’s exclusive masquerade ball.
In keeping with the essence of her brand, Monique’s design evokes an enchanting, yet sophisticated, vision by weaving together sensuous and modern elements for the character of Ana. The fluid silhouette of the dress, which is topped with the elegantly embellished capelet, is distinctly Monique Lhuillier.
“I am so delighted to partner with Universal Pictures’ Fifty Shades Darker to design for the character of Anastasia Steele,” said Lhuillier. “Like the Monique Lhuillier woman, Ana radiates confidence and femininity, and so the gown I imagined for this iconic scene encapsulates that modern sophistication.”
“I often thought of Dakota in Monique’s stunning gown as a ‘beautiful siren of simplicity,’” lauded Shay Cunliffe. “We sent Monique ideas and images that evoke old Hollywood, and she and her team took the inspiration from there — crafting this stunning confection. Ana’s cape itself was a challenge — each feather was sewn by hand — but I felt it would magnify Ana’s showstopping entrance at the ball, hearkening back to the 1930s screen sirens. Monique also beautifully resolved our need to create a gown which can effortlessly slip to the ground… another feat of engineering.”
Jamie Dornan and Johnson return as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in Fifty Shades Darker. Expanding upon events set in motion in 2015’s blockbuster film that grossed more than $560M globally, the new installment arrives for Valentine’s Day and invites you to slip into something a shade darker.
When a wounded Grey tries to entice a cautious Steele back into his life, she Dakota Johnson as Steele in Fifty Shades Darker with Jamie Dornan, now showing nationwide demands a new arrangement before she will give him another chance. As the two begin to build trust and find stability, shadowy figures from Grey’s past start to circle the couple, determined to destroy their hopes for a future together.
Also returning from Fifty Shades of Grey are Marcia Gay Harden, Rita Ora, Luke Grimes, Victor Rasuk, Eloise Mumford and Max Martini, who are joined for the first time by Kim Basinger, Bella Heathcote and Eric Johnson.
Fifty Shades Darker is directed by James Foley (Fear, House of Cards) and once again produced by Michael de Luca, Dana Brunetti and Marcus Viscidi, alongside E L James, the creator of the culture-spanning blockbuster series. The screenplay is by Niall Leonard, based on the novel by James.
Lhuillier, on the other hand, is internationally recognized as one of America’s foremost designers. Established in 1996 by Lhuillier and her husband, Tom Bugbee, the company is considered one of the leading fashion houses in design, quality and creativity. With a passion for creating collections that are both feminine and modern, Lhuillier continues to design ready-to-wear, accessories and bridal collections that are luxurious, chic and true to her aesthetic.
Fans include Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Bell, Anna Kendrick and First Lady Michelle Obama, among others.
Monique’s signature design sensibility has led to the launch of licensed products including fur, fine jewelry and tabletop, transforming the company into a luxury lifestyle brand.
Lhuillier products are distributed through Monique Lhuillier stores, premium department stores and specialty stores throughout the world.
An establishment in Davao offers products using the King of Fruits as main ingredient. Blugre (pronounced as “blue-grey”) Coffee is one of the most popular hangouts in Metro Davao. Its signature drink is the flavorful Durian Coffeeccino.
Founded in 1998, it is Davao’s first and leading specialty coffee shop. Aside from Durian Coffeeccino, Blugre Coffee also serves espresso, latte and mocha. Its array
of desserts includes Choco Torte with Cream Sauce, Durian de Leche Cheesecake and Red Velvet Cake. Hands-down, it is the Durian Coffeeccino that has made a strong impression on customers. Romina Villaflor-Wilson, a Filipino living abroad, wrote on Blugre Coffee’s
Facebook page, “The last time I had Durian Coffee was about 10 years ago at the Matina Town Square shop, and I can still vividly remember how it tastes. Must fly back to Davao the next time I’m in the country to savor it again.”
Astrid Anne Acedo, a Davaobased yuppie, agrees that the Durian Coffeeccino is simply divine. “I just love it! It’s so yummy,” she also posted on Facebook.
Astrid is also pleased with the coffee shop’s relaxing interiors. “It’s perfect for a chitchat with friends,” she said.
For its unique products, fine ambiance and first-rate service, Blugre Coffee has won several recognitions, namely from the National Shopper’s Choice Awards (where it is a hall of famer), Best Coffee Shop in Davao by the AsiaPacific Shopper’s Institute, Shopper’s Choice Magazine, Essence Privilege Card and the Asian Philippine Association of Marketing Professionals.
The company owners Benjamin Cuaresma Jr. and Gloria Cuaresma are happy to bring Davao’s Blugre Coffee experience to Metro Manila and to more places around the country.
This month, it is opening three branches in the National Capital Region: The Malacañang Complex, 1558 J.P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila; Taguig at the C-24 11th Avenue cor. 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City; and Manila East, Unit 101 Manila East Arcade 2 Bldg. Don Hilario Cruz Ave., Brgy. San Juan, Taytay Rizal.
Sen. Manny Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee are proud owners of Blugre in their home province, General Santos City.