I have always been a Fitflop fan. When its founder and inventor Marcia Kilgore visited the Philippines back in 2009 to launch this innovative flip-flop, I was sold. How could I resist its promise to tone my butt simply by wearing a pair? But it was the comfort it provided that has made me a loyalist all these years. At last count, I had eight pairs in my closet, including clogs, ballet flats, and boots! Am I obsessed or what?
So when I received an invitation to travel to Kuala Lumpur to attend the regional launch of its spring/summer 2013 collection, I didn't hesitate to say yes. There would be a press event, a fashion show/party, and a tour of the city. Included in our itinerary was a request to wear Fitflop at all times. And there was my packing challenge—would I be able to style appropriate outfits for four days, using Fitflop footwear? With eight pairs, I think so!
Our first official event was the press conference/interview session at Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar, which has a dress code: No shorts, no singlets, and no slippers! And although that night was an exception for the Fitflop-wearing crowd, to be on the safe side I paired my printed dress with a pair of Arena gladiator-style sandals. Each time I wear this, I am always asked what brand it is, and the reaction is always the same: I can't believe that's Fitflop!
After International PR Manager for Fitflop, Katie Neiman,welcomed the guests, she gave us a brief history of the brand (it launched in 2007 and by 2011, it hit the 10 million-pair mark; today it has sold over 18 million pairs), theMicrowobbleboard technology put into every pair ("We're not a regular shoe brand," she emphasized), how Fitflop has evolved (in terms of style and technology—last year, they introduced the slimmer Biomimetix midsole), and its future (the men's market is one they want to explore more).
Then Product Director for Fitflop, Jill Coglan, walked us through (pun unintended) the four main trends that define the new collection: Science and Nature (earthy, crafted, organic); Soft Geometry (textured, patterned, details); Bio Luminescence (transparency, jelly-like, patents); and Opulent Alchemy (rich, opulent, metallic).
A stylist later came out with a rack of clothes and showed us how to put together outfits based on the new Fitflop collection. Then three teams from different countries were formed to participate in a styling challenge—and I was chosen for Team Philippines! Along with Mega's Sarah Santiago, we pickedDue black patent ballet flats and styled a very current print-on-print outfit for our model.
The next day, busloads of press from Thailand, Singapore, Korea, Indonesia,and, of course, the Philippines were taken on a city tour. A temple was part of the tour, so we were requested to dress appropriately—which meant no shorts or sleeveless in spite of the heat! My solution: a mid-calf-length skirt, a tank top, and a cardigan tied around my shoulders to put on before entering the temple.
But the real challenge was the 272 steps required to reach the Batu Cave! Would my Fitflop Raffia be able to take me up there—and back down? Challenge accepted and accomplished! Though my legs felt like jelly by the time the climb was completed, my footwear never let me down. And I was still able to go shopping in the afternoon!
By evening, it was time to head to Publika, a posh mall where the party and fashion show was to be held. Time to bring out the bling! A pair of black Rokkit with its crystal-studded strap was the perfect footwear to go with my black maxi dress.
The mini fashion show was divided into four segments, each one inspired by a city: Rio de Janeiro, New York, Tokyo, and London. As expected, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo had the more colorful styles, while New York and London included neutral shades. After, it was party time! Now excuse me, while my Fitflops and I go dancing.
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