Beauty & Fashion

Second Look at Leather

Many call for the non-use of leather because it isn’t exactly green. An alternative perspective is forwarded, however – i.e. seeing leather as a by-product that will just go to waste if not used.

Published

14 years ago

September 7, 2011

Contributing Writer

By PePe Castro

By-products. That, says Filipino shoe manufacturer and retailer giant Manels owner Manuel Siggaoat, are what they are. He is talking about leather, of course.

“This (industry) makes use of by-products that (if not used, will) just go to waste,” he says. That, by the way, is not an excuse – Siggaoat is, actually, being truthful.

Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides and skins of animals, primarily cattlehide, uses raw materials that are by-products of the meat industry, with the meat having higher value than the skin. Leather – like fur – is actually a sore point for many, err, (non-consumers of meat) animal lovers, largely because it necessitates the slaughter of a living being in order to produce it. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an animal rights activist group, among others, consider the use of “all leather items (from animal hides) is unnecessary and cruel in today’s society.”

And so the debate continues on the pros and cons of leather, and leather use.

FASH ITEMS

Manels, of course, has been a leading player in the local leathergoods market since 1964. Manels – a play at the names of owners Manuel and Nelia Siggaoat – started out as a small shoe store near the Philippine Women’s University, where Nelia worked, soon proving to be lucrative so that the husband and wife tandem decided to leave their careers to focus on their new business. Nelia’s artistic vision found a medium in the design and manufacture of these shoes and bags. Manuel, on the other hand, focused on building the business side.

Over 40 years later, Manels has diversified – in 2004, Siggaoat’s son, Mark Siggaoat, spearheaded the establishment of LapDance (lapdancebag.com), a company supplying laptop (and similar gadgets) casings.

“It’s a niche market,” the younger Siggaoat says, adding that, initially, “it was a hard (market to break into) when we started.”
Not, worth noting, because of anti-leather sentiments.

The sales picked up, though, and have been up since 2006.

Early in 2009, LapDance started selling products using ostrich leather.

In an interview, the older Siggaoat notes how, in the case of ostriches in particular, “ostriches are now grown locally (aside from getting imported) for their meat,” he says. Interestingly, in many cases, only ostrich meat is harvested – in fact, in the Philippines, tanning ostrich skin is not practiced.

There, therefore, is produced “waste” – effectively turned into leather.

LapDance currently usually comes out with eight to 10 new designs per season, the products costing from P1,800 to over P3,000 apiece.

And, oh, the leather is but a component of the design – other materials used are fibers, among others, just as the company is also studying the use of faux (fake) leather to “make the products more marketable.”

GOING ALL-NATURAL

For those opposing the use of leather, it isn’t just the slaughter of animals (a living thing) that ruffles their feathers, so to speak – it is also how the tanning process that the hide has to go through which, it is worth noting, can be harmful to the environment. Tanning, the process that makes the leather (which does not easily decompose) from the skins of animals (or rawhide, which decomposes easily) after permanently altering its protein structure, often makes use of such chemicals as: sodium sulfide, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrosulfite, arsenic sulfide, calcium hydrosulfide, dimethyl amine, sodium sulphydrate, and, yes, tannin – all of them, aside from emitting toxic fumes, may (if/when not properly disposed of) contaminating air and water.

In theory, choosing not to use (not just buy) leather products should be easy – after all, the alternatives now abound. Among others, there are the artificial leather (fabric with leather finish, popularly used as upholstery), synthetic leather or pleather (this one, however, is also hotly discussed, since it is often made from plastic, another hot point for environmentalists), vegan leather (made from fibers that are animal-friendly – though even this uses some PVC, deemed harmful to the environment).

A bigger issue is in the availability of the products – in the Philippines, for example, alternatives are not as widely available.

REALISTIC APPROACH

Michael Bloch, editor of greenlivingtips.com, has a more realistic approach.

“What’s a leather lover to do? Firstly, we need to look at our consumption – do we really need 10 pairs of leather shoes, five wallets or eight handbags? Every leather item you don’t buy mean less toxic waste entering into the environment and, perhaps, an animal not killed – you’ll save some cash as well,” Bloch says.

Yet another way to approach the issue is to “reduce our associated impact by asking companies where they source their leather – if it’s outside ‘developed’ countries, assume the worst,” Bloch adds.

For the moneyed, though, opting to buy only the green should always be considered – if not locally available, the order from overseas.
But for now, on leather, pleather, vegan leather, imitation leather, or… whatever? The choice remains yours – choose wisely.

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Contributing Writer

Believing that everyone's perspective is important, Zest Magazine has opted to provide an avenue for these perspectives to be known. care to hear the publication's contributing writers; or better yet, do some contributing yourself by contacting info@zestmag.com.

Beauty & Fashion

Posh Skin Co. launches new pimple patch designs

Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 7, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

Posh Skin Co. levels up its skincare game as it steps into a new era with a clean new look. With this fresh transformation, Posh Skin Co. reinforces its commitment to making acne skin solutions more accessible, fun, and confidence-boosting than ever as it launches new designs of its innovative pimple patches.

Trendy, Effective, and Fun Pimple Patch Designs

Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand also brings in a new lineup of pimple patch designs, crafted to meet different skincare needs while offering a fresh and fashionable take on blemish care. The new designs include yellow star patches, multicolored star patches, metallic foil patches, for a fun, and comfortable acne treatment experience that lasts all day. The ultra-thin daytime patches provide a discreet and seamless coverage for all-day wear, while the nighttime rescue patches are designed to accelerate blemish healing while you sleep.

The pimple patches now come in new packaging with a sleeker, more minimalist look, following Posh Skin Co.’s rebrand.

“We took on a cleaner and simpler packaging approach to let the pimple patch designs speak for themselves,” said renowned fashion stylist and Posh Skin Co. partner, Charmaine Palermo. “We wanted to highlight what truly matters—effective skincare that empowers people.”

Formulated with the same powerful ingredients, these new pimple patch designs offer users improved coverage, comfort, and effectiveness, and make acne care more wearable and confidence-boosting than ever.

A Fresh, New Chapter

Posh Skin Co.’s new look aligns with the brand’s vision of expansion in the Philippines. Not only is Posh Skin Co. adding new designs to its pimple patch offerings but will also be providing new, versatile acne solutions that fit effortlessly into any lifestyle.

“Acne care should be as dynamic as people’s lives because breakouts can happen at any time,” remarked Palermo. “We wanted to offer more options to treat and prevent breakouts effectively, so we are expanding our line with acne solutions that can easily integrate into any skincare routine.”

With inclusivity and accessibility still at the brand’s core, Posh Skin Co. ensures that the skin treatment they offer will still be a stress-free and empowering experience for all users. As it broadens its pimple patch offerings and develops new skin treatment solutions, Posh Skin Co. continues to deliver innovative skincare to Filipinos.

Say “Bye” to Blemishes, and “Hello” to Confidence with Posh Skin Co.® Pimple Patches

Look good and feel confident while treating your blemishes with Posh Skin Co. pimple patches, available for PHP199 on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the official Posh Skin Co. website and select Watsons stores nationwide.

Beauty & Fashion

PUMA drops 3 colorways of Palermo

Published

2 months ago

February 17, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

When it comes to footwear, some styles stand the test of time. PUMA’s iconic terrace shoe, the Palermo, is one such classic that has captured the hearts of both sports fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. Originally birthed from PUMA’s deep roots in football, the Palermo continues to evolve and offer an exquisite balance of sports-inspired design and modern fashion aesthetics.

This month, the PUMA Palermo gets an upgrade with three new eye-catching hues that will undoubtedly let anyone make a bold statement wherever they go. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your fit or seeking the perfect casual pair for everyday style, there is a PUMA Palermo shade to match your vibe.

Which PUMA Palermo Colorway Fits Your Style?

Retaining its premium, classic charm with a luxurious suede base and a leather formstrip complete with foil printed PUMA branding, the PUMA Palermo gives sneaker buffs and fashion fans alike plenty of options to express their personal style with its fresh new colorways.

The PUMA Palermo in Team Light Blue

For those who prefer cool, understated tones, the Team Light Blue colorway is a prime choice. A sleek, understated classic, this is a fabulous match for those who lean towards timeless fits, this cool blue hue pairs effortlessly with vintage denim, crisp white tees, and a chill, confident attitude.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The PUMA Palermo in Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson

Meanwhile, the Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson colorway is fitting for those who want to stand out. The deep crimson adds eye-catching detail into the shoe’s classic silhouette, making it the ultimate option for those looking to make a statement while still embracing the heritage of the Palermo. This shade goes well with tonal layering or as a pop of color against a monochromatic ensemble.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The PUMA Palermo in Pink/White

The Pink/White colorway adds a playful twist to the terrace staple, perfect for trendsetters who love a fun, sporty vibe. With a punchy pink base complemented by crisp white accents, this colorway effortlessly bridges the gap between athletic wear and high fashion. It’s youthful, vibrant, and undeniably stylish. Paired with either relaxed joggers or tailored streetwear fit, this colorway keeps things light, modern, and adds a little extra flair to your wardrobe.

Must-Have Addition to Any Sneaker Collection

The PUMA Palermo’s new shades prove that some things never go out of style — they just get better with time. Step out boldly with the PUMA Palermo in Team Light Blue, Rose Mauve/Dark Crimson, or Pink/White, now available for PHP 6,000 in PUMA stores at Bonifacio High Street, Glorietta, Bonifacio High Street, Shangri-La Plaza, Eastwood, Venice Grand Canal, Capitol Central Bacolod, and Ayala Center Cebu.

Follow PUMA Philippines’ Instagram account to know the latest news and updates.

For more information, please visit www.puma.com.

Beauty & Fashion

PUMA opens two new stores in PH

PUMA is bringing its collection of sportswear closer to more Filipinos with a back-to-back opening of two new stores in the Philippines. With new stores at Bonifacio High Street in Taguig and at Caltex Mega Station in Pampanga, the renowned sports brand continues to offer high-quality and innovative gear for all sportswear, and even streetwear, needs.

Published

6 months ago

November 6, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Get All Your Footwear Needs at New PUMA Store in Bonifacio High Street

(Photo from PUMA PH)

Last October 29, PUMA opened the doors to its new store located at Bonifacio High Street. The store will exclusively feature iconic shoes from PUMA, including limited pairs of the PUMA Speedcat OG in the black and white colorway, the PUMA All Pro Nitro, and the PUMA Deviate NITRO 3, the shoe worn by Filipino Pole Vault Olympian, EJ Obiena while training at the Paris Olympics. Marking the store’s opening, customers will receive free PUMA merchandise for purchases worth at least PHP 8,000. Promo runs from November 1 to 7, available exclusively at the PUMA Bonifacio High Street store.

From shoes perfect for upgrading your streetwear to high-performance running and basketball shoes, PUMA’s new Bonifacio High Street store is the top spot for sneakerheads and sports enthusiasts who want to add a unique piece to their collections.

Buy One Get One at PUMA PH Biggest Outlet Store in Caltex Mega Station

(Photo from PUMA PH)

The following day on October 30, PUMA also unveiled its new outlet store at the Caltex Mega Station. Located at South Bound NLEX in San Fernando, Pampanga, the store features an expansive selection of PUMA goods.

(Photo from PUMA PH)

To celebrate the opening, the PUMA outlet store is kicking off with a special “Buy One, Get One” promo, giving customers more value for their purchases at the store. With all the top-quality, high-performing PUMA gear available, the new PUMA outlet store at Caltex Mega Station is set to become the prime destination for all your street and sportswear needs.

Drop By the New PUMA Stores Today

(Photos from PUMA PH)

As PUMA Philippines continues to expand its presence in the country, the sports brand persists in making its line of sporting gear and footwear easily available to Filipinos. Both stores offer unique shopping experiences and exclusive collections for fitness enthusiasts, sneakerheads, and trendsetters alike.

Cop a new pair of shoes today at the PUMA Bonifacio High Street Store, located at BGC, Taguig. Enjoy the exclusive Buy One Get One promo at the PUMA Caltex Mega Station store, located at South Bound NLEX, San Fernando, Pampanga. See the latest updates and releases exclusively on PUMA PH’s Instagram page.