Saturday, June 15, 2013

Manila, Philippines Welcomes French Footwear Bensimon

What comes to mind when you think of France and Parisian living? Aside from the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysees, and the Louvre, I'm sure fashion is also on top of your head, right?


Thirty years ago, two brothers created a symbolic icon of a classic sneaker design to embody what the true Parisian love of life is -- simple, effortless, and natural. This is Serge and Yves Bensimon's philosophy that they wanted to communicate through their footwear showing a perfectly imperfect look and feel.


The brothers felt that there are a lot of elements about the culture of Paris that people miss out on. Thus, in aiming to break barriers, Bensimon steps into Manila's streets today to bring to Filipinos what it truly means to live the Parisian life.


The people of Paris are said to choose brands with a long heritage, or with artisan and handmade elements over more generic factory-produced garments. This affects how they shop and which has created the landscape of true Parisian fashion. Bensimon, which built its roots in the European market, is inspired by this kind of fashion and offers sneakers in a vast array of styles, colors, and prints for everyone -- men, women, and children.


Ammiel De Leon, Bensimon Philippines' Brand Director, says the footwear effortlessly mixes the universe of the wearer with Parisian chic. "We aim to challenge the perception of Filipinos about sneakers in the country from a footwear category that is identified with grunge and roughness to one that is sophisticated and stylish," he shares. 


The sneakers have a laid back and rugged feel which make them the ideal pair to keep and wear from day to day. The wide variety of choices makes it easy to promote individuality and takes into consideration people's passion for the arts. This is also the reason why Bensimon is an advocate for sponsoring art galleries so that the interest for culture is kept alive. 


During the launch held at Enderun Colleges, we got to see personalized sneakers inspired by various art pieces and they are beautiful! It was hard to choose a favorite because everything was done with exquisite attention to detail.


Bensimon is brought to Manila by Terry S.A. (TSA), the company that also manages distribution of Havaianas, David and Goliath, Dupe, and Pininho in the Philippines. TSA President Anne Gonzalez, pronounces that their company is always on the lookout for brands that have a unique point of view, are optimistic, fun and work well with the Filipino lifestyle. "With its solid French heritage, chic and casual ease, along with its expansive product offering, Bensimon fits just right into the portfolio of brands that Terry S.A. is building."


Bensimon sneakers will be made available in Center of Gravity (Forbes Town, Burgos Circle, and Centris Walk), Shoe Salon (Glorietta 3, Power Plant Mall Rockwell, Robinson's Ermita, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, and Trinoma), and Shoe Thing (kids styles only: Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood Mall, and Greenbelt 5). Prices range from P2,095 to 2,565 for men's and women's lines, and P1,295 to 1,795 for the kids' styles.

For more photos, please view this Facebook album


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