DAVAO LIFE MADE FABULOUS




From the Debenhams Womenswear collection. Red Herring, Julien Macdonald, Ben de Lisi & Red Herring.


The top British retailer and leading department store group, Debenhams, gave the nod to Rustan Specialty Office Concepts, Inc. (RSCI), the official franchise holder of Debenhams in the Philippines, to open its very first store outside of Metro Manila. The newest store of this retail giant will debut at the Abreeza Mall in our city making it the fourth Debenhams store in the country. Davao City will be joining the growing family of Debenhams with 167 stores in the UK and Ireland and 65 international stores in 25 countries around the world.

During the set-up of Debenhams in Abreeza, I got to exchange emails with Lou Rulloda, Debenhams Head of Marketing & Merchandising. One of the most interesting (and encouraging) letters I received from her that sparked the excitement in me was this note:

“The merchandise management team is in the store right now and they’re very happy with the store. You guys will have the best-looking Debenhams store in the country, that’s for sure! Our (Debenhams) Davao store boasts of the most updated store interiors – which will help show off our items to their best advantage! And will also yield a most pleasurable shopping experience for our customers there.”
This is just one of the things to look forward to.

Styling up the Southerner.

Davaoeños can now look to Debenhams Abreeza for all the coolest and latest styles for every season from the collection of famous British designers like Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson and Jasper Conran, and the Debenhams in-house brands such as Red Herring and Mantaray. Debenhams in Abreeza will have the best of British high street fashion in a single destination.

From the latest catwalk trends or cool and comfortable classics, Debenhams has just what the stylish and chic Dabawenyo’s closet needs.

Davao in the latest fashion loop.

What’s hot? Debenhams will have it. From its successful portfolio of exclusive own brands and its Designers at Debenhams range, Davao will always be in tune with the latest fashion trend.

Principles by Ben de Lisi Chiffon dress with banded bottom



Retro is strong this season. The chic Dabawenyas can slip into the inspired looks from the 40s, 60s and 70s from the Debenhams collections. Red Herring’s silhouette is clean, sharp and minimal, a modern twist is added to the vintage look; Principles by Ben De Lisi brings back the 60s understated glamour and elegance with color blocking on knitted tunics and dresses; and, revving up the 70s style is Star by Julien Macdonald’s day to evening looks in bright-colored satin tops, and animal printed tunics and dresses.

 Red Herring Floral Dress 



While the women sashay in style, the quintessential Dabawenyo male will always favor the traditional yet timely look. The classic menswear line of Debenhams will suit his distinctive taste. Whatever his choice of activity, wherever his destination in this largest city in the globe may be, Debenhams will have the perfect gear for him. 

Mantaray's rugged look


Heading out to the shoreline, he’ll look great in the nautical or traditional collegiate look from Maine New England in hues of red, white and blue, rich oxbloods and racing greens. Should he prefer the cool temperature of higher altitude, Mantaray’s rugged look with rich reds and orange paired with basic neutrals like khaki and black will be a fitting get-up. Or, if it’s just to wander in the city center, he’ll be sleek in Red Herring’s urban street collection in muted tones of black, grey, navy, olive, oatmeal and khaki. 

Mantaray Striped Polo Shirt


If mom and dad shop, there will always be something for the kids. The latest Debenhams Childrenswear collection has something to suit every kid in every age group. The collection for Butterfly by Matthew Williamson features the signature butterfly prints on embellished tunics and party dresses giving the collection a colorful and feminine look. J by Jasper Conran for girls mixes colorful florals and polka dots matched with denim, while the boys can strut in their preppy, casual look. Fun and quirky colors and graphics from Bluezoo for boys and girls keep the fashion savvy kids happy.

Bluezoo for kids. Floral dress and leggings for her, plaid shirt and jeans for him.

With exciting fashionable offerings for the entire family, this “British tradition” will certainly find its way into every Dabawenyo’s hearts….and closets.