FAMPh and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde form education partnership

The Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines (FAMPh) and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) have entered into a partnership aimed at strengthening the future of Philippine fashion education and preparing industry-ready professionals.

FAMPh brings together artisan brands, fashion accessory designers, makers, and manufacturers, and works to champion Filipino heritage and craftsmanship by advocating the use of local and indigenous materials.

DLS-CSB, a member institution of the De La Salle educational system, is known for its design and arts programs, including fashion design and merchandising among its degree offerings — a base the new partnership connects directly to working practitioners in the accessories trade.

The partnership builds on an existing initiative at the college. Earlier this year, DLS-CSB received a research grant for the Cultural Mapping and Digitalization of Heirloom Fine Jewelry from the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development. The collaboration with FAMPh will complement that project, which underscores the significance of the country's rich jewelry heritage and recognizes the regions that serve as key stakeholders in heirloom fine jewelry, filigree jewelry, and tambourine.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will pursue joint research projects, technical training sessions, industry topic speakerships, conferences, and other events where faculty members and professionals can work hand in hand. The partnership also promotes cooperative learning activities such as seminars and workshops.

Students will be offered internship opportunities to gain hands-on field experience, while exposure and immersion visits will be made available to faculty and associates. FAMPh and DLS-CSB will jointly review and develop the curriculum to ensure it remains aligned with present trends, and industry professionals will guest in classes to provide mentorship.

Casio debuts new G-Shock

Casio Philippines has released the G-Shock Luxe Black 2100, a four-piece collection that brings a quieter, more refined expression of style to one of G-Shock's most recognizable silhouettes. The series is available at G-Shock stores and authorized dealers nationwide, and online through the Casio G-Shock website as well as its Shopee, TikTok, Lazada, and Zalora pages.

The 2100 family has been among G-Shock's most popular designs since the slim GA-2100 launched the line in 2019 and the metal-bezel GM-2100 followed, with the octagonal bezel earning the models the "CasiOak" nickname among collectors. The watches are defined by matte black dials, minimized reflection, redesigned hands and indexes, and carefully placed metallic elements, giving a more restrained interpretation of the familiar 2100 silhouette. The monochromatic treatment allows the timepieces to move between casual everyday dressing and more polished looks.

The collection comprises four models across the GM-2100LXB and GA-2100LXB lines. The GM-2100LXB-1A (P17,010) and GM-2100LXB-1A9 (P15,710) feature a hairline-finished metal bezel with black ion plating paired with a newly designed matte black dial. Silver- or gold-toned accents provide understated contrast, while the redesigned hands and indexes lend a more refined finish to the familiar octagonal 2100 form.

For a lighter everyday option, the GA-2100LXB-1A (P9,430) and GA-2100LXB-1A9 (P9,430) come with a matte-finished octagonal bezel and band and a redesigned matte black dial. Metallic vapor-deposited indexes add subtle depth, and the lightweight resin construction keeps the watches easy to incorporate into everyday wardrobes.

Both the GM-2100LXB and GA-2100LXB models retain the core performance features associated with G-Shock, Casio's shock-resistant watch line dating to 1983, including shock resistance, 20-bar water resistance, stopwatch and timer functions, world time across 48 cities, the Hand Shift feature, double LED Super Illuminator lighting, and up to five daily alarms. The collection also incorporates bio-based resin in key bezel and band components, helping reduce environmental impact while preserving G-Shock's signature toughness and reliability.

The G-Shock Luxe Black 2100 Series is now available at Casio and G-Shock stores nationwide and through the Casio Philippines online store.

Montblanc unveils its F/W 2026 collection

Montblanc has presented its Fall/Winter 2026 leather collection, with Asia ambassador and Korean actor Seo Kangjun — known for dramas such as Cheese in the Trap and Are You Human Too — fronting the campaign.

The collection spotlights the Writing Traveler line, inspired by a "cabinet of curiosities" that unites the spirit of the desk with fine leather craftsmanship. The desk reference is a fitting one for a house founded in Hamburg in 1906 that built its reputation on writing instruments before extending into leather goods. Following the shape's debut last year, the Writing Traveler Briefcase has become a distinct icon of Montblanc's Leather collection.

The Technical Fabric line also features in the release. Montblanc's water-repellent technical fabric returns this season in a series of lightweight travel companions, presented in warm tones of honey and khaki. The Montblanc Panorama Backpack, Panorama Crossbody, and Panorama Belt Bag are accented with contrasting leather details.

Rounding out the collection is Montblanc's Companion line, which returns with the Backpack in Forged Iron and the On-Body Bag in Frosted Blue.

Seo Kangjun is also set to return to television screens in late 2026 through KBS 2TV's upcoming weekend mini-series, Love Other Than You (working title).

The showcased products are available at Montblanc boutiques and on the official website at www.montblanc.com.