SM Aura's VIP Launch

Last week was all about Sarah Jessica Parker opening SM Aura (SM's new premier mall) in Taguig City.

Everyone was well dressed at the VIP launch.  The men looked dapper in their dark suits and the women looked elegant in their cocktail dresses.  Honestly, I've never seen Manila so well-dressed for an opening.

I guess, Sarah Jessica Parker's presence inspired everyone to look their best.

Here's a bit of trivia on SM Aura:

SM Aura is the 47th SM Mall in the Philippines and  is designed by Miami-based Architectural firm, Arquitectonica .  The building’s design forms three curvilinear ribbons reminiscent of a tree extending its roots.

It has a dome-shaped, state of the art, 1,000-seat event hall named Samsung Hall, which will serve as an exciting venue for concerts, stage performances, theatre plays, and product launches.

SM Aura also includes as its anchor tenants, The SM Store (Department Store) and SM Supermarket,  the Foodcourt (Food on Four), two SM Digital Cinemas, two Director’s Club Cinema's and an IMAX Theater. It also has a convention center named SMX Convention Center Taguig, which has three main function rooms and eight meeting rooms.

SM Aura will also offer new and exciting dining experiences as it brings NBA Café which is making its first entry into the Philippines and Trattoria Chef Chris of the famed My Kitchen By Chef Chris at Paco Park, as well as well-known restaurant brands like Lugang Café and Yabu. In cooperation with Manila Hotel, SM Aura also plans to bring in the Champagne Room at the terrace of SM Aura’s Sky Park which is a favourite venue for elegant gatherings and celebrations. Aside from the NBA Café, Boulangerie Paul, and Todd English Food Hall will be making their debut at SM Aura.

To enhance the shopping experience, SM Aura will also provide a host of global brands opening in the Philippines for the first time such as Suiteblanco, Stefanel, Minelli, TM Lewin, J. Lindberg, B.B. Dakota and River Island for fashion.

 SM Aura's interiors

A glimpse of the Sky Park

Food on Four

This was where Sara Jessica Parker had the ceremonial opening of The SM Store

I was right here, when she cut the ribbon.  Amongst a sea of phones and tablets.  I wish I could show you a better shot but there was just too many people.  

Here's Sarah throwing out coins at the opening 

(photo credit:  SM Aura)

After she opened the SM Store, she was given a tour of the department store and later went to the Prestige Lounge for some private meet and greets and TV interviews.  This was just part of a bee line of people who were eagerly waiting for her to come out for the press conference.   

Later I would find myself in the Prestige Lounge with her (thank you so much SM!).  Sarah is friendly, down-to-earth and very pretty in her long black dress. 

Though I didn't get a chance to have a photo with her, I was absolutely happy for the chance to see her in person.  It was the ultimate fan girl moment! 

I also checked out the new SM Aura Department Store.  It is spacious and well-lit.

Love the lighting that doubles as hanging art!

Men's apparel section

Women's formal wear section

Women's accessories section

Women's apparel section

Women's accessories section

 Women's apparel section

Love the lamp selection from Eglo at the Home Section.  I bought two lamps for the living room here. 

and three gray colored pillows (with the orange design) here.

Passed by one of my favorite stores, Uniqlo!

What I love about Uniqlo is that their fabric is soft, breathable and lightweight.  Perfect for our tropical weather.

This Uniqlo is special because it has two floors of pure retail heaven!

I love that the female model makes a Gwiyomi pose, haha!

I also checked out the fine shirts and suits at T.M. Lewin

You'll find L'Indochine, a lifestyle retail store at the 3rd level.  I absolutely love, love, love this store, everything you find here is curated from the Indochina Peninsula - Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. 

I also met sisters-in-law Leona Lavina-Panutat, Senior Marketing Manager for L'Indochine and Charlene Panutat-Carlos, Senior Merchandising Manager for L'Indochine.  These ladies scour the Indochina Peninsula to look for unique handmade items for the home. 

Here's Suiteblanco's current display.  I'm in love!  The clothes are definitely more inexpensive than Zara, the quality of the fabric is also not compromised. 

Time to call it a night.  My feet are killing me (six hours in high heels). 

It was a very well-organized and well-attended event, kudos to SM for a fabulous launch!

Here's a first look at Sarah Jessica Parker's "Love to Shop" campaign for The SM Store!  The campaign was shot by international photographer, Daniela Federici and her fabulous look was put together her stellar glam team composed of Andy LeCompte (hair), Leslie Lopez (make-up) and Tracy Cox (styling).
 

 Visit SM Aura Premier located at 26th corner McKinley Parkway in Taguig City.