As I was walking towards the Fino store in Powerplant Mall Rockwell, I discovered a new store that reminded me of another favorite of mine (FIRMA). The new store is called CURA V and it basically sells beautiful things curated from all over the world for the home, novelty items and fashion accessories, just like FIRMA. The collections of jewelry, bags and accessories are what really wowed me – and a lot of them are by local designers! I was floored!

Cura V, which means Curated by Five in Latin, is a lifestyle concept store, which houses an eclectic mix of under the radar brands, up and coming designers together with established artists in fashion and design. Tradition and Modernity are the underlying themes of the home accessories on the space. Carefully put together (by 5 of its partners), it collectively excites the senses. source

They even had Natalya Lagdameo jewelry – with my favorite giniling bracelets! I really liked this original antique amulet that she strung on 15 strands of seed pearls. Wow. That would be the perfect necklace of my Filipiniana ensemble… too bad it’s PHP 35,000 or 806 USD! (Note: original pieces from Natalya Lagdameo can be as old as 150 years old, are true antiques and Filipino treasures… so this price is reasonable for the piece of history that you are also buying.) If I were to invest in Filipiniana jewelry, that necklace would be it!!! I am definitely saving up for it!

I ended up with this Trousseau stingray bangle with gold-plated enamel by Filipino-Indian designer Reshma for PHP 2,800 or 65 USD. They had the cutest colors: hot pink, aqua, yellow…! If only I wasn’t on a budget, I would have gotten 2 or 3 more colors and stacked them up!

I love everything in Cura V and kudos to them for highlighting Filipino designers! You should see the gorgeous statement pieces. Aside from Natalya Lagdameo jewelry, a capiz clutch and bib necklace made of massive semi-precious stones caught my eye.

I couldn’t help but adore their packaging: black paper bag with gold logo, designed by Inksurge, and black grosgrain ribbon! Everything is so luxe and it’s definitely the kind of packaging that any woman would like to open up for a special occasion. *hint hint* I hope TD is reading this! =P