Bags that tell stories from the heart
Rustan’s Makati welcomed fashion enthusiasts and loyal customers to the launch of its latest luxury handbag and accessories brand, Mele+Marie, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading destinations for luxury fashion and lifestyle brands.
Held at the department store’s flagship branch in Makati City, the launch showcased a curated selection of handbags and accessories that combine timeless craftsmanship with contemporary design.
Mele+Marie, a brand discovered by the late Nedy Tantoco, is known for its ‘milk’ bags.
Founded by Melecio and Rosemarie Oamil in 2012, Mele + Marie grew from modest beginnings to become a name synonymous with impeccably-crafted accessories. Made in artisan workshops in the Philippines, Mele + Marie channels Filipino experience into design, embedding in their work both personal history and national heritage.
Known for their “milk” bags (Bags that can hold money, iPhone, lipstick, keys), the brand uses materials like mother-of-pearl and abalone shells, richly iridescent and deeply tied to the sea and culture of Cebu, combined with metals such as brass and gold plating.
In just over a decade, the brand has earned international acclaim for its exceptional handbags and fashion accessories. Among its award-winning creations are the Joana Bag, recipient of a Design Excellence Award in New York, and the Emman Clutch, which received the prestigious 2023 Katha Award for Best Product Design (Fashion).
The brand has become a familiar presence during Première Classe Paris held alongside Paris Fashion Week and has showcased its collections at prestigious exhibitions in Versailles and New York and other major cities of fashion.
“Our creations are guided by three values—they tell stories from our hearts, are born from our unwavering faith, and celebrate beauty in every aspect of life,” shared Rome Oamil, creative director of Mele + Marie.
The seeds of this collaboration were planted several years ago when the late Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, former chairperson of the Rustan Group of Companies, discovered the brand during an international fashion event. A chance reunion with managing director Marie Oamil at Rustan’s Makati in March 2023 rekindled that connection and paved the way for what has now become a meaningful partnership.
“We are deeply honored by this partnership,” she added. “For generations, Rustan’s has represented excellence, impeccable taste and timeless elegance. They have set the standard for luxury retail in the Philippines through their unwavering commitment to quality, gracious service and refined style. To have Mele+Marie become part of that legacy is truly a milestone for our brand,” adds Oamil.
One-of-a-kind collaboration with Hans Brumann
In a marketplace awash with generic luxury, Mele+Marie is a reminder that true luxury is rooted in history, material integrity, and rooted storytelling. The star of the display at the launch, a collaboration with known jewelry designer Hans Brumann, is the Aurora Bella minaudière. Made of black paua shell, its metal curves are adorned with real precious stones such as tourmaline, garnet, citrine, topaz and amethyst. Priced at a whopping P1.2 million, the bag is a one-of-a-kind piece that doubles as jewelry.
Looking ahead, the brand continues to strengthen its presence both in Manila and abroad, with the brand introducing its first shell bags that incorporate leather, the Georgia collection. Creative director Rome Oamil, who studied Fashion Design and Merchandising in De La Salle College of St. Benilde, hopes to expand into clothing in the future. “I’m very excited for the time I do get to sit down and get all of my ideas out there,” says Oamil.
Mele+Marie is available at Rustan’s Makati.
