Christmas season is definitely shopping season. With more people stocking up on their holiday hauls, it's always a good idea to know what's hot and trendy.  And if you've saved up the whole year to give yourself or your loved one the perfect holiday gift, you'll want to make sure it's worth every centavo. To help us out with our shopping choices this year,  we spoke to luxury personal shopper Jessika Tanglao Cuyugan of @jtc.luxe to learn what Pinoys are buying this 2023.
 

According to Jessika, luxury shopping this year is at an all-time high, and many Filipinos are indulging in some lavish holiday purchases. "I think top-tier brands like Hermes, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton will always be popular with Filipino shoppers, but what I'm seeing this year is that more Pinoys are embracing newer brands like Maison Alaia, Polene, and Loewe to name a few. It's exciting to see more diversity in their choices," Jessika shared.

While there is so much variety when it comes to brands and products being bought, we've rounded up the top five holiday buys her clients are snapping up this season.

5. Balmain shirts for men
Throughout the year, the majority of Jessika's clientele consists of women who usually shop for themselves. During the holiday season, however, there is a noticeable upsurge in demand for items geared towards men.

"Many of my female clients would ask me about gift ideas for their husbands, boyfriends, or fathers as holiday gifts. And one of the top choices is always a Balmain shirt," said Jessika. "I think it's because Filipino men are generally t-shirt-wearing people, and Balmain offers a perfect balance of luxury and comfort. The brand's price point is also a bit more reasonable compared to a Prada or a Gucci shirt."

4. Hermes sandals
Whether it's the Oran or the ever-elusive Chypre, Jessika shared that Hermes sandals are undoubtedly constant bestsellers.
"Whenever I post Chypre sandals on my Instagram, clients would order them within hours, sometimes within minutes. It's crazy," she said. "Hermes Orans are always in demand because, even if there's a store in Manila, it can be a bit tricky to find the exact sizes or colors they want so that's where I come in and source it for them."

3. Polene bags
When it comes to bags, there are many luxury brands her clients look for. Chanel and Fendi bags are often requested by her celebrity clients, while Prada and Balenciaga bags are popular among Gen-Z shoppers. But this holiday season, she noticed that Polene, a minimalist bag brand, has become a top choice for Filipinos.

"The quiet luxury trend is picking up in the Philippines, and Polene's classic designs are perfect for that. They don't have any big logos or are not as flashy as a monogram bag. And even if the prices are much more accessible, when you carry a Polene bag, you can still sense the luxury," Jessika explained.

2. Designer shirts worn by celebrities
Celebrity influence is still a huge factor when it comes to shopping for clothing. Jessika revealed that many of her clients would often ask for the designer shirts such as Fiorucci, Loewe, and Ami Paris worn by celebrities.

"After Anne Curtis wore this white Loewe tank top, it became a top request from my clients. Also when Kathryn Bernardo wore an Ami Paris top, I had a barrage of messages asking for the same brand," she shared. "Until now, I get so many requests for clothing worn by celebrities, especially as the holiday season approaches."

1. Golden Goose Sneakers
White sneakers continue to dominate as the best-selling item this holiday season, with Veja, Adidas Samba, and Loewe x On as the most requested brands among Jessika's clients. But the brand that reigns supreme is Golden Goose.
"To be honest, I didn't expect that Golden Goose would maintain its popularity until now, especially with its distressed, worn-out look. But yes, the brand continues to be so popular among my clients," Jessika said.

Top tips when buying designer items
Ready to go holiday shopping? Jessika shared some tips when it comes to buying designer items. 
•    While you'll never go wrong with a classic, be open to new brands and styles. Don't limit yourself to just well-known luxury brands. Explore contemporary brands to find your unique style.
•    If you can't buy from the store itself, go through a reputable personal shopper to avoid the risk of wasting your money on a counterfeit product. If the price is too good to be true, beware.
•    Be mindful of sales and deals, but don't be afraid to splurge on timeless pieces that will last you a long time.