Imagine a minaudière that doubles as jewelry. Its hard exterior is made of black paua shell, displaying a mesmerizing play of colors as it glistens under the light. Curved metal frames the piece, offsetting its sleek silhouette with organic lines. And if its iridescent sheen isn't enough, it is adorned with precious stones such as amethyst, citrine, topaz, tourmaline, and garnet.

That's the Aurora Bella minaudière, the pièce de résistance of homegrown brand Mele + Marie's display at Rustan's Makati. The brand is the latest addition to the premier department store's roster, presenting a distinctly Filipino take on luxury.

Rooted in Nueva Ecija and nurtured in Cebu, Mele + Marie has quietly built its reputation over the years. Founded in 2012 by Melecio and Rosemarie Oamil, the brand was created with ambitions that extended beyond Philippine shores. Melecio took on the role of chief designer, creating minaudières and jewelry pieces distinguished by meticulous craftsmanship and brought to life by skilled Filipino artisans.

It wasn't long before Mele + Marie established an international presence. Its Joana Bag received a Design Excellence Award in New York, while the brand became a familiar name at Première Classe Paris, held alongside Paris Fashion Week. Its creations have also appeared in international publications, including British Vogue, Vogue Italia, Vogue Greece, Harper's Bazaar France, and Numéro France.

“We’ve been exposed to the international market for a long time. We started by showcasing our products abroad first. Because of that, we’ve become very familiar with the international market—what they like and what suits them,” Rome Oamil, Mele + Marie’s creative director and daughter of the founders, tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Over the years, we have improved in terms of design conceptualization and how to present a proper collection. We've always wanted to tap into the local market.”

Its partnership with Rustan's came about quite serendipitously. Although both are homegrown brands, their paths first crossed overseas. Rustan Group of Companies' former chairperson, the late Zenaida "Nedy" Tantoco, first discovered Mele + Marie at a fashion show in Paris. A chance reunion with Rosemarie Oamil at Rustan's Makati in March 2023 rekindled that connection and paved the way for what has become a meaningful partnership. Through the efforts of Rustan’s head of Fashion Merchandising Gina Bonoan, Women’s Division Merchandise manager Reah Castro, and the women’s merchandising team, the collaboration finally came to fruition.

On July 23, the partnership was officially launched as Mele + Marie unveiled its designs to Rustan's Makati clients. Among the collections showcased were Bubbles, Basket, Harvest, and Hannah, alongside pieces from its collaboration with Swiss-born Filipino master jewelry designer Hans Brumann, including the Aurora Bella.

While each collection has its own distinct character, they are united by a celebration of Filipino craftsmanship. Every piece is handcrafted in Cebu by Filipino artisans and draws inspiration from the country's heritage, from gilded rice grains to the artistry of basket weaving.

“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,” Rome says. “We are deeply honored by this partnership. For generations, Rustan's has represented excellence, impeccable taste, and timeless elegance. It has set the standard for luxury retail in the Philippines through its 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.”