When In Manila, women love to wear fashionable shoes. Albeit the extreme pain it gives and damage it does to their wallets, there is this certain oopmh that only shoes can fill in a woman’s lifestyle. Whatever design or label it is, it has somehow inclined to emphasize their vulnerability. With that V word said, one talented actress who has just added the ‘designer’ career under her belt is Maria Carmina Muñiz Villaroel, also known as Carmina Villaroel. Aside from having one of the most beautiful faces in the entertainment scene, Carmina as an actress, TV host, endorser, model and celebrity mom is the proud owner of Muñiz Shoes. She chose Muñiz– it being a tribute to her own maiden name.
Muñiz embodies Carmina Villarroel’s personal style after her so-called “long-term love affair with shoes”. Carmina being solid to her craft envisioned the kind of footwear that sacrificed neither style nor comfort. Her shoes are 100% Filipino made, sourced out with locally good materials and created by certified Filipino craftsmen. When asked where does the inspiration comes from, “Muñiz features my own design ideas which I have been interpreting through my kids,(twins Cassy and Mavy)’s sketches,” Carmina answers.
As Muñiz was originally sold online, Villaroel steps up her game and ventured into the retail scene thus collaborated with Ensembles. Pilot launch was executed at Ensembles Trinoma and results were that good that people asked for more branches to carry her shoe line. Ensembles, being a contemporary accessible brand for strong, independent yet feminine women has been in the clothing industry for almost two decades now. Ensembles and Muñiz make good music together and their unparalleled elegance embodies luxury and sensuality for women alike. Villaroel is one hands-on entrepreneur, she looks lovely as ever being in-charge of the visual merchandise herself.
Having the privilege granted from Carmina herself for me to make a feature of her shoe line is just a eureka moment! I have always loved this lady ever since she started out from the showbiz world!:) Seeing and trying out her shoes made me realize more on how tough it is to be a lady- almost two dozen designs to choose from eh? Shoes are well-crafted, Pinoy pride that is! Though most of them are high heels, I may say they’re still comfy and I can bear wearing them even for a whole day. What I loved about it more is that Villaroel aimed for comfort and it didn’t lead her on giving up its fashion sense. See a few of my picks and of course, the whole look won’t be the same without having the whole “Ensembles” 🙂
Muñiz Shoes are geared towards shaping women’s style and substance. Every shoe is relatable, as how Villaroel let them carry different names that describe the concept of each design. Such names hold a special place in her heart – Barbara, Sofia, Ysabelle, Catherine, Bianca and Tiffany among others.
BEATRICE (Php 2,400)
An unapologetically girly and fun shoe, the Beatrice, named after one of Carmina’s nieces, comes with a wedge heel and is made of periwinkle material. Available in yellow, blue, black and violet.
SAMANTHA (Php 1,300)
A hybrid of the Oxford shoe and the mouse shoe, the Samantha, named after one of Carmina’s goddaughters, is made of leather with a black toe cap. Tiny perforations on its upper and shoelace details add a dapper appeal to this flat.
YSABELLE (Php 2,500)
One of Carmina’s favorite names, Ysabelle is a classic peep-toe pump with platform heels and a metallic finish. Trimmed with black piping and made to achieve a pebbled net stocking effect, this shoe has a sexy, vintage appeal that looks straight off the set of Mad Men. Comes in black, gray, cream, yellow, and maroon.
True enough, Carmina imbibing her passion for shoes is what led Muñiz to have that Carmina’s personal touch. From the details, you can see yourself evoking different personalities. These shoes are not basically just a mere sheath for one’s feet, neither to make women feel any discomfort- whatever the heel height or its price may be. For its quality, you can see that the price is also fairly just. Muñiz Shoes also is in adherence of an eco-consciousness advocacy. Upon purchase of any pair, the shoe is packaged in chic orange recycled boxes and eco-friendly shopping bags. That’s what you can call being a shoe lover with that edge of social responsibility.
As a designer, Villaroel sure do knows how incorporate simple yet unique designing effort into her merchandise. If you are not the type who loves to wear heels, she also has flats offered in the selection. Villaroel limit the number of shoes she makes for each style, making you more proud to be an owner of a Limited Edition design. Furthermore, she came up with half sizes which make her collection more sensible. Muñiz Shoes are viscerally intense with that subtle aura that captivates every woman’s taste.
Wherever you might be When In Manila, remember that real attractiveness doesn’t originate from the label or height of those high heels you wear, it’s innate and Muñiz Shoes is one of those who reaches out to anyone who desires to unleash it.
To know more about the brand and see Carmina Villaroel’s entire collection:
Muñiz Shoes website at https://munizshoes.com
or visit:
Ensembles (Trinoma, SM Megamall and Robinson’s Place Ermita)
