IN PHOTOS: blk’s first anniversary party serves straight-up ’90s realness

MANILA, Philippines – No era strikes a chord in millennials’ hearts quite like the ’90s, the decade in which most of them came of age.

In a way, it makes perfect sense that local make-up brand blk Cosmetics also chose to come of age in the ’90s, as it recreated the decade for its first anniversary bash held Friday, October 12, at the Swatch & Swatch building in Makati.

The party was filled with trappings reminiscent of the decade, and any ’90s kid would have had an instant flashback to their younger years. There were arcade games, a ball pit, neon lights, a candy store, and a playlist of irresistible songs by Spice Girls, Aqua, S Club 7, and other ’90s hits. There was even a silent disco on the second floor.

There were also make-up booths featuring the brand’s anniversary collection, blk to the ’90s, which was launched last October 13 on the blk website and at the brand’s boutiques and booths at Watsons and SM. (IN PHOTOS: BLK’s new collection will make ’90s kids’ hearts skip a beat)

The event was attended by Anne Curtis, the brand’s face and creative force. She was joined by her partners CEO Jacque Gutierrez and Managing Partner Stephanie Abellada, and the 3 of them together, all dolled-up in plaid, looked like the posse from ’90s cult classic Clueless.

Several celebrities and influencers were also spotted at the event, including Raymond Gutierrez, Isabelle Daza, and Alodia and Ashley Gosiengfiao.

A celebratory Anne gushed over her beauty baby turning one.

“[It’s been] amazing, amazing. At the same time, a lot of learning but I’m enjoying it. It’s a lot of fun,” Anne told Rappler in an interview at the event.

“It’s something I’m super passionate about, so I’m happy. I’ve been acting and in the industry for like 21 years already, so for me this is like a whole new educational experience. So I guess I’m enjoying this a little bit more now.”

Her work for blk has so far been inspired by things that she loves or is interested in. Before the ’90s collection, the brand also launched collections inspired by Anne’s love for travel and K-beauty.

“I think people see a trend already na parang, whatever I’m into. It just makes things easier,” she said, explaining how she comes up with themes for blk’s collections.

Ever the go-getter, she said that she knows the ideas may not always flow as easily someday, but she is excited to face the challenge of coming up with something new.

“I know a time will come that I know I’ll probably get stuck na parang, oh my gosh, what’s my next collection gonna be like? But you know what, it’s part of the process, and I’m excited to discover what challenges will happen,” Anne said.

Here are more scenes from blk’s ’90s birthday bash:

– Rappler.com