The latest fashions walk the streets of one of Manila’s business districts; Tina Cuevas invites us for a private tour of her closets; stylish essentials for a more polished men’s look at the workplace
Tina Cuevas’ collection of accessories tells a story of blessings
Averitable clotheshorse, it is not unusual to see Tina Cuevas, society doyenne about town, dressed to the nines and always accompanied by her trademark selfie stick. The quintessential Tina Cuevas look is what she describes as “boho chic,” although she takes care to mention that she is also a fan of the minimalist look on other people. “I love it when someone is in a structured gown and she’s tall and thin, but for me, I like the bohemian look with a lot of accessories.”
Tina’s closet space takes over four rooms, and everything is neatly organized. It takes her four hours to get ready, but she remembers exactly where
everything else is. “I know and remember all my things. All my accessories, all my shoes, and sometimes I remind my PA because she’s the one who forgets,” she says, laughing. Everything is organized in a catalog, listing what shoe or bag is located at what part of the room. “It’s for belts, shoes, bags, and scarves, all the accessories. It is very important that we know where it is. It’s all numbered,” she says.
The most treasured pieces in her collection are gifts from her parents. “The Fendi limited edition bag with beads was given to me by my dad in 2013, the year before he passed away,” she says. “So it has a sentimental value for me.” Likewise are a limited edition Prada purse and
a Gucci ostrich bag that belonged to her mom, and given on to her when she passed away.
Tina has always loved clothing, bags, and shoes, but if she were to pick, she says accessories are more important. “I think they complete any outfit,” she says. “If I were traveling, and wearing all black, or jogger pants, then I can wear sneakers or lace shoes with ribbons. Or I can change accessories like scarves, necklaces, and belts.”
When Tina goes shopping, she does not really have a wish list. “When I travel, I go to my favorite stores and get what I like,” she says. She enjoys both shopping the store or online, but agrees that personally being in a store, touching the wares and watching as they pack up her purchase is part of the experience. A determined shopper, if something she wants is not there, she is willing to wait, but of course, making another buy is also just as sweet. “A few years ago, I really wanted the Chanel 2.55 bag in pink. I was in Las Vegas and the boutique did not have it, so they requested it. By the time it had arrived, I already left but they kindly sent it. It’s a rare moment when that happens, and when it does, I’m okay to buy something else.”
Tina says she does not really have a favorite brand; it all just depends on her mood and the season she happens to be shopping. “There are seasons when I want more Gucci, and then I want
Prada or Chanel. For the last two years, I have really liked Chloé and Fendi.” Her eye is now directed towards the newly re-issued Dior Saddle Bags, which re-released the iconic mid-aught purse with a social media blitzkrieg. “The new ones are thicker, and they have small ones. It’s so cute.”
A habit for Tina that is hard to break is buying things in multiples. “One thing you’ll notice in my closet is—and this is embarrassing— but if I like something, I’ll get it in different colors. So it becomes easier for me to pick out what to wear, so I don’t have to think anymore.”
She has quite a few purchase regrets. She mentions that her feet have changed sizes, so now she cannot wear her size 38s, having now moved
on to size 40. A solo shopper, Tina does most of her shopping while on travels with the family. “We’ll all be together for New Year’s or Christmas, but then everyone disappears and I end up shopping alone,” she says. “I think it’s better this way because it’s diyahe kasi to ask your friends to wait while you try, diba?”
Filled with blessings, Tina believes having a meaningful life is having a balanced life. “I manage my time because I want to spend moments with my family, so I can have family dinners with them and enjoy our travels together,” she shares. “At the same time, my job is very important to me.” She is also blessed with friendships. “I have different groups of friends and I enjoy every group when I go out with them, I really enjoy it.”