STYLE TALKS
DESCRIBE A REGULAR DAY IN YOUR LIFE. WHAT KEEPS YOU
BUSY? I usually start my days at around 6:00 AM, with or without classes. I’m a big morning person, and I love having time for myself to go to the gym, and make a healthy breakfast. Then I get ready for the day, whether it be for school or getting work done. Every now and then, I’ll set aside time to go meet up with some friends and de-stress a bit before heading back to work.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR YEAR
S O FA R ? Personally, I’m a very sentimental person, so every moment I’ve had to spend back home, in LA or in the Philippines, would definitely be at the top of my list. I’m grateful that I get to travel as much as I do, and I’m lucky that a lot of my family and friends are in both countries.
APART FROM FASHION, WHAT FIELDS OR ACTIVITIES INTEREST YOU? Other than fashion, I truly love music. Whenever I have time, I pull out my ukulele or MIDI keyboard and just mess around on Garage Band. Even if I have a full day ahead of me, I find time to just put my earphones on and listen to whatever music matches my mood at the time. I’m also a bookworm and I’m currently reading Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb.
DESCRIBE YOUR AESTHETIC. WHAT IS YOUR STYLE
PHILOSOPHY? One thing I really like about fashion is the fact that the trends are constantly changing. Since I’m still quite young, I can experiment with different colors and styles so I know what I feel the most confident in. If I had to describe my aesthetic, it would be a combination of laid back casual, chic, and street...So, maybe experimental would best describe it? An outfit is deemed perfect if it fits my three-C philosophy: Am I comfortable? Do I feel confident? Is it cute?
ARE YOU A PLANNER OR A SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT DRESSER? I try to plan my outfits in advance, but I tend to change my outfit three times before settling on one that fits the weather.
DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE ICONS WHOM YOU LOOK UP TO? I definitely look up to icons like Shay Mitchell, Dua Lipa, and Chiara Ferragni. They definitely inspire me to step out of my comfort zone and wear what makes me happy.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FASHION INVESTMENT? Ican’t say it was an investment, but in high school, it was my prized possession—a black Chanel messenger bag I borrowed from my mom but never returned. I had to do chores in exchange.
PICK YOUR POISON: BAGS OR SHOES? Both! My mom is bag crazy, so I know I can always borrow from her, but with shoes, I feel like you can dress your outfit up or down with your footwear.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS OR BRANDS LOCALLY OR ABROAD? WHY DO YOU LIKE THESE IN PARTICULAR? Like anyone my age, Off-White would be on my list. Virgil Abloh’s collaborations are awesome. Givenchy and Valentino, whether shirts, sneakers or accessories are staples in my closet. I’m currently loving the new MCM bags and MSGM tops and dresses. However, Fila and Adidas are still my any day favorite from sweatshirts to sneakers.
QUICK, YOUR CLOSET’S ON FIRE! WHAT ARE THE FIRST THREE THINGS YOU WOULD S AV E ? My Nike Air Force 1s ‘07, my black corduroy jacket, and a maxi dress.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT OBSESSION. I’ve been trying out this long sock and cropped skinny jeans combo, and I feel like it’s the perfect way to show that I’m a balance of put-together and chill.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? One thing I’m looking forward to is moving to the Philippines to work. This means adjusting from school life to office setting and warmer weather, meaning I can wear more dresses and skirts.