MEGA WOMAN
Creating a beauty empire out of her own willpower, Dr. Vicki Belo believes in knowing who you are and not compromising your identity
Vicki Belo schools us on knowing your identity and power
To become a Belo Baby is to join the ranks of the most celebrated beauties in the Philippines. Anne Curtis. Sarah Geronimo. Liza Soberano. Iza Calzado. The exclusive list goes on. The woman behind the taut skin and even tauter bodies is Dr. Vicki Belo, a true icon. Dr. Belo has pioneered numerous aesthetic innovations in the country, but culturally, she is probably most known for singlehandedly making once-taboo topics like liposuction and breast implants not just normal, but status symbols—so long as it’s by Belo.
And Dr. Belo has done it all in her own unique style: think bold colors and prints and even bolder names. From heritage brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès to brash new labels like Off White, Dr. Belo wears them all. Her achievements and her jet set style have not gone unnoticed by the international community. Various organizations and luxury brands have tapped her to become an ambassador. Yet talk to her and it’s clear that she’s not forgotten her roots—she easily speaks at length about the latest technologies and gets into detail about the science behind every procedure.
To date, Dr. Belo and her team, which includes husband Dr. Hayden Kho and daughter Cristalle Belo-Pitt, continue to expand into other areas. The Belo Medical Group currently has fifteen branches all over the country and their consumer brand Belo Essentials continues to be popular among beauty aficionados nationwide.
Even with all her successes, Dr. Belo continues to look forward and to think bigger and better. Beauty is truly in the eye of this beholder.
STYLE TALKS WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST FASHION MEMORY?
Well, we had the costurera in the house from Monday to Saturday so my mom would let me have 3 days with the costurera for my clothes. I would always look at magazines when I was young and have my costurera copy the designs! The cuoturera even used to make dresses for my Barbie dolls.
WHO’S YOUR FASHION ROLE MODEL WHEN YOU ARE GROWING UP?
My mom. She was always so well dressed. She has the most beautiful collection of clothes in her arsenal. I remember she would always wear matching Christian Dior bags and shoes. My love for clothes came from her.
WHAT IS YOU FASHION PHILOSOPHY?
Myfashion philosophy is to express who I am and my mood to the world through my clothes. If beauty is the reason for being, It is also a cause of joy. When I shop, it’s all about the emotion each piece exudes. If it makes me happy I will most definitely get it.
ARE YOU A SHOE OR BAG LOVER? OR BOTH?
More than shoes or bags, I really really love clothes. If I’m going to rank my love for fashion it would be clothes first, shoes second and last would be bags.
DO YOU LIKE TO ACCESSORIZE? AND WHICH THINGS DESIGNERS YOU LIKE?
I’m not much into accessories or jewlery but recently I was introduced to the jeweler of the stars, Lorraine Schwartz when I attended the Golden Globes. She has this iconic 2B Happy bracelet with the smiley. I love it because it has the Belo beautiful smile! She also has this evil eye bracelet that would protect you from people who wish you ill will. So for 2020 I will be wearing these to keep the positivity and not let anyone else ruin my happiness.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL?
My favorite designers internationally are Alessandro Michele and Virgil Abloh. Locally, I love Patricia Santos, John Herrera and Michael Cinco.
WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ON TODAY’S FASHION?
I love the way they give a new twist to what has been. But I also think that they are running out of ideas because all I see are recycled trends and pieces. I have not seen anything so radical and new in a while. But at the same time it’s still beautiful, it’s still different. Its just that I’m still waiting for someone to come up with something so unique, so new. I am anxiously waiting for the wow moment. That’s why I never throw away my animal print clothes because I’m pretty sure it’s coming back in four years or even earlier!
INNER REFLECTIONS WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE?
This is probably the easiest question. It’s Hayden and of course Scarlet. I am also always happy when I see Hunter, Cristalle’s son. I think the secret to a happy life is a grateful heart.
WHAT IS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?
Honestly, when I became Christian. Although I was Catholic and I would always consider being Catholic/Christian as the same because they believe that Jesus is their Lord and Savior, the question would always come up: "What am I here for?” or "What is the purpose of life?” When I became Christian I was able to answer that and it is helping others to find Jesus and know that heaven is a gift for all of us. It’s quite comforting to me because before there is always pressure to be good but now there is calmness and we do good not for a goal but for the very essence of goodness itself.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR DR. VICKI BE LO?
I don’t know! For me right now, it is to make sure that Scarlet grows up as a good and kind human being. She is very special to me and to everyone around her. She’s just four years old and she’s already achieved so much. She can be a leader and have influence in the future but it is my job to make sure that she is a good person. The future is not about me anymore, It’s about Scarlet and knowing that all my kids are going to be okay.
“BEFORE THERE IS ALWAYS A PRESSURE TO BE GOOD BUT NOW THERE IS CALMNESS AND WE DO GOOD NOT FOR A GOAL BUT FOR THE VERY ESSENCE OF GOODNESS ITSELF”