In most gatherings, where one might find a crowd of well-dressed socialites, it is rare to see someone who leaves an imprint on your mind.
Sure, you notice outstanding jewelry or well-coiffed hair, but these are nothing quite as intriguing as a woman of quiet grace, with good posture and a style of dressing that’s simple yet with well-defined silhouette.
Malou Lacson-Pineda is this kind of woman who stands out in a crowd with her poise and restrained elegance.
Reed thin, with an athletic physique, very defined cheekbones, and a strong jaw line, she leaves many women wondering how she keeps herself so trim and lean.
Beneath that admirable style is a focused career woman who continuously develops her mind.
Her career path began with Jewelmer, the French-Filipino company that is one of the most well-known South Sea pearl producers, where she handled VIP clients and where she was the sales representative to jewelry trade fairs in Basel, Switzerland; Tokyo, Japan; and Hong Kong.
She moved on to become the membership director of Rockwell Club and the Residential Towers of Rockwell, before being promoted to general manager of the Power Plant Mall.
Malou now handles Primaries Development Corporation, Rockwell Land’s newest subsidiary. And as she is challenged to hone her skills as a property developer for a broader segment, she hopes the new market will appreciate the well-planned, quality homes with a “universal” appeal offered at accessible price points.
“The companies I have worked with cater to the upscale, high-end market selling a lifestyle of luxury,” she says.
“My role keeps changing, but I like what I do and the excitement comes from looking forward to what else I could possibly do!”
Current events
The build-up of her clientele is solid because she knows what is important to them, as well as their expectations and requirements.
“Aside from very good customer service, it helps to be knowledgeable about other things outside your own industry. Current events make for things that matter to the lifestyle of your clients.”
If you run into Malou in an event or a mall, she’s always deep in conversation with anyone, covering topics from wine, to food, fashion, sports, travel.
Her game
“Being the eldest of three kids, I was influenced by older cousins who lived with us in my childhood days. I looked up to them as my older siblings and they became my role models. Having an active social life at an early age and having older friends made me absorb different interests, experiences, and tastes till I discovered my own personal style.
“The best way I keep myself updated in food, fashion, and arts is by traveling. Highly influenced by my first job, my family loves to travel to Europe. I discovered how I like things to be. I prefer clean, simple, architectural lines which apply to my way of dressing.”
Thus, she favors the designs of Rouland Mouret, Balenciaga, Jil Sander, Aspesi, Rick Owens, COS and REISS. To be unique, she knows to wear what is different from the rest.
“Wear what pleases you and do not dress to please others!” she stresses.
“I’m naturally drawn to neutral palettes like white, khaki, blue. My mother-in-law Maritess Pineda is an avid art collector and encouraged me to throw in colors as they look good in pictures. She was right! Now my home-base colors are brown, beige and gray spruced up with splashes of red, green and other bright colors for more life and energy. Her influence has also made our family appreciate tasteful art works.”
Malou’s sense of style has been honed by her exposure to different cultures through her travels, by her being surrounded by beautiful art, by her inclination toward clean, simple yet
elegant lines.
And with her determination, discipline and passion for her work, she will not only stand out in a crowd, but will definitely leave her mark in the industry as well.