A dermatologist, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo has an impressive list of high-profile and celebrity clientele. She admitted fashion is her “guilty pleasure.”
She considers her style rather bold for her profession. “I enjoy intricacies of different colors, textures, and cuts that can transform a particular outfit into something fashion-forward,” said Aguilar-Teo, 42.
We caught up with the always impeccably dressed but down-to-earth beauty guru as she recently opened her latest clinic at SM Megamall Fashion Hall.
The new Aivee Clinic at SM Megamall Fashion Hall is a skin-centric center that’s focused on improving the skin through non-invasive treatments.
“It features a unique and holistic method of analyzing the skin into many different skin types,” she said, “with a complete and thorough recommendation and tips in improving and maintaining one’s skin.”
What’s your best beauty advice?
They say that for external beauty to truly radiate, inner peace, a clear conscience, and a heart nurtured with love are essential. Since most of my patients have already become dear friends, aside from teaching them the value of proper skincare and treatments, I also give them personal advice to help them cultivate both facets of beauty.
Tell us something interesting or quirky that no one knows about you.
Most people assume that I’m not very fond of food due to my relatively slim profile. Contrary to what they think, I actually love food! On our travels, my husband and I, with our kids, are in constant search of the best Hainanese chicken rice, congee, dim sum and other delicacies.
When did your love for fashion and beauty start?
Ever since I was young, I’ve always been fascinated with how my mother dresses up for events. I’ve always admired her jewelry, clothes and shoe collection. I dreamed that one day I’d be able to collect such pieces. For me, it’s a strong definition of what a work of art is. I also think that one of the biggest influences on my inclination to fashion would be growing up with three sisters. We’ve always enjoyed shopping and styling each other, which is also why we’re still very close and warm with each other.
Whose style influences your dress sense?
I don’t think there’s a particular person who influenced my personal style. It’s a culmination of my travels along with the different cultures I’ve seen.
What is the oldest and dearest item or the most versatile piece in your closet?
My wedding gown by Monique Lhuillier. Though not the oldest, it has a very special place in my heart.
Is there any item in particular which you collect?
I collect statement pieces and works of art from local and international fashion designers, so that I can enjoy them with my daughter Kelly in the future.
Do you have any style rule?
I normally don’t have the luxury of time, so I just mix and match my outfit for the day with my fashion instinct.
What for you is the biggest fashion faux pas?
I don’t think there’s a concrete faux pas in fashion as it’s an expression of one’s individualism, but one should know how to dress up depending on his/her age and the occasion.
What’s one fashion trend you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t dared to?
Androgynous fashion. Being a classically feminine person, I have yet to muster the courage to try it.
What’s your current statement piece?
I am deeply in love with the classic Harry Winston white gold watch with diamonds my husband gave me.
What do you consider your signature piece?
I love fashion like statement bangles and neckpieces. I love bold necklaces from Lanvin and Givenchy, and cuffs from Hermés and Chanel.
What’s your favorite trend this season and how do you interpret it according to your personal style?
Though there are limitless trends this season, I tend to stick to my personal style and slightly tweak it according to what’s hip. I enjoy the wearable art form and prints of the S/S 2014 collection of Prada.
What’s next on your shopping wish list?
I would enjoy having a statement jacket/suit from Balmain or Chanel, or a couture dress from Prabal Gurung.
Could you tell us more about your new clinic at Megamall Fashion Hall?
It’s a new concept that flourished throughout my years in research and practice of clinical dermatology. Like the Aivee Institute at the Fort, which features a wide armamentarium of aesthetic and surgical lasers, a fully operational surgery unit, and a sophisticated stem cell unit, the Aivee Clinic also features a Peel Bar Skin Peeling Concept that is fully customizable depending on the concerns, willingness to peel, and commitment to downtime of the patient.
The Aivee Clinic, like all our clinics, has the latest state-of-the-art aesthetic lasers to maximize its potential to deliver unparalleled degree of service and patient satisfaction.
Call tel. 64-AIVEE. For more information, log on to www.aivee.ph or e-mail [email protected].
Her personal style and fashion heroes
Go-to fashion brands: Dior and Lanvin for dainty feminine silhouettes. Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, Celine and Jil Sander for dressy tops. Balenciaga and Balmain for edgier silhouettes. Celine and Pierre Hardy for comfortable pumps. Christian Louboutin and Valentino for edgy shoes.
Haircut and color: Jing Monis
Online shopping site: net-a-porter.com and luisaviaroma.com
Artist: Creative geniuses Raf Simons, Alber Elbaz and Nicolas Ghesquière, who have preserved the rich heritages of Christian Dior, Lanvin and Louis Vuitton into a modern yet still-loved fashion atelier.
Fashion book: Though not necessarily books, I like Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and Vanity Fair.
Portrait photos by BJ PASCUAL
Shoot produced by CARMENCITA S. SIOSON
Makeup by MAYESA DE LOS SANTOS
Hairstyle by JOAN GARCIA
