Whether she’s in Paris or Petra, Miel Villamor knows how to dress for the occasion. And that comes from her more than half a decade of experience as a stylist. Often dressed in comfy, colorful clothes, she understands that fit and comfort are the two key elements a woman needs when selecting items for her wardrobe.
That’s why, when she decided to put up her retail concept Fifth Rack (46 Aguirre Ave. BF Homes Parañaque), a lifestyle store that carries clothing, accessories and homeware, she wanted to make sure that her merchandise spoke to a broad spectrum of people, with pieces that had personality but could be worn with basics.
Carrying local labels such as Lily and Jones, Salt Swim, Muse and Fille et Fills, Miel looked to online brands first, wanting to offer them a platform that would allow consumers to experience their brands in person.
“I was always interested in fashion, but I didn’t know exactly what department of fashion I wanted to work with,” she says. “I just tried different things.”
From your experience as a stylist, what are most women concerned with when it comes to dressing up?
Every client I style, whatever their body type, the first concern is, “Do I look fat? I want to look thinner. Does this outfit make me thinner?” This is always the number one concern of most of my clients. Women are way harder on themselves. We are our worst critics. So my job is to try to make them feel and be the best version of themselves.
No-no
What should a woman never do when it comes to fashion?
Women should always wear what fits them best. I think it is a no-no to get a size smaller than your original size because you are ashamed to get a medium or a large. Let’s keep it real! You will end up looking bigger than your normal size if you don’t get what fits you best.
Having transitioned to retail, what was your approach to Fifth Rack?
The goal of Fifth Rack is to help online and start-up brands have another platform for their items. We give them a decent space with a good amount of marketing. We want our local brands to grow through sales, exposure and awareness.
How do you mix editorial pieces with more commercial pieces? Or is there no difference now?
I usually mix edgier items with classic statement pieces. It is always fun to mix and match, and I feel like it complements both items. I don’t think there is a big difference anymore because people have such different styles, so sometimes “editorial pieces” can be worn every day by women with funkier aesthetics.
Who did you have in mind while putting together Fifth Rack?
Our ideal customer is any woman who has an eye for quality things in fashion, makeup and homeware items, but is also on a budget. We try to get brand partners who have great products that are affordable to every person. We usually have something for everyone, as cheesy as that sounds. We have items for moms, titas, kids and teenagers. The customers that have been recently coming in are students, moms and some guys buying gifts for their girlfriends.
What’s the most popular item in the store?
We have been on soft opening for two weeks now, and the most popular items in the store are Smell Chic (linen sprays and body wash) and Fille et Fills (perfume, colognes and stress free mist).
And did it surprise you to know that it had a large fanbase?
No, because the items smell good and it is something that people use every day at any age.
Based on your experience, what do you think are the five essentials a woman should invest in?
I think every girl should invest in a good pair of comfortable flats that you can wear everywhere, a nice white button-down, a classic bag that you can wear from day to night, a lipstick shade that makes you feel good, and sneakers.
Classic with a twist
What labels and looks does your wardrobe revolve around?
My style is very classic with a twist. I usually get my unique stuff from online stores, or you can never go wrong with Zara and H&M. Another thing I love to do is to have items made. Every time I see something I like online or in a magazine, I have someone make something similar for my body type.
Take us through your day uniform and dress-up ensembles.
Usually during the day, I am in a skirt or a dress with either flats or sneakers. I am most comfortable with just a minimal look and flats. If I dress up, the only difference is I put on more makeup and add a pair of heels to my outfit.
In terms of style, are there things you inherited from your mom and sister?
I think making an effort and taking the time to style myself comes from my mom. Growing up, I always saw her take the time to put together an outfit, even if she was going on a simple errand. She never left the house not dressed well in a classic outfit. My older sister, on the other hand, has a more funky and edgy style so I think I got the best of both. Classic with a twist!
For makeup, what do you never leave home without?
I never leave the house without my MAC lipstick.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned about dressing up so far?
You should always be comfortable with what you are wearing. Once you try to wear something that you are not comfortable with, you won’t be confident. So wear outfits that will flatter your body type and make you more confident.
What do you hope to learn next?
I hope to learn more about the local fashion and start-up brands in Manila. There are many interesting brands and people out there that we do not know about! I hope to grow and learn more with these brands alongside Fifth Rack.