“I missed this,” Miss Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina gushed as the Inquirer Lifestyle team glammed her up for her fashion shoot. This was a welcome respite from the hectic “pageant” vibe she has been surrounded with the past months, as she gears up for the Miss Universe pageant.

Maxine was a model for eight years, a member of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines.

At the shoot, the atmosphere was light and cheery, with her playlist including Rihanna and Drake playing in the background.

It was like a party. She snacked on pizza and a few pieces of chicken wings during the break.

Despite the pressure of being the hometown girl and aiming for a back-to-back victory, Maxine didn’t look anxious or stress. She was back in her element as a model.

Glitterati. Gold flat-sequined gown by Tadashi Shoji, available at Rustan’s; gladiator sandals, Aldo

Effortless

Her fashion background has become a strength for Maxine; even with a model’s physique, she proudly said she has not undergone any beauty enhancement. “I don’t think I would ever entertain that thought, and I am happy with what God gave me,” she declared.

You could see her fashion sense when the camera started clicking. Each dress she wore was a perfect fit, going about the session with ease.

The pieces complemented her morena complexion, which also reveals that she’s a beach person who loves to sunbathe.

It has been a dream for many to see a Miss Philippines wearing clothes by Filipino designers. That has become a reality with Maxine, who seems destined to become the best-dressed Miss Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant in recent memory.

Aside from Rhett Eala, who will design her national costume and competition gown, a couple of young designers from Slim’s were fortunate to have Maxine as their muse for this feature. Each of their creations has a story to tell.

The muse. Expect Maxine to don a lot of pieces by Rhett Eala, including this black halter trapeze dress in rayon.

Innovation. Dress designed by Riza Bulawan of Slim’s was part of an exhibit in the Netherlands.

The Ophelia dress. Designed by Reymund Claridad of Slim’s, the off-shoulder dress with hand painted and embroidered brocade bodices and draped gazar skirt with bouquet detailing is inspired by the Shakespeare character Ophelia.

“Czarina” tiara of gold, seed pearls, diamond rosettes, 17 different vintage cameos, from the collection of Luis Ablaza. Turtle-neck top with bell sleeves, Rodolfo Dominguez, at Rustan's — “Czarina” tiara of gold, seed pearls, diamond rosettes, 17 different vintage cameos, from the collection of Luis Ablaza. Turtle-neck top with bell sleeves, Rodolfo Dominguez, at Rustan’s

Photography Jason Clyde Gabriel
Styling Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup and Hairstyle Syd Helmsley
Makeup by Dior located at SM Beauty, SM Store Makati
Special thanks to Ton Lao

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