Tina Ocampo, accessories designer. Tina Ocampo is inarguably one of the chic-est women in Manila. She always looks polished and, yes, expensive—but quite tastefully so. A standout, she never dresses like anyone in the room. Case in point: the recent Philippine Tatler Ball where she arrived in a bare-back emerald-green Pepito Albert. Sexy, but age-appropriate.
Lucy Torres, politician. With her inherent beauty, Lucy could make a sack dress look like a million-bucks sack dress. But you would, however, not find her in anything outrageous: She sticks to what works best for her, and that’s feminine and well-tailored dresses by the likes of Randy Ortiz, Joey Samson or Noel Crisostomo. She always looks clean and fresh.
Pauline Juan, Preview magazine editor. Unlike most women who stick to one look, there’s no one single look (read: uniform) for Pauline so that it’s always gratifying to see what she wears at any given affair. She’s experimental and a true champion of up-and-coming designers: She gives them her stamp of approval not just by giving them editorial space in her magazine, but by wearing them as well.
Liza Ilarde, editor. The mixing of the boldest prints and colors seems instinctive to this woman. Even when she’s wearing a solid black dress, expect her to punctuate it with something bright or quirky in the form of a purse or some other accessory. Liza is one of those women over 40 who dress their age but are never dull or frumpy.
Nina Huang, housewife and socialite. She’s no social butterfly, but when she does grace a party, Nina never disappoints in the style department. She embodies chic and taste, always looking poised and graceful, whether her look is classic and tailored, or ultra-feminine.
Kaye Tinga, home-store owner. Kaye consistently lands the best-dressed lists, and with reason. This is a woman who clearly loves beautiful, well-made clothes. She looks effortlessly chic either in sleek-cut shifts, designer jeans or evening dress by her favored designers (Dennis Lustico, Pepito Albert).
Mandy de la Rama-Santos, children’s wear designer and entrepreneur. Apart from a cutting-edge style, she has a well-toned, athletic bod that makes her a dream to dress. She’s a muse of both Inno Sotto and Rajo Laurel, and a favorite in best-dressed lists.
Anne Curtis, actress. Her new grownup look is refreshing, especially in that black sheer Rajo Laurel dress for the first Philippine Fashion Ball. It’s a new look for her, since it’s far from the ultra-feminine style she used to go for before. She looked sexy but elegant.
Pauline Prieto, model. Her street-chic style looks effortless. She’s got the model-off-duty look down pat.
Iza Calzado, actress. Her style is more sophisticated than most contemporary young actresses, but still fashion-forward.
Bea Soriano, model. She has transformed into a refined woman with a classic style that’s highlighted by carefully chosen trends that enunciate her fun-loving spirit.
Amina Aranaz-Alunan, accessories designer, fashion-school directress and Inquirer Lifestyle columnist. She has the old-world glamour, but with a modern twist. She can easily balance family and work, in style. Whether for casual lunch or dressy evening affair, her dressing is effortless.
