These are the most beautiful and successful mother-and-daughter tandems in Manila today. They are incredibly smart, humble, hardworking and stylish. Beyond the maternal bond, they are best friends because of mutual respect, love and, may I say, child-like curiosity about life, career, about each other.
They started as mothers and daughters, but after the daughters married and became mothers themselves, they became real equals.
Aranazes
Becky Aranaz and daughter Amina Aranaz-Alunan are a style team. The latter of course is behind the internationally famous bag label, Aranaz.
Becky Aranaz
How I influenced Amina: “I was always very interested in fashion. So it was impossible that it would not rub off on my children. We’ve made countless shopping trips together. Dressing her up as a child, I showed her that fashion could be an outlet of self-expression. I also had an in-house sewer to regularly make dresses for her. I even matched dresses for her and Rosanna. Before she got married, we had weekly Saturday malling trips which were bonding time for us. We also shared dresses and accessories.
How we are different: “Amina likes the more feminine type of clothes while I opt for the simpler, more basic look.”
How we are the same: “We both like classic pieces, but we also like clothes or statement accessories with a touch of drama.”
What’s not too well-known about our lifestyle: “Being pro-Filipino and all-natural living are two of my main advocacies. I believe in living a chemical-free life. I practice traditional Filipino medicine. I staunchly support Filipino-made goods and materials. I even have a blog called the greenqueendiaries.blogspot.com.”
What look I will wear this summer: “My signature short shift dresses. I like the forgiving silhouette. I always have a couple made in various fabrics to my liking.”
How to look cool amid humid climate: “By wearing short breezy dresses with a nice neckpiece and, of course, a great bag!”
Amina Aranaz-Alunan
What dressing tips and traditions mom has taught me: So many! I developed my love for fashion because she exposed me to it as a child. Be comfortable in your own style, she taught me. It’s better to stand out rather than blend in and disappear into the crowd. She taught me to veer away from bland and boring looks and always put a little unexpected touch in my way of dressing.”
How I am different from my mom: “We’re different only because of body type and age. But when I was still single I would borrow clothes from her. And I occasionally still do.”
How we are the same: “We both love and adore accessories! An eye-catching bag tops the list! We also love intricate jewelry, whether it be fine or costume. We also both gravitate toward unique and handmade pieces with touches of embroidery, beading, cutwork, weaving, etc. That’s why this appreciation greatly reflects upon the bags we both design for our brand Aranaz.”
What look I will wear this summer: “I’m loving the print-on-print trend! I find it so tropical and carefree. So apt for summer!”
How I look cool despite the humidity: “By wearing breathable fabrics and cuts. Summer is also the best time you can wear a straw beach bag even when outside the office!”
Kienles
Meanwhile Zelda Kienle and daughter Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez run together Filux, the house of fine wood furniture.
Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez
What dressing tips and tricks mom has taught me: “My mom has taught me not to overthink outfits… to wear the ensemble and not let it wear you!”
How she and her mom are similar: “We have similar taste in fashion, although I have the tendency to be more adventurous whereas my mom usually sticks to classic styles.”
What look I will wear this summer: “I’m all about the safari this summer, as it’s my dream destination.”
How I look cool despite the humidity: “A smile and bright lips always exude something fresh.”
What’s not well-known about our lifestyle: “Mom and I share decadent desserts just like we share clothes!”
Zelda Kienle
How I have influenced my daughter’s fashion: “When my daughters were young, the fashion world had little impact on their clothing choices so I made most of the decisions for them. I always dressed them appropriately according to their age and occasion. Quality, comfort and style were always essential. As they grew, their worlds enlarged and so did their perceptions of fashion, but I always influenced them also to value modesty as modest clothing can still be stylish and attractive.”
How we’re different, how we’re the same: “I dress according to my mood. You can easily catch me in T-shirt and jeans which you would hardly catch Steph in. But in general I stick to classics… We can have similar taste in dressing up, too, but Stephanie can be more daring and adventurous.”
What look I will wear this summer: “I think I will be more in lighter fabrics and pastel colors.”
How to look cool amid the hot weather: “Stay fresh-looking by spraying some sweet-smelling scent, and smile!”
What’s not well-known about our lifestyle: “I don’t take things too seriously!”
Aranaz Bags is at L/2, Power Plant Mall and Greenbelt 5 (tel. 8907559, 7570301)
