Fashion is often dismissed as superficial, a parade of trends that come and go.

But for 23-year-old Odile Pauline Roxas, fashion is a powerful manifesto, a way to reclaim identity and a means to romanticize life.

As a fashion executive designer and content creator known online as Odile Pauline, she wears many hats, each stitched with purpose. Whether she’s crafting couture, posting styling videos, or leading a team of creatives, Roxas isn’t just creating clothes, she’s rewriting the rules on what it means to be a woman who owns her power.

“My relationship with fashion started with my lola’s [grandma’s] collection of antique scarves,” Roxas shared. “I would wrap them around myself to create little dresses and sarees. That was my first torrid affair with fashion.”

From a child playing dress-up to becoming a fashion executive, Roxas’ journey has been one of determination, creativity, and self-discovery.

Fashion is more than just clothing, it’s a way to romanticize life. “I hope my designs and content empower people to love living again,” she explains.

In a time when many feel stuck in the monotony of daily life, Roxas uses her platform to inspire joy and individuality.

“I think people hate life so much nowadays, and we need to come back and realize there are things worth living for.”

The power of being unapologetic

Roxas’ path to confidence wasn’t linear. Like many young women, she struggled with self-doubt and the impact of toxic friendships during her formative years. But when the pandemic hit, it offered an unexpected pause that allowed her to reflect and reevaluate. She realized that part of reclaiming her power meant letting go of relationships that no longer served her.

“I realized certain people were holding me back… cutting them off helped me find myself,” Roxas explained. “My skin was glowing, my body was at its peak and it was because I surrounded myself with the right people.”

This newfound confidence translated into her work, where she encouraged women to embrace their individuality. Roxas’ journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness.

“Try not to consume too much of everything. Because I feel like when you’re always consuming other people’s content, you don’t have that extra room to explore your style.”

She found that confidence comes not from fitting in but from standing out on her terms, and she now inspires others to do the same. “I think it’s much better for your soul, actually, to force yourself to get creative. Because it really pushes your boundaries when it comes to style,” she expressed.

Redefining leadership, beyond comparisons

As a young Filipina navigating the competitive global fashion scene, Roxas has faced her fair share of hurdles. She acknowledges that competition and subtle discrimination exist in the industry, but Odile chose not to play that game.

“Women get compared to each other so often, whether it’s their skills or their physical appearance. But at the end of the day, you’re just competing with yourself,” she asserts.

Rather than viewing other women as competition, Roxas advocates for community and mutual support. She believes in lifting others as she climbs—a sentiment that feels poignant during National Women’s Month.

“It’s more inspiring to look at each other as equals. We can’t solve the problem unless we ourselves deny it.”

Sustainability with a personal touch

Roxas’ journey with sustainability reflects her evolution in fashion. Starting with thrifted clothes for her dark academic aesthetic, she eventually found herself trapped in the cycle of fashion collaborations.

“I realized it was better to stay true to what worked for me rather than following every trend,” she said. “I want to show people that I can follow trends without buying fast fashion.”

Her approach to sustainable fashion is rooted in creativity. Roxas believes that fashion doesn’t need to be wasteful to be beautiful. Drawing from childhood memories of turning scarves into various outfits, she continues experimenting with how garments can be reimagined.

“One of the best pieces of advice I have received was to view clothing not as what it is, but as what it could be.”

By encouraging her audience to embrace conscious consumption, Roxas is helping to shift the narrative. It is not about having more—it’s about doing more with what you already have.

A month dedicated to reflection and empowerment

March holds a special place in Roxas’ heart—not just because it is National Women’s Month but also because it is her birth month. For her, this time is both a celebration and a moment of reflection.

“I think it’s important to celebrate and to thank the women who have inspired you in this month,” she reflects. “Think about who really paved the way for you to come here. And it has always been women, no matter what gender or race you are. Only a woman can ensure that you get into this world in the first place.”

From her Lola, who first nurtured her love of fashion, to her mother who believed in her dreams, she continues to pay tribute to them throughout her journey. She owes her journey to her female relatives who continue to keep her grounded and real.

Roxas also emphasizes the importance of celebrating oneself.

“If you’re born during Women’s Month and you identify as a woman, you should definitely celebrate yourself,” she says. “It gives you a good spiritual and mental boost.”

The Odile legacy

Odile Pauline Roxas has no interest in being boxed into a single label. She wants to be remembered for versatility, for going all in and doing it unapologetically.

“I want to be remembered for being iconic… I want to be my own muse. Not just for myself, but for the people I inspire.”

She also emphasizes the importance of knowing when to take a step back, drawing from her experience as a ballet dancer.

“A good dancer knows when the spotlight isn’t on her,” she said. “Sometimes it’s okay to step back and let other people be heard.”

Roxas is not just rewriting fashion narratives—she is redefining what it means to lead with passion. She weaves a story of strength, character, and purpose. She continues to carve a path for herself in the fashion industry as a designer for her brand, a fashion executive, and a content creator.

Like a graceful swan, from which the name Odile comes, she reminds us to glide with elegance above the surface while paddling fiercely beneath—proving that strength and beauty can be one and the same.

Through her vision, she is turning fashion into a medium of empowerment, inspiring women to wear their stories and live them boldly. — Sheba Barr, INQUIRER.net intern