It’s Friday afternoon at Makati Shangri-La Hotel and the place is crawling with teenage girls.
They were there for two reasons— Rob Kardashian and Kylie Jenner.
Retail brand Human brought the stylish siblings to the country for Philippine Fashion Week where they were officially launched as the brand’s newest endorsers.
Human brand manager Suyen Yap said, “We chose them for the same reason everyone’s watching their show— they’re so charming, they’re so stylish, they’re gorgeous.”
The world first got to know Rob and Kylie in “Keeping Up With The Kardashians,” the hit reality TV show which continues to document their lives as one of America’s most famous families. Although for years the spotlight focused on their older siblings Kim, Kourtney and Khloe, the two, along with their 16-year-old sister Kendall, have been paving their way in making their own mark on the fashion world. Kylie models and is working on a clothing line with her sister. “We just finished the spring line. I’m really happy about it.” Rob will launch his sock collection at Neiman Marcus next week. He’s also creating his own clothing line and will open stores in the US and London. “I’m creating something that’s affordable for everybody but also fashion forward, cool and hip. I feel that Human’s the same.”
The two are excited about their Human endorsement. Rob, who says he has a lot of Filipino friends in LA, said, “It’s great to be a part of this campaign. It’s amazing to be involved in this culture and to be in the Philippines.”
Kylie added, “When we were offered to come here, I jumped right on it. I’ve never been here. Everyone’s been so welcoming. Working with my brother and spending time together has been amazing. I don’t want to leave.”
Rob and Kylie are endorsing Human Genes, the brand’s denim line. “My Human jeans are the only ones that fit me now,” Rob said. The two visited Human’s Glorietta branch and shopped. “I bought all the men’s sweats in the smallest size,” said Kylie.
They were obsessing over a pair of Human pants. “They’re like sweats slash trackpants. They’re cool. I bought a bunch. They’re not like normal pants— they’re very different,” Rob said.
Kylie teased, “And he bought them for … his friend.”
At the press conference, Rob and Kylie acted like any siblings would, teasing each other and showing their affection.
Rob said, “Kylie’s the youngest but being surrounded by so many independent women in my family has definitely made her grow faster than her age. She’s 15 but she’s in a different time zone. It’s crazy. I never could have imagined myself at her age doing all the things she’s been doing.”
They said their older sisters have taught them a lot. Kylie said, “We have a great relationship. (They said) never believe what people say about you. Just focus on what matters and always be yourself. Never change for anyone.”
And Rob said being surrounded by women helped him become more sensitive. “I didn’t really have a father figure but I’ve learned so much from all my sisters on how to treat women. I’ve learned a lot of great things, a lot of positive things. I’m very appreciative.
When asked about their show’s success, Rob said. “I just feel like we’re a very relatable family. We’re very real, we’re very honest, open, we don’t regret anything that we do on and off camera. We’re just ourselves and people relate to us. We’re a normal, real family.”
Kylie added, “We’ve known our whole crew for six years now so we’re so comfortable with them. We can just be ourselves.”
Rob said the crew wanted to come with them. “They actually messaged me. They’re mad that they’re not here. I think we kinda just snuck off and left.”
Before leaving the Philippines, Kylie was able to try something she wanted to—karaoke. But she still wants to come back. “I hope we can come again and visit the islands. We love you guys,” she said.
The day before they hit the runway and minutes before their press conference, Super sat down with Rob and Kylie to talk about fashion, fame and their Filipino fans.
Was the Philippines what you expected?
Rob: I definitely didn’t expect the range of fashion and the stores. It’s way bigger than I imagined. It’s just cultures from all around the world mixed in one. There’s nothing like this even in the States, in LA especially.
How would you describe your style?
Kylie: I think I’m pretty … I change up my style every day. One day I’ll be completely rocker then the next day I’ll be completely indie. But I think it’s edgy and whatever I’m in the mood for that day.
Rob: Lately, I kind of … I don’t know … I can’t even describe it. I just dress however I feel like dressing. I don’t put too much effort into it.
What are five things you can’t live without?
Rob: Cell phone doesn’t count.
Kylie: Family.
Rob: Yeah, family. My Dodger hat, my LA hat. My Jordans.
Kylie: We’re talking clothes?
Either. Yeah.
Kylie: These boots I have.
Rob: Some good socks.
Speaking of socks, I heard you’re about to launch your sock line.
Rob: Yeah, it’s called Arthur George.
What sets it apart from other sock lines already available in the market?
Rob: Just the patterns and the designs. I’m involved in everything. I designed some of them. They’re just very unique and different. It’s pretty cool. I’m very into it.
Are you ever going to do socks for women?
Rob: I expect women to buy the men’s socks too.
Kylie: I wear men’s socks.
Rob: But I am doing women’s. I’m also doing leggings and tights and all kinds of cool stuff.
What’s something you still haven’t done that you want to do?
Kylie: I wanna be in a movie.
What kind of movie?
Kylie: Action.
Rob: Horror. I think she’ll be good in a horror film.
What about you, Rob?
Rob (to Kylie): Help me out.
Kylie: You want to pursue your clothing line?
Rob: No, that’s happening. I don’t know, I don’t really think about that. I just live in the now.
How was your shoot today for Human?
Kylie: We both loved the clothing, that’s for sure. And it’s amazing to work with my brother for the first time because we don’t get to do a lot of stuff together so that was fun. It was great, it was really fun. The shots came out amazing … especially of him.
Obviously, you have a lot of fans here. Did you know that coming here?
Kylie: I didn’t, actually.
Rob: I did. I did “Dancing with the Stars” and my partner Cheryl is from the Philippines so I always got a lot of love from the Filipinos in the States and here. I knew there was a big fan base. We definitely appreciate it.
Are you guys used to the fame? How do you deal with it?
Kylie: We started the show when I was 9. Now I’m 15. So I don’t even remember how it was before. I can’t imagine it.
Rob: I really don’t look at it like that. I don’t think about that stuff. I just live. I’ve been going to college when they first started it and I just focused on my studies. I’m not really involved as much as my sisters.
But would you be willing to do your own reality show?
Kylie: I don’t know. We haven’t really talked about a spin-off show or anything. I just like doing the show with my family.
What’s the craziest thing a fan has done to get your attention?
Rob: One girl, I was in a nightclub at a table and she just went to kiss me on the lips. All my girlfriend’s friends pretty much beat her up. It was pretty crazy.