Having a muse makes creating fashion a whole lot more fun. We’ve picked five young designers to showcase a design donned by their muses.
Eric de los Santos with Rima Ostwani
“I’ve been going to him for 10 years now, and it’s only now that we were photographed together,” Rima said.
Eric explained that he chose Rima not just because of her beauty, but also because she reflects his design aesthetic, which is simple and classic.
For Rima: Red fully-sequined gown with high slit
Martin Bautista with Pam Quiñones
In designing for his clientele, Martin keeps in mind three things—his client’s personal style, her body type, and what part of her body she wants to flaunt or hide.
His muse, Pam Quiñones, embodies the perfect Martin Bautista woman, says the designer—chic and original.
On Pam: Black cutout top and draped silk skirt
Michael Leyva with Ara Arida
For Michael, it was a no-brainer picking Ara Arida to be his muse for this shoot. “I chose her because she’s an exemplar of candor and the epitome of true Filipina beauty,” he said.
His creations are simple and classic, but at the same time have sexy silhouettes. “I always make sure that my ensembles complement the body of my clients; they should be comfortable to wear, and should make them feel that they are at their best in Michael Leyva’s pieces,” he added.
On Ara: Black neoprene cutout dress
Pablo Cabahug with Pia Wurtzbach
“I was already a fan when I first saw Pia Wurtzbach join a beauty pageant in 2013,” Pablo said about his muse.
“I picked her as my muse because she can be an inspiration for higher creativity. I believe my designs and aesthetic fit her impeccably.”
Doors opened up for him after winning the very first LOOK of Style Awards in 2010, which gave him the opportunity to take a course at Central Saint Martins, and now he gets to dress stylish ladies, from Marina Benipayo to Rissa Mananquil-Trillo.
On Pia: Stretch tulle beige gown with embroidery and draped skirt
Maureen Disini-Teichert with Macky Fah Pablo Cabahug with Pia Wurtzbach
“I’m all for simplicity,” explained Maureen, “I picked Macky Fah to be my muse because I love her for her sense of style and grace. My black gown has a simple line, cut and silhouette. 
I’m all for simplicity.”
She dressed her muse in a black gown with a simple line, cut and silhouette, but used neoprene to make it current, and adorned it with trimming she purchased in London.
She always remembers three things in dressing her clientele: if the creation fits one’s lifestyle, if it’s relevant, and if it will stand the test of time.
Photography by Pam Sta. Cruz-Bella
Styling by Luis Carlo San Juan
Makeup by Justine del Rosario, Pia Wurtzbach, Mika Benipayo and Julie Ferrer
Hairstyle by Mark Familara for L’Oreal Professionnel, Cha Vicuña and Jet Babas
