In the lunar Year of the Sheep, one is prepared for 12 months of creativity in all art forms—for the sheep is known to be a patron of the arts, which include fashion.

My choices for the “Epitome 2014: Dressing at Its Best” are the eight ladies being featured in this article. They are among the 35 women I’ve been watching and observing last year.

I consider these eight as the crème de la crème. At the end of January, I sent them the Priscilla statuettes, in honor of my mother Priscilla who was one of National Artist for Fashion Ramon Valera’s favorite fashion plates and models, and whom he elevated to the Fashion Hall of Fame together with Chona Kasten, Elvira Manahan, Imelda Cojuangco and Baby Fores.

For the young who may not know much about Valera, he was best known for his ingenuity of design and craftsmanship and for revolutionizing the national costume better known as the Terno by eliminating its traditional panuelo and sometimes utilizing removable sleeves to come up with a stunning strapless long gown.

Another aspect of his genius was his embroidery that was masterly done and his impeccable beadwork. To top it all, he could cut and sew a dress into perfection without using a pattern—truly a creative innovator like no other. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was in my teens; once I birthday-gifted my mother with a Valera creation and he allowed me to pay him in installments that I could afford. Like a true artist, his generosity had no bounds.

My eight choices are featured here with their trophies, except for Maricris Zobel, who explained why she opted not to pose with the Priscilla.

I am just getting to know these ladies who are either involved in something creative or in a meaningful advocacy. They not only exude confidence but move around with an aura of serenity even when under pressure.

These eight ladies and I are becoming fast friends for the kind of head they carry on their feminine shoulders. I asked them for their philosophy of dressing and, here in alphabetical order, is what each of them has to say:

Karen Davila: “To look comfortable and sexy but never vulgar is my philosophy of dressing. I do not like the feeling of contrived, like too much time has been consumed dressing up. I am attracted to the functionality of Diane Von Furstenberg jersey dresses, Donna Karan’s body suits and, today, the cleanliness of Jil Sander and Roland Mouret and the elegant silhouettes of Balenciaga. I love shopping at Zara, too. Believe it or not, I do not put much effort into dressing up but I try and keep my closet with clothes I will use—whether for television or in daily life.”

Amparito Lhuillier: “In my dressing philosophy, I am what you may call traditional. I cannot seem to get away from the standard earrings, watch, bracelet and rings as accessories. The occasion comes first in my dressing but no matter what the affair may be, high heels are always a must because I associate them with glamour. The simplicity of my chignon hairdo and makeup speak for my style of dressing. The rest I leave to my daughter, Monique.”

Tina Maristela Ocampo: “In dressing up, I consider body structure, age, occasion, fit and comfort; and if these all add up to my feeling confident about the way I look, then I know I am dressed and ready to be seen.”

Nanette Medved Po: “I hope you never catch me on a school run or you might rethink giving me this award. Thank you for this lovely recognition. Your ‘eternally appealing’ note will inspire my choices for many years to come.”

Mandy de la Rama Santos: “One should spend only a minute or so in dressing and move on. I believe this spells the difference between being fashionable and being a victim.”

Kaye Tiñga: “I wish I could be one of those women who dress for comfort, but I consider my clothes my armor; they change the way I feel about myself and the world.”

Bea Valdes: “I don’t think I have a singular philosophy for dressing but, in general, I do like the idea that God is in the details.”

Maricris Zobel: “Thank you so much for including me in your best-dressed list. I am truly honored to be in the company of such well-dressed and stylish women.

“Having said all of this, please allow me to decline in having my photo taken as I do not want to call any attention to myself in that way. You see, I am involved in a rehabilitation project of Mercedes, Samar, a lovely little town my Assumption classmates and I have adopted after Supertyphoon “Yolanda.” There is much to be done in Mercedes and I am just about to launch a fundraising event to finish a community center there. You see, coming out in your esteemed column may be misinterpreted by the people I solicit from and my co-workers in the foundation, since our motto is ‘simplicity in charity.’”

Thank you, Maricris, for your letter. I fully comprehend your position so I am calling on all your donors to generously contribute to your worthy cause. I am sure they will understand that dressing at your best is second nature to you and does not take away from your concern for the less fortunate.

I am so elated to have given these eight women the Priscilla. My mother, I am certain, would agree with this list of women who, in my opinion, epitomize dressing at its best.

Let me conclude by congratulating today’s Filipino fashion designers who have been recognized internationally and have clients all over the world like Monique Lhuillier, Michael Cinco, Josie Natori, Inno Sotto, Lulu Tan-Gan, Ito Curata, Rajo Laurel and Oliver Tolentino, to name a few.

Valera would be so proud of them!