Ten models to watch prove that loving the body and beauty you’re blessed with is your best asset. Scroll down to read what they have to say about embracing their "flaws" and loving the skin they're in.
“With an hourglass figure you can play with very feminine silhouettes. It's also easy to make me look taller, especially if I cinch things at the waist. Height is important for a model and since I'm scraping 5'7", I've at least got to give the illution of it! — CLARA ASENIERO OF ELITE
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Blue mikado gown, price unavailable, NOEL CRISOSTOMO, cel. no. 0917 800 1622. Neoprene dress with chiffon flowers, price unavailable, HANNAH KONG, cel. no. 0917 681 1079. Lace choker, P1200, REGINA RAYMUNDO, cel. no. 0917 869 8006. Gloves, price unavailable, MIEL AVENA, cel. no. 0927 365 9765
“You have to look at the positive areas of being small—I, for one, am happy I’m petite. One of the advantages is that some clients look for shorter girls to sell their clothing, especially locally. There are also a lot of opportunities for petite models in commercial modeling.” — ANE OF ELITE
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Pink jacket, P120,800, ESCADA, Greenbelt 5. Tweed culottes, P5000, JEROME SALAYA ANG, cel. no. 0918 919 9537. Scarf, price unavailable, HERMÈS, Greenbelt 3. Heels, price unavailable, KALLISTE, Massimo Bonini, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing. Flower rings, P380/each, AC+632, Greenbelt 5. Headband, P790, FIRMA, Greenbelt 3
“Someone once told me, ‘Love your bones!’ Being skinny definitely isn’t something to be ashamed of, as long as you know you’re healthy.” — MICA OF PW MODELS
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Neoprene gown, P25,000, SIDNEY PEREZ SIO, cel. no. 0906 249 4337. Flower choker, P1500, REGINA RAYMUNDO, cel. no. 0917 869 8006
“My agent says that I get most of my jobs because of my oriental look. What I love about my Asian features is that they can become so adaptable and versatile, depending on makeup!” — LISETTE OF PW MODELS
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Printed shirtdress (worn underneath), P2995, ZARA, Greenbelt 5. Printed pleated top, P44,298, SACAI, Univers, One Rockwell. Poppyprint shirtdress, P10,000, JEROME SALAYA ANG, cel. no. 0918 919 9537. Hat, price unavailable, HERMÈS, Greenbelt 3. Shoulder bag, P10,000, DESIGININVERSO, Massimo Bonini, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing. Pink platforms, P2599, CHARLES & KEITH, Power Plant. Agate rings, starts at P16,000, both EMI JORGE, Cura V, Power Plant
“Most people tend to think skin color is just black and white, but being morena lets you have the best of both worlds! Fashion-wise, almost everything looks good—a lot of colors and textures stand out against tanned skin.” — CASSIE OF PW MODELS
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Pink top with tulle, P1500, REINA TSUKADA, tsukadareina @ gmail.com. Neoprene bodice with ruffled collar (worn underneath), P1500, ALYANNA FERRER, cel. no. 0915 481 8532. Purple ball brooch, P1580, AC+632, Greenbelt 5. Purple flower ring (used as a brooch), P380, FIRMA, Greenbelt 3. Cropped trousers, price unavailable, NOEL CRISOSTOMO, cel. no. 0917 800 1622. Marilyn sandals, P22,750, STUART WEITZMAN, SM Aura
“The best thing about being a plus-size model (aside from my backside and all the curves I love) is that there’s less competition! [Laughs.] A positive outlook is key: feeling satisfied, happy and appreciating your body for what it can do, not just how it looks.” — BARBIE OF IDEAL MODELS
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Yellow lace T-shirt, P27,950; pink skirt, P49,950; both ESCADA, Greenbelt 5. Printed shift dress (used as a top), price unavailable, WAREHOUSE, Robinson’s Galleria. Scarves (tied together), prices unavailable, all HERMÈS, Greenbelt 3. Coat, price unavailable, NOEL CRISOSTOMO, cel. no. 0917 800 1622. Heels, P1995, CALL IT SPRING, Greenbelt 3
“You may be scared of sticking out (literally!), but there’s nothing to be insecure about being extra tall. I don’t see any reason to struggle. God gave me this towering height, so I celebrate and embrace it.” — HANA LOU OF PW MODELS
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Floral neckpiece, P4500 KEN SAMUDIO, AC+632, Greenbelt 5. Printed denim jumpsuit, P10,000; sequined romper, P8500; both JEROME SALAYA ANG, cel. no. 0918 9019 9537. Silver ring with sapphires, P49,000; bracelet with pink opals and apatite, P133,000; both JANINA FOR JUL DIZON, Mezzanine, The Penninsula Manila. Jeweled slingbacks, P29,000, STUART WEITZMAN, SM Aura
“I’m naturally athletic, but I had to work hard for the body that I have. It’s an advantage, especially with the current health and fitness trends, but good habits also keep me slim for both myself and my career as a model.” — JHEN OF ART PERSONAS
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Mesh hoodie and floral joggers, prices unavailable, both SIDNEY PEREZ SIO, cel. no. 0906 249 4337. Sequined bandeau and pink wrap dress (used as a vest); prices unavailable, NOEL CRISOSTOMO, cel. no. 0917 800 1622
“I honestly believe that people see you as 40-percent prettier than what the mirror tells you. So if you’re feeling like a C-, truth is you’re most likely an A+! [Laughs.] My advice to fellow curvy girls: If you have a booty, shake it.” — SKYE OF ART PERSONAS
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Necklace with multicolored sapphires, P110,00, JANINA FOR JUL DIZON, Mezzanine, The Peninsula Manila. Corset dress, price unavailable, NOEL CRISOSTOMO, cel. no. 0917 800 1622. Gloves, price unavailable, MIEL AVENA, cel. no. 0927 365 9765. Amethyst rings, starts at P2450, both RIQUEZA, Cura V, Power Plant. City Steamer handbag, P153,000, LOUIS VUITTON, Greenbelt 4
“I believe being a transgender woman doesn’t mean setting myself apart from other models; it’s just more of adding new flavor to the dish that is the fashion world, proving that gender is no hindrance to success in your chosen profession.” — MARIA RIVERA
IMAGE Charisma Lico
Denim coat and denim pants, prices unavailable, both NOEL CRISOSTOMO, cel. no. 0917 800 1622. Dress with embroidery and acrylic flowers, P20,000, JEROME SALAYA ANG, cel. no. 0918 919 9537. Belt, P29,100, LOUIS VUITTON, Greenbelt 4. Heels, P1995, CALL IT SPRING, Greenbelt 3
Photographed by Charisma Lico
Styled by Danae Dipon of StyLIZed Studio
Art direction by Mark Buenaobra
Text compiled by Yanna Lopez
Makeup by Anthea Bueno for MAC Cosmetics and Sylvina Lopez
Hair by Mark Familara for Kiehl’s Stylist Series and Ethan David
Nails by Posh Nails, SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia
Stylist’s assistant: Justine Benitez
Shoot assistant: Ednalyn Magnaye
This article originally appeared in Preview Magazine's August 2016 issue.
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