There's no denying that Marian Rivera has cemented her place among the country's most fashionable. The sartorial sweetheart regularly turns heads and effortlessly makes it to best-dressed lists with her impeccable style.
Opting for pieces that are classic and feminine, she has mastered timeless elegance while making it current and distinctly her own. After all, as any fashionista will tell you, your outfit looks best when your personality gets to shine. Whether it's a bold color, a sparkly accessory, or an unexpected cut-out, Marian isn't one to play it safe and predictable.
That being said, nobody understands this better than her collaborator on every look—her fashion stylist. "Marian loves her classic pieces but she isn’t afraid to have fun," Melville Sy tells Preview. With nine years between them, you can say that he definitely has a clear grasp of her style and personality.
Read on as we asked him to spill insider info on what's it's really like to be Marian's fashion stylist.
Fashion Stylist Melville Sy Reveals What's It's Like to Work with Marian Rivera
1. Describe the first time you met Marian Rivera.
"I met Marian for the first time in 2013 when the styling team I was working with at the time had to style her for a TV guesting."
2. How long have you been working together?
"Marian and I have been working together for about nine years."
3. How would you describe Marian as a client?
"Marian is very fun to work with. While she has her own personal style and preferences, she’s also really open to suggestions and is always willing to try new things! Best thing about working with her, though, is that she gives you her trust and makes you feel that she appreciates your work."
4. How has working with her impacted your career as a fashion stylist?
"Marian is one of my biggest clients. Working with her has helped me find and connect with more clients because she’s almost like my living, breathing styling portfolio. It has also allowed me to understand the value of developing a good relationship with my clients; work sometimes doesn’t even feel like work when it’s with her! [This] makes me love my job even more."
5. As her stylist, what can you say about her personal style/aesthetic?
"Her personal style is very classy, clean, and put-together. It’s like you know she makes an effort to look good, but at the same time it’s all very effortless, if that makes sense? Marian loves her classic pieces but she isn’t afraid to have fun–kinda like when we went all disco Barbiecore for the Preview Ball this year!"
6. Has your personal relationship developed since you first met? How would you describe Marian as a friend?
"Yes, definitely! We talk a lot more now, and she freely opens up about what she wants to wear or what direction she wants us to explore with her looks. I give my inputs and suggestions, let her know what I think we should try, and we brainstorm together. We have these fun, inspiring discussions a lot, also with Maita Baello, my partner and co-founder for Studio 24c."
"As a friend, one thing I can say is that Marian always goes out of her way to make sure I feel comfortable and valued. She’s so generous, genuine, and overall just fun to be around. She’s such a positive influence and is definitely the kind of person you want to keep [in your life]."
7. What’s your most unforgettable moment working with Marian?
"We went to Bangkok for a shoot a few years back, and there was this one particular moment where I was being so careful, assisting her to make sure she wouldn’t slip. In the end, I was the one who slipped and fell—good thing she was holding on to me! It was such a funny moment, and now that I think about it, I feel like it’s also a really good representation of our relationship. We have each other’s backs."
8. Tell us something interesting about Marian that her fans don’t know.
"A lot of people might already know this, but Marian is never late. She’s so professional and punctual and always works fast. Shoots with her are a breeze, to be honest. She also has the biggest heart and takes care of everyone on her team. She’s also really good at making people feel loved."
For more information, you may follow @melvillesy and @studio.24c on Instagram!
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