Since her podium finish in the first season of Drag Race Philippines, Marina Summers has began her course of world domination. The "Filipina diva" has steadily positioned herself as one of the country's premiere drag performers, as evidenced by her sheer social media presence, her burgeoning music career, and of course, her show-stopping slate of looks.
A big component of the Marina Summers brand is her sense of fashion, which her stylist Paul Sese describes as "sexy glamor with a touch of edge." The two met one night at Nectar Nightclub, a popular spot for drag enthusiasts to gather. It wasn't until 2020 when they started a relationship as muse and artist, with Paul dressing Marina for the cover art of her debut song "I Have Arrived."
And arrive Marina did. Her remarkable run on Drag Race may have brought her career to new heights, but what's remained the same is her staunch dedication to championing Filipino style and craftsmanship. "Marina is a great muse for Filipino designers, mainly because her drag represents a fully-realized Filipina. Her skin complexion, her height, and her beauty is something that needs to be showcased not only for Filipinos but also for the world to see," Paul waxes.
There's a defined push-and-pull between Marina and Paul whenever they come up with concepts. Paul kicks things off with an initial idea, while Marina polishes things off with her own signature touch. Everything from the type of fabric, to the complementing hair, and even to the songs she performs are borne out of collaboration. The process is founded on trust, with both of them aiming for a "rich balance of serving skin and high fashion."
Their shared visions have since manifested into sophisticated looks proudly crafted by our local designers. Ahead, we run down eight of the best ones we've spotted Marina in.
Marina Summers in Looks by Filipino Designers
1. Starting things off with a bang, Marina stuns in this crimson red Mark Bumgarner gown. Paul says that the designer "has been very generous and collaborative in putting together looks," and that his creations always make Marina a stand-out.
2. Mark is also known for giving Filipiniana attire a distinct luxe touch, and this blue terno on Marina proves just as much. Its structured sleeves, intricate beading, and draped ribbon detailing are simply to die for!
3. Donning yet another Mark Bumgarner original, Marina is a vision of opulence in this pink asymmetrical silk gown. You can call her mother!
4. Designer Neric Beltran has been a big of Marina ever since her reality show stint, and he soon became the hand behind the unforgettable terno gown Marina wore at Vice Ganda's UnkabogaBall last 2022. Now that's how you make a fashion statement!
5. A Marina ensemble is never complete without a touch of sexiness, as exemplified by this black Neric Beltran number. With the extreme back cut-out, this dress is party in the front, and party in the back!
6. Marina was every bit a golden girl in this exquisite Leo Amodal creation. Accessorizing the look were a blinding set of jewels from Luna by Drake Dustin, which, FYI, can costs upwards P10 million!
7. Yellow is definitely one of Marina's signature hues, given how her name comes from her affinity for the sunny season. She shone just like the star she is in this jumpsuit and cape by Jaggy Glarino.
8. Ehrran Montoya's work, which Paul describes as "grand, fabulous, and clean" has also been a go-to for Marina. This crystals on this dress act like a second skin to her svelte figure, which was enrobed in an extravaganza of blue tulle.
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