Asia’s Most Stylish 2023: Meet the 9 Filipino fashion icons who made the cut

Philanthropist 

“I don’t think I developed an aesthetic per se,” muses Kathy Yap-Huang. “I just picked things that appealed to me.” A mother and wife, Yap Huang is as versatile in her style as she is with her responsibilities. Though she’s usually spotted in white tops—“T-shirt or sando [tank top]”, she jokes—and Birkenstocks, Yap-Huang knows how to transform herself when the occasion calls for it. From deduction, it’s easy to guess that Yap-Huang revels in adventure. She’s not one to shy away from fashion choices or unconventional activities. For her photoshoot with Asia’s Most Stylish, Yap-Huang, she gamely wrapped a ball python around her neck, an easy and striking way to accentuate the Damiani snake earrings she’d chosen to wear. 

Lawyer, columnist, and former Department of Justice Secretary

A strong sense of patriotism emanates in Emmeline Aglipay Villar’s tone whenever she speaks about style. The lawyer and former Department of Justice Undersecretary have much to say about how she dresses; unsurprisingly, she marries that with her passion for serving our country.

Often seen dressed in bright, tailored clothing, Aglipay Villar has found her style evolving through time. “My style features Filipino culture and promotes our local weaves and textiles,” she says. “Elements of our traditional Filipino attire have found their way into my more modern work, casual and evening wear—like the butterfly sleeves, the exaggerated puffed sleeves of the traje de mestiza as well as the delicate embroidery of the barong Tagalog. It has evolved into a tailored feminine aesthetic celebrating our Philippine culture and heritage.”

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Co-founder of Vestido.Manila

As the co-owner of the fashion rental studio, Vestido, Maica Salud Tady is a passionate advocate of re-wear. Her two biggest fashion regrets are being wasteful and shopping mindlessly. “I love that everyone is beginning to embrace the concept of re-wearing and restyling the same pieces,” she says now.

For herself, Salud Tady embodies a quirky sense of style that is also somehow polished, classic and simultaneously feminine. “My style always evolves depending on the season of my life,” she shares.

But of course, her staples are always a no-fail. On those days when she has to rely on wardrobe essentials, one can spot her sporting chic black leggings or white jeans paired with a crisp white button-down and signature Chanel flats. 

Fashion designer 

Unsurprisingly, Patty Ang’s ethos as a fashion designer is also reflected in how she dresses. “Simplicity is beauty,” she states plainly. “I think you should wear the clothes; the clothes shouldn’t wear you.” A cursory glance at her wardrobe reveals plenty of classic pieces: bodysuits from her eponymous label, Patton Studio, mixed in with oversized blazers and elegant off-the-shoulder or plunging tops. Now and then, Ang throws in something whimsical: floral-shaped tops, a touch of fringe, and electric colours such as neon green. “I like playing around with different cuts and textures. I also like mixing pieces with my [own] brands,” she muses. “I love to mix and match with pieces I already have. It depends on what I want to express on that certain occasion.”

Model

Modern street style aesthetic has largely influenced LA Aguinaldo’s modelling career. Relaxed yet calm, Aguinaldo’s sartorial choices were initially inspired by his favourite artists.

An avid dresser of Louis Vuitton classics, Aguinaldo reminisces on the recent milestone of the luxury house at Paris Fashion Week. “I attended Pharell’s first show [for Louis Vuitton] wearing a suit top and shorts with holes on the side. I love how it was both conventional and unconventional at the same time. Many people at the show loved my look,” he reminisces.

Ultimately though, it’s not the name brand that makes one stylish. For Aguinaldo, it’s confidence. “[That] is everything,” the model insists.

Read more: Mark “Jappy” Gonzalez on thriving amidst a global pandemic

Furniture designer, Kifu Paris

With a background in dance, Kifu Augousti unites her passion for art with her style. “Fashion is a form of self-love; it’s my outlet to feel good at the end of the day. To me, fashion is also a form of art.”

Doubtless, Augousti has no qualms in making distinctive sartorial choices. She loves to be daring and pulls it off quite well. “My wardrobe centres around pieces that are not seasonal and can go from day to night. I have endless variations of Olivier Theyskens corset tops that are always my go-to. Leather motorcycle jackets are also a must in any closet to add edge to any look.” For her birthday this year, Augousti wore a bold white lace see-through Nensi Dojaka gown paired with a vintage Demaret butterfly necklace.

Entrepreneur and author

Rissa Mananquil Trillo has an exciting new word for an up-and-coming trend she’s happy to see. “Fashion and nationalism, ‘factionalism’,” she laughs. “Our beautiful local weaves, ternos and barongs are no longer reserved for special occasions or themed events. They are now part of the style, especially for the next generation.”

A model in her younger years, Mananquil Trillo, has seen many trends’ advent—and demise. Now, she’s realised that while styles come and go, sustainability is what matters in her wardrobe. “My best fashion moments are when I would re-wear or restyle an old item from my closet, and people from the fashion industry would compliment it like they were seeing it for the first time.”

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Creative director

He’s ubiquitous at social gatherings and parties all around Metro Manila. A creative director who’s worked with brands such as Magnum and Belo, Mond Gutierrez is best known for his media appearances and fashion sense.

Coming from a famous family, he finds inspiration from his father, the former matinee idol Eddie Gutierrez. Now, armed with his own sense of self and a keen directive for his sartorial choices, Gutierrez shares how important fashion is for his self-expression. “I’m definitely a mood dresser,” he declares. “Fashion is a tool that empowers me to live my authentic self.” Not one to focus too much on brand names, Gutierrez calls himself a proud “outfit repeater”, one who looks beyond logos to cultivate a wardrobe that reflects who he has grown to become.

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