We are always on the search for new stylish ladies, and we may have just found them. From simply chic to bright and bold, these women are the names to look out for. In the spotlight are Loralee Baron-Soong, Aryanna Epperson, and Tricia Centenera
Loralee Baron-Soong
Co-Founder, SoFA Design Institute
Sitting Pretty
Black suit by Boom Sason, bell bottom pants by & Other Stories
How would you define your personal style?
Polished, a bit trendy.
Who are your favourite local/ international designers?
For local, I love supporting SoFA alumni/ young designers Vania Romoff, Bengt Enriquez, and Mark Tamayo; other local designers I love are Boom Sason, Martin Bautista, and Ivar Aseron. For accessories, Aranáz by my business partner, Amina Alunan.
What do you think of people hiring a stylist to help them with their wardrobe?
I don’t see any problem with that. I’m just lucky to have lots of friends who love beauty and fashion whom I can confide in.
Online or Real-time shopping?
I prefer real-time shopping but it’s just that there are so many things that are still not available locally—for these I go online.
Vintage finds? What’s your favourite all-time buy?
I’m not a big vintage shopper but my husband bought me this beautiful coral bracelet from a thrift store in New Orleans that I love.
What are you looking forward to?
Growing SoFA, taking further studies in Harvard next year, and exploring more cities I have never been to in the past.
Aryanna Epperson
MTV VJ, Blogger, and Youtuber
Playful Femininity
Skirt by Maureen Disini, beanie by H&M, backless bodysuit and boots by Stradivarius
How would you define your personal style?
My personal style is very boy meets girl. I like pairing feminine pieces like sweaters or skirts with boyish touches like a beanie or cool sneakers.
What would you never wear?
I’m averse to anything neon-coloured.
Who are your favourite local/ international designers?
I admire designers who create dreamy dresses—attire that comes straight out of a fairytale. I like Oscar dela Renta, Dior, Vera Wang, and our very own Michael Cinco and Maureen Disini. I’ve known Maureen since I was young and I like her modern designs.
What do you think of people hiring a stylist to help them with their wardrobe?
Stylists are the unsung heroes of the fashion world. They do so much to create images and help curate collections for even top designers. My mum taught me how to play with fashion and discover my style. Not everyone has the luxury of time, especially top celebrities. There’s nothing like a stylist’s trained eye.
How much do you really love fashion and style?
Fashion is in my DNA, especially since my mum is a stylist and my dad is a photographer. I grew up in this industry and my style has evolved along with it.
What’s your favourite all-time buy?
On my recent trip to Italy, I serendipitously found a beautiful leather backpack in Florence. Since then, I’ve taken it with me on my travels.
Stranded on a tropical island, what five things must you have?
A stocked-up yacht and four friends!
Tricia Centenera
Model, Blogger, and Host
Lace Me Up
Outfit by Puey Quiñones
How would you define your personal style?
I don’t think I have one style in particular; it all depends on my mood. But my wardrobe lives somewhere in-between masculine, minimalist, and classic girly chic. I know that I’m not the best at super casual. I’m always over-dressed but that comes from how I was raised and where I come from.
What would you never wear?
Never say never but I’d never wear a crop top or hot pants.
Who are your favourite local/ international designers?
For local, Ryan Madamba, Boom Sason, and Rajo Laurel. For international, Josh Goot, Dion Lee, Kym Ellery, Camilla and Marc.
What do you think of people hiring stylist to help them with their wardrobe?
I say why not!
How much do you really love fashion and style?
What I wear reflects my mood. I love dressing up—not great at dressing down— but fashion gives an individual the freedom to express themselves with no boundaries. It’s my favourite form of expression. Despite there being naysayers, I say, wear what you are feeling and always be true to your own style.
Are you a maxi or minimalist when it comes to fashion?
Minimalist for sure.
Style icon? Local and International?
Olivia Palermo, Kate Bosworth, and my older sister Christine Centenera. Locally, Jessica Connelly; her style has my eye at the moment. Hers is not my style but she is looking fabulous and stays true to herself!
Photography by Jerick Sanchez | Art Direction by Anton San Diego