An urban-bohemian aesthete with an online persona

MANILA, Philippines - Fiona Lucas-Araneta has the best of both worlds. As the creative director and e-zine editor at Zalora, she gets to shop (or view the merch on a regular basis) while directing the editorial content for the site’s online magazine.

A French major at UP, who went on to focus on footwear at the London College of Fashion, Araneta has fashioned a career for herself that involves all her major interests. “It’s very busy these days with the holidays coming up,” she tells YStyle. “I’m almost always at the office, going over weekly reports or working with creatives.”

Her daily wardrobe hasn’t suffered, despite the hectic schedule. Characterized by an urban bohemian aesthetic (her labels are a mix of Isabel Marant, Bleach Catastrophe and Alexander Wang), she’s a sophisticated dresser, more likely to pair boots with a dress, than stilettos. YStyle gets the lowdown on her wardrobe and asks the tough questions (like where she shops online — aside from Zalora).

What are you currently working on?

The Zalora Ezine’s holiday gift guide, preparing for more holiday sales, and onsite visuals as always.


How would you define the online shopping climate?

Exciting, constantly improving, and dangerous. (laughs)


Where do you like to shop online?

The Village Baker (thevillagebaker.com.ph) for yummy, freshly baked bread, Target for anything (like gifts), Pottery Barn Kids, Amazon for books, Shutterfly for photocards, Sandundermytoes (a UK swimwear company), and for wishful online shopping, Net-a-Porter and The Outnet.


What are your go-to labels?

Affordable high street brands like H&M, Zara, Oasis, and Reiss. I also like All Saints and RTW from local designer Richie Ortega for Mosaic or for The Ramp.


Who taught you how to dress?

Friends, travels, and fashion magazines.

Where do you shop?

Anywhere I think there’s something interesting. I like shopping at markets here and abroad. I love food shopping at Borough Market. I also do the usual shopping at  bazaars, outlets and malls. I don’t do well in crowded spaces, especially if my son is with me, so I probably will do a lot of my unfinished Christmas shopping online. 


What’s the last thing you purchased?

JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy.


What inspires you?

Traveling and places


Favorite wardrobe piece you keep turning to?

Heather gray T-shirts.

Most insane garment you’ve ever purchased?

I’d rather not say.


What would you never be caught dead in?

Spandex.


When are you happiest? 

When I’m traveling and eating with my family 


A few of her favorite things


City: (big) London, (small) Salzburg and Bath


Label: H&M 


Drink: Scotch (for alcoholic) and anything from Rawlicious (for non-alcoholic)