Patricia Prieto: Paradigm chic
MANILA, Philippines - Walking into the shoot, I easily mistook the svelte subject known as Patricia Prieto for a 15-year-old, thanks to her angelic face and matching braids. But once her hair was done and the answers to my questions escaped the confines of her mind, I finally saw that this girl is indeed a 21-year-old woman — and a very cool one at that.
A student of School of Fashion and the Arts, this budding fashionista’s best accessory is her blog Paradigma. It is a brainchild that helps Patricia turn heads — make that 8,000 heads — every day. The simple yet undeniably chic site, registered under itspatriciaprieto.com, is a no-nonsense blog that somehow still manages to show readers all the frills of fashion. And while it’s definitely addictive to explore, what makes it even more interesting are the tales that transpire as each story is translated from Patricia’s head, to the pages of WordPress.
For instance, having a fashion blog has helped Patricia grow closer to her mom, Meca, who would sometimes take the liberty of shooting her on the streets, or supplying her with materials for her blog. “Sometimes I’d go home from an out-of-town trip and I’ll find my mom waiting, ready with pictures or even articles that I can put on my blog. She’s very good at it, too,” she says fondly.
The fringe perk of being able to hang out with other fashion bloggers also makes her hobby-turned-claim-to-fame even sweeter. “Sometimes the other fashion bloggers and I would hang out and chat. And then at one point, someone will ring the alarm, ‘Guys, it’s already 5:30, picture time’!” she shares. On that note, they’ll take photos of what each other is wearing and have them posted on their respective blogs — all in the spirit of fierce and fashionable camaraderie.
Unlike most other fashion-obsessed ladies though, what makes Patricia even lovelier is her tomboyish charm. Yes, here is a pretty little girl with a streak of punk in her heart. She loves her Chanels and Louis Vuittons as much as her Marvel Superheroes. “My sister (Pauline) and I have this picture taken by our mom one time after we went home from an event. We were playing video games in my room, all made up and in gowns. It’s my favorite picture,” she says fondly.
With personality — and a smile — as bright as the “extreme” lowlights that frame her lovely face, it’s no wonder Patricia connects well with the people she interacts with — both real and netizens alike. And while she’s not yet sure whether she’ll soon settle for a regular job, or continue blogging for life, one thing remains certain. Life will always be fabulous for the mistress of Paradigma.
Photography by MAU AGUASIN • Creative direction
by LUIS ESPIRITU, JR. • Styling by RUDOLPH LEONOR • Makeup by PIA REYES • Hairstyling by ALBERT SERRANO • Yellow haltered pleated silk chiffon dress by JUN ESCARIO; mint green dress by LOUIS CLAPAROLS • Jewelry by MILADAY JEWELS • Shot on location
at the DIAMOND HOTEL PHILIPPINES • Special thanks to the management and staff of Diamond Hotel Philippines
