Patricia Panlilio Cu-Unjieng: Effortlessly best-dressed

When I first met Patricia Panlilio in the 1980s, I saw her as a tall and thin, and lovely young girl with a mind of her own and a style of her own.

I could sense that her mother, the late jeweller Fe S. Panlilio, tried to teach her some fine points in style, and these she dutifully imbibed like an obedient daughter, even donning Maria Clara gowns with very discreetly chosen jewelry for some family pictorials.

But I could also sense that Tricia was her own person with a keen sense of what’s truly chic and elegant. I saw this whenever she turned heads at fashion events. I witnessed this when I watched her perform for Pitoy Moreno’s fashion show for royalty in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I saw it when at 22, she married the London-educated Philip Cu-Unjieng who was 14 years her senior, looking like Manila’s most beautiful young bride.

Today I see it again and again – Tricia’s sense of style towering in every event she attends. At Keren Pascual’s opening of Famous at the cinema level of Greenbelt 3, Tricia stood out among the best-dressed in that all-denim affair with her denims like no other by Pepito Albert. At Ruffa Gutierrez’s wedding, Tricia – in a Pepito Albert powder blue gown – easily won the top raves (along with Lucy Torres in her pink Joe Salazar gown). It seems Pepito Albert is nowhere to be seen these days, but the brilliance and creativity of this once-and-future fashion king still hogs the limelight and draws oohs and aahs whenever Tricia comes floating inside a hall in a Pepito Albert creation.

Tricia Panlilio Cu-Unjieng’s style is the kind that shows effortless chic and elegance.

Philippine STAR: How do you feel being included in "Manila’s best-dressed" lists?

Patricia Panlilio Cu-Unjieng: I suppose I’m flattered when I’m included as it would mean that my personal style is appreciated, but I dress not to land in such lists, but for my own comfort and taste.

What would you personally consider a "best-dressed woman"?

I guess a best-dressed woman for me would have to be someone who has her own sense of individuality in style and someone who feels no pressure from trends or dictation by others. One who is at ease with herself no matter what she may have on. More important is that she realizes what or what may not be appropriated for certain occasions and ages.

How do you describe your personal style?

My personal style is simple. I dress according to the occasion and to how I find the utmost comfort. I’m more casual than anything as this is my personality.

Who are your style icons?

No particular names come to mind, as I don’t really define the word icon based on fashion sense but personality. If at all I need to mention one, perhaps my mother, as she was a champion of causes close to her heart and a person who felt no need for validation from anyone. She simply lived as she pleased and never hurt anyone to get where she did. That, for me, is someone admirable, and someone I would lend the word "icon" to.

Who are your favorite designers?

I stick to few, knowing, as no one else will, what fits me best. For my formal wear, I always go to my good friend Pepito Albert. He knows how to dress me in a way which I would choose to dress myself.

What are your favorite shopping places?

When I travel, there are certain favorites, old habits die hard. I love Joseph anywhere it can be found, Harvey Nichols, tiny shops on Sloane Square and Beauchamp place, and little vintage shops in the most obscure places. I love the collection of Joyce, as it carries a little of everything from classic to trendy and fun. I like Mix for its collections of Vivienne Tam, Poleci & Tracy Reese. T for its sandals and flipflops, and Itsie Bitsie for swimwear, jeans and other novelty items.

Honestly, are you brand-conscious?

I would say, yes, brand-conscious, but only because of certain brands’ quality of workmanship. But I must say that over the recent years, there has been an improvement in local designer wear too. I love the designs of Gucci for night, mostly sleek and with silhouettes I prefer, long and clean. When there’s a chance to travel, I try to always pick up pants by Barbara Bui, Chloe or Joseph and Costume National, as the fit is just perfect.

Who would you consider your fashion mentor?

I guess my sense of style can only be attributed to my experience with fashion horrors of my youth, age and practicality. From being a teen, to a model in my later youth and eventually, a mother, my mentor would perhaps be Pepito Albert. Being a good friend of his has required me to take some brutal honesty which I must say has helped, in times of fashion sense blindness. After all, only true friends will tell you to your face!

What fashion purchase are you most proud of?

In a two-dollar shop in New York, I found the sweetest little pair of earrings that seemed almost antique in style. At a flea market in Porte de Clignancourt, a vintage bag made out of beads and old lace.

And what fashion item did you most regret buying?

Maybe one or two pieces, which in retrospect may have cost me a bit too much! I have learned to now be less impulsive, and more prudent in my purchases.

What fashion boo-boos did you commit when you were young?

I guess, then, sort of believing that everything had to be so coordinated in the most exaggerated way. But hey, everyone goes through some sort of fashion nightmare!

What items can’t you live without?

I cannot live without my Shu Uemura curlash and my bolster baby pillows. Most recently, I have found that I cannot live without an Eeyore (from Winnie The Pooh) baby blanket given by a good friend of mine. And fashionwise, a white T-shirt, any pair of shorts and the most naked sandal you can find!

Growing up in a family of jewellers, what influence did that have on your sense of style?

Ironic but there are maybe two or three pieces that I will interchange in using daily. But I am not really too big on wearing them the way I probably am expected to. The family business’ influence on my style may be simple elegance at its best when worn appropriately.

What lessons did you learn from your mother?

I learned so many things from her about dealing with a variety of people. I find pride in not putting what others say as a main concern, especially if it comes from those who mean nothing in my life. Mommy always said that for as long as you are not hurting anyone, then be on your way. She also took great measures in ensuring that our family stayed together, whether in good and in bad times, there is nothing like family. She would say "blood is thicker than water." Indeed!

What are your fondest memories of your mom?

Our greatest moments would always be mealtimes. This is when our family enjoys what we do most – savor the food in the most redundant way, savor the kuwentos which never seem to run out, and enjoy the laughter, so much of it!

What is the jewelry piece you most treasure from your mother?

I have never really cared for pearls, but when she was sick, she gave me a pair, which were her smallest and which she used daily. I wear them occasionally and always love putting them on as they bring back fond memories of moments when she wore them.

How do you feel about Manila’s social whirl?

To be brutally honest, I have found that I enjoy going out now, yet it disheartens me as there seems to be so much hypocrisy in the air and a clear disregard for respecting people. Society seems to now be a bit of a bore because of it.

What’s your idea of a good night out?

I like being with friends wherever the night may take us, I think it’s not the place but the company you’re with. A good night out for me would be a good meal capped off with endless chatter in the company of fun and true people.

What won’t you ever be caught wearing?

I guess it simply isn’t me to wear something too busy or so incredibly ornate in design. Anything frilly or too colorful would be a no-no for me.

Describe the state of your closet.

My closet is a complete disaster! I always attempt to do away with certain or rather a lot of items I know are just there gathering dust, but I haven’t been successful.

What do you do with your old stuff?

For those few times I’ve managed to part with some, I give them to the girls who help at home. But they get frustrated at the length of my pants and size of my shoes, a whopping 10!

With whom would you never want to take the same elevator?

If I answer this question, this may not go into print!

Is Manila too full of social climbers? How do you feel about them?

You know me well enough, to know that it isn’t my style to judge people. Who gives anyone the right to claim his standards are the correct point of measure? Society tends to give people names and all I can say is that I can sleep peacefully at night. I wonder if there are enough sleeping aids for those who can’t... Hmmm!

I know your dad hates attending socials. What do you hate most about socials?

I go back to hypocrisy. It is so prevalent it seems, as well as boredom. I feel that gossip stems from idle minds or envy.

What’s your advice to fashonistas?

You should be comfortable with who you are. Whether it be in the most classic, trendiest outfit or in a dishrag, dress for yourself!