Woman of Style: Model Ornusa Cadness kicks it freestyle

MANILA, Philippines - When even Vogue has taken to acknowledging the off-ramp style of models (in the March issue, Anna Wintour tips her hat to “the coolest models in the business wearing fashion their own way”), it seemed only appropriate to make our next woman of style someone who mixes things up and puts together what’s hip and new in a way that’s fun and refreshing.

Ornusa Cadness’s fresh take on fashion is part sexy ingénue and part ‘80s club kid. Legwarmers and Doc Martens mingle easily in a wardrobe chock-full of club-ready pieces. STAR takes a peek at her off-duty looks.

PHILIPPINE STAR: How’d you break into modeling?

ORNUSA CADNESS: I started modeling when I was eight years old. My friend in grade school was in showbiz and got me into an agency and I did my first commercial.

Big moments in modeling so far?

I’ve done campaigns for Pond’s, Sony Ericsson, Piaget, Modess, Nestea, and many more.

Who are you going out with at the moment?

I am currently dating a director. We watch a lot of movies and travel together all the time.

Where do you find yourself hanging out on weekends?

I hang out with friends over dinners and then drinks at a bar.

Most ridiculous modeling job you’ve ever done?

The most ridiculous — and by ridiculous I mean bizarre — modeling job I’ve ever done was to coach people (celebrities, actually) how to catwalk like a model for a dance number they had to do on live TV. Why they would ask me of all people…

Your favorite off-duty activity?

Cooking — and singing, but mostly when nobody’s around to hear me do so.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday night?

I’m never doing the same thing on Saturdays, it varies...

Most unforgettable present you’ve received?

Two big boxes (art bins) full of all sorts of art supplies and a pair of Chanel earrings for Valentine’s.

Most outrageous purchase?

It has to be my old car, or either one of the two laptops I’ve purchased in my lifetime, nothing fancy.

What do you regret buying the most?

I don’t regret buying anything... just maybe spending on too many drinks at a bar.

Where do you shop?

I shop anywhere, even department stores.

What is your favorite recent purchase?

My favorite recent purchase is a Jeremy Scott tank top.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?

I would love to raid Marc Jacobs’ closet or for a female it would be Agyness Deyn.

What five pieces define your everyday style?

Black cardigan, comfy boots or heels, shorts, knee-high socks, and a loose tank would be the five pieces to define my everyday look.

Local designers you admire?

I admire Melissa Dizon because her brand Eairth is consciously an environmentally-friendly brand, all-natural fabrics and dyes.

What are you crushing on now?

I love Miu Miu’s collection of bags and shoes this season because they look absolutely darling and feminine.

Trend you love?

Chunky, complicated-looking shoes.

One you despise?

Knee-high gladiator sandals

Tell me something most people don’t know about you.

I’m very accident-prone.

What would you never be caught dead in?

Fur!

After Manila, where would you like to live?

I’d like to live in LA or somewhere in the Mediterranean.

Not in any place where you grew up in?

I was born and raised in Manila. My mother is Thai, and my father is from New Zealand.

If you weren’t a model, what would you be doing?

I’d probably be in a band.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?

I would consider it. Everybody’s insecure about one or more parts of their appearance... Which part for me? I haven’t decided... It’s a tie between my nose or my lips. (Laughs)