Cecile Van Straten: High Net worth

In the local blogosphere, few have attained the delicious notoriety of Chuvaness. Cecile Van Straten has played many roles — Parsons student, designer, and retail storeowner — but with nearly 30,000 hits a day, she has garnered more attention for her daily updates on her little corner on the World Wide Web. Her entries remain opinionated and humorous. But a strong voice can sometimes mean bumping heads with other people — including a family member of mine, but they have since kissed and made up.

Love her or hate her, Cecile’s just keeping it real. She’s opened her life up to her readers; entries about Louis Vuitton’s latest handbags followed by photos of her children or dinner parties inside her home. It’s that well-crafted balance of real-life mom and no-holds-barred commentary that make her monumental blog both entertaining and endearing. Read up as Cecile lets her guard down once again, but this time for The Dialogue.

What made you throw in the towel with fashion design?

Honestly, I got fed up with dealing with sewers, the drama and headache of running a fashion business, and most of all, stealing employees.

How do you address haters?

Before, I used to address them, then I found out it’s easier to just ignore them.

What’s the worst thing you’ve heard about yourself and how did you deal with it?

Oh, that I was “uglier than an eczematic hemorrhoid on a toad’s ass.” That was more than 15 years ago and I can’t forget what he said, but we both got over it.

What cause are you passionate about?

I want to encourage couples and families longing for children or a larger family to open themselves to fostering or adopting a child, as we

Jauxlogs: Mixing her Chanel with her chuva and chutzpah, Cecile is an icon for high culture, low culture, and most especially every one in-between. Photo by JOSEPH CORTEZ

have.

If you could invite five personalities to dinner, whom would you like to attend?

DJ Tiësto and Richard Branson for my husband, Mr. Bean for my kids, Philippe Starck, and Chace Crawford.

You’ve seen friends conquer certain industries, how do you think success changes people?

Oh, some of them get yabang, it’s ridiculous. I am more impressed with those that stay humble and reachable.

What blog/blogs do you follow? And why?

I don’t really have time to look at other blogs because I’m so busy with mine, but I love Mich Dulce and Jujiin Samonte’s

blogs.

Who is the most overrated person for you?

May I text it to you? (Clue: Another character in the World Wide Web – RG)

What’s your most unforgettable celebrity encounter?

Maybe dinner with Boy George in Malate, where he offered me a job, to just pack up and work for him. But it was the wrong time as I had two kids and a husband. A short time later, he was arrested for drug possession, so not meant to be. I told him I loved him, though.

 If you could give anyone a makeover, who would be at the top of your list?

Some of my friends, but they don’t want (laughs). Oh, and male model Lance Howard.

You’ve recently adopted a son. How has this changed your life?

That’s certainly one of the things off my list. You know, when you really want something, your heart hurts. I saw him at an orphanage, couldn’t forget him, couldn’t stop dreaming about him until he was finally here.

Mama Puma: One fashionable mother, lover of kids that Cecile is, at an event for Puma. Photo by BRENDAN GOCO

It feels so good to be loved by someone so small and handsome. It didn’t change my life that much, except more mayhem at home and I have to buy diapers again, but that’s okay.

Fashion bloggers have become instant celebrities taking over the front row. Do you think they deserve such honor?

Only if they didn’t maliciously step on people on their way up.

Which local brands or designers do you think have the potential to make it in the global arena?

Melissa Dizon, Mich Dulce, Joey Samson, Ivar Aseron, Proud Race.

What would you consider to be your greatest achievement?

If I can raise good sons, only the future can tell.

What would you consider is the best invention created?

The Spanx bra, WiFi, home massage, and Lasik surgery are really life-changing, but I think kids are really the best things ever.

How would you describe your personal sense of style?

Pajamic. Right now I’m really lazy to get out and get dressed, so I like elastic pants, sweats, loose tops.

From capsule collections to restaurants, what’s in store for you in the future?

I’m launching a second line for Bleach Castastrophe x Heather Miss Gray next month. Will open Pepper Lunch at Megamall, design furniture with Locsin International, move to a new blogsite, and so much more.

Who would you consider a Pinoy pop icon and why?

Jojo Alejar because he was cool in the ’80s and now he is just campy in a cool way, and I would love to see him dance.