Campus cognoscenti

MANILA, Philippines - They’re better dressed, more discriminating and have trotted around more parts of the globe than your average working stiff. And they’re only 20 — or younger.

Meet the new cool kids on campus, who are carving a new sartorial path for themselves.

Alex Roque, 19Business Management junior, Ateneo de Manila University

How would you describe the sartorial scene at school?

Definitely like a box of chocolates. You’ll never know what you’ll find. The common denominator: comfy clothes that stave off the heat, especially during this scorching weather. The most timeless Atenean accessory? The umbrella.  

And where does your style fit in?

I super love the classic look. I simply adore a good pair of plain blue jeans and cannot resist the allure of the plain gray V-neck. I just slip into a nice pair of shoes, grab my hairband and I’m ready to take on the day.

Who influences you style-wise?

Definitely my mom (Kamiseta owner Cris Roque). All my life I’ve always been her little shadow, so I guess her style kinda rubs off on me. I definitely inherited my love for fashion and dressing up from her. Not to mention my love for hairbands, too. 

What sites do you visit regularly for fashion updates? 

I’m not really a techy girl so my online life is limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Skype. I still really love my old-school magazines like Vogue and Nylon. There’s just something so soothing about flipping through a new French Vogue. 

Designers you admire?

My mom. She has such impeccable taste in fashion and her designs are all created and dreamed up with that timelessly classic twist. 

Signature piece?

A very special Tiffany & Co. love heart bracelet that I super love. I honestly cannot live without it.

What’s something every kid your age should own?

Definitely, a good pair of jeans. 

What wouldn’t you be caught dead in?

Skimpy clothes. I always grew up believing girls can dress to impress without having to wear body-baring clothes, but that’s just me.

Jody Dizon Morales, 20 Communication Arts senior, UST

How would you describe the sartorial scene at school?

Since UST has strict dress codes (no shorts, no sleeveless, etc) most people prefer comfortable clothes like T-shirts, jeans and flats. The days we can wear civilian clothes, it’s also easier to wear Thomasian or college shirts. The heat causes people to choose comfort over style.

And where does your style fit in?

I would define my style as more classic or laid-back. When I’m in school, I wear jeans, simple tee and flats. When I’m out, I tend to dress more girly but still laid-back.

Who influences you style-wise?

While I sometimes look to celebrities for some style ideas (Leighton Meester, Taylor Swift, Emma Watson), the people who mainly influence my style are my mom (jeweler designer Candy Dizon) and aunts.

What sites do you visit regularly for fashion updates?

I check out lookbook.nu, pinterest and some Instagram accounts.

Designers you admire?

I admire Coco Chanel because of her simple yet classic looks.

Signature piece?

High-waisted skirts. I love how they accent my waist, and how simple but pretty they are. So easy to pair them with almost any top.

What’s something every kid your age should own?

A good pair of heels you can wear with anything. I own a pair of nude stilettos and they’re my go-to shoes. They can instantly make an outfit stylish.

What wouldn’t you be caught dead in?

I would absolutely never be caught wearing leggings as pants! I can’t comprehend why people wear leggings like that. And you can see their panty line.

Jacqui Dizon Morales, 16 11th grade, Manila Waldorf School

How would you describe the sartorial scene at school?

In my school, we are discouraged from wearing branded clothing so we choose to wear clothes that are comfortable and mostly casual. We do a  lot of outdoor activities so rugged is the dress code. 

And where does your style fit in?

As of now, I embrace all styles. I find it fun to mix and match all kinds of clothing to achieve a certain look. The look I want to achieve depends on my mood for that day. 

Who influences you style-wise?

When it comes to fashion I look up to my auntie, (jewelry designer) Lucille Dizon. When I need help choosing an outfit, I immediately go to her for help since she knows how to mix and match my — always age-appropriate — clothes perfectly. Most of the time I love her outfits and when I get the chance I look for something similar. 

What sites do you visit regularly for fashion updates?

My favorite places to shop are Forever 21, Cotton On and Kamiseta. I don’t shop online. I like to see how the clothes look on me rather than guessing. 

Designers you admire?

Because of my mom, I have become quite close to her fashion designer friends and the first thing I admire about a person is their attitude. I really enjoy being around Dennis Lustico because he makes me laugh. Rajo Laurel is very helpful. When given the time, he teaches me how to pose. I think he knows that I want to be in this business. I really love the work of JC Buendia. It was his creation that I first modeled in for the "Weddings at the Pen show." 

Signature piece?

I would really like it to be the heart-shaped diamond that’s in my mom’s  store but since I can’t have that yet, I would have to say confidence. (Laughs)

What’s something every kid your age should own?

A good pair of jeans. Jeans are ageless. It doesn’t matter how old you are. It just depends on how you rock it. 

What wouldn’t you be caught dead in?

Something that shows a lot of skin because my mom is strict. (Laughs)

Jose Antonio Forés, 17High school senior, Beacon Academy

How would you describe the sartorial scene at school?

Despite the fact that the Academy enforces a uniform rule, the school has a wide range of personalities that brings various styles of dress, ranging from classy to high street.

And where does your style fit in?

I have a default go-to outfit that consists of loafers, a matching belt, a collared shirt and either shorts or jeans, depending on the weather and occasion. I would define my style as classic with contemporary

trend influences.

Who influences you style-wise?

No one in particular really influences my style; however, the way I feel definitely impacts my choice in clothing. For example, if I was feeling insecure, I would dress in neutral colors.

What sites do you visit regularly for fashion updates?

I don’t visit websites for fashion updates.

Designers you admire?

I like Alessandra Facchinetti, who was appointed as the new creative director of Tod’s. I love the brand because they have a very defined style that they don’t often branch out from. I like the consistency of their pieces.

Signature piece?

Loafers.

What’s something every kid

your age should own?

I think everyone my age should have a collared shirt because it’s a very adaptable piece that allows you to dress your outfit up or down accordingly.

What wouldn’t you be caught dead in?

I would never wear a belt that doesn’t match my shoes, it’s an OCD habit that I can’t break.

Mireya Vazquez-Prada, 17High school senior, Beacon Academy

How would you describe the sartorial scene at school?

Girls are typically dressed in flowy tops tucked into denim shorts with gladiator sandals and a small shoulder bag. Boys normally wear graphic T-shirts or collared shirts with chino shorts and boat shoes.

 And where does your style fit in?

I would classify my look as classic and put-together. As my general rule-of-thumb, if it worked 50 years ago, it’ll work today –– with a couple of things from 20 years ago thrown into the mix. (All the clothes from 1995’s Clueless are back in style.)

Who influences you style-wise?

I look to celebrities, fashion designers, and movies, some examples being Rachel Bilson, Victoria Beckham and, believe it or not, The Help. In terms of who has molded my taste over the years and helped to define what I consider style to be, I would name my mom and my lolas.

What sites do you visit regularly for fashion updates?

Vintagepatterns.wikia.com, which posts sewing patterns from the ’30s to the ‘70s.

Designers you admire?

Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz. He never compromises sophistication and elegance for an exhausted version of “sexy.” His pieces don’t hug, they drape; they don’t accentuate a silhouette, they define one, and there’s a strange sexiness that’s created in the process. That is a great designer.

Signature piece?

My outfits are always finished off with a leather bag. I’m not too much of an accessory junkie, but my weakness is definitely bags, especially ones in shapes and colors that have become iconic. I remember growing up and counting down the years before I could start wearing one without looking like I was trying too hard, ha-ha!

What’s something every kid your age should own?

Though I don’t believe that anyone has to spend extraordinary amounts of money to be stylish, I think that everyone should invest, at least once, in a single, high-quality piece that they can wear all the time. For girls, I would say a simple, sturdy leather bag — I am such a bag lady! — and for boys: a good watch. 

What wouldn’t you be caught dead in?

Unbuttoned shorts! I’ve heard that it’s a tanning technique to prevent unsightly tan lines around your waist, but to me, it just looks sloppy. My advice to girls: if you must do it, don’t take any pictures in the meantime!

Photos by TAMMY DAVID

Makeup and grooming by JULIE PEREGRINO of MAC Cosmetics and RB CHANCO

Shot at VANILLA CUPCAKE BAKERY at Alabang Town Center