MANILA, Philippines - Architect Monique Albert-Lopez has plenty to fill her résumé. Minimalist Asian-inspired residences, Mediterranean homes, mid-rise condominium buildings and a boutique hotel, along with numerous store and restaurant interiors, are just a few of the big projects under her fashionably cinched belt. Though the UST grad has plenty of talent to spread around for major ventures (it must run in the family: sister Rina is a well-known illustrator whose work can be found in bookstores everywhere, and uncle Jose Mari Chan has penned more than a few iconic songs), her personal style tends to be more understated: classic polo shirts, jeans that fit like a glove and knits make up her wardrobe staples. As far as Monique is concerned, classic pieces are the perfect building blocks for ensembles that will stand the test of time.
PHILIPPINE STAR: What’s your lifelong dream?
MONIQUE ALBERT-LOPEZ: To design and build a green and self-sustainable city, where people can lead healthy, family-oriented lives.
What gives you a sense of fulfillment?
Living life in step with God’s plans for me. Living a life I can be proud of and tell Him all about after this life.
What are you reading at the moment?
The Power of a Praying Wife.
Bedside-table musts?
The Bible.
How would you define your personal style?
Casual chic with a touch of glamour.
What was your style as a kid?
As a kid, my mom and yayas dressed me up. Towards high school, as an Alabang citizen, I preferred to wear shorts and flip-flops. College onwards, I was always in jeans, except during parties and dinners when I loved to dress up in cocktail wear.
What is your no-fail outfit?
A nice and comfy pair of jeans and a black baby tee.
What do you feel best wearing?
Evening gowns.
Do you have any fundamental rules of dressing?
When accessorizing, choose one main focal point only.
Whose closet would you most like to raid?
Eva Longoria’s.
Is there an item in your closet you cherish the most?
Jewelry pieces from my mom and lola.
What’s your most recent purchase?
Red pumps for the upcoming Christmas season.
Your best shopping secret?
The Vegas Outlet. They’re on recession super-sale.
Your fave place to shop?
Rockwell. The stores are laid out so that shoppers can easily access their market segment as quickly as possible. Time is precious.
What do you regret buying the most?
Nothing, really. I’m a practical shopper.
A white Bell and Ross watch from my husband last Christmas.
What three pieces define your everyday style?
A knit top, 7 For All Mankind jeans and a Kate Spade bag.
Local designers you admire?
Rajo for his classic and elegant style, and Lulu Tan Gan for her great choice of materials and the way her clothes fall.
How about foreign labels?
Max Mara because of the fit, color choice and the way they are able to craft casual in an elegant manner.
Best sartorial advice from your parents?
By my mom’s example, I learned that less is more. There is elegance in understatement.
Who, in your opinion, is emblematic of classic style?
Audrey Hepburn in her little black dress decked in pearls. It’s very basic and, because it’s simple, will transcend generations.
What would you never be caught dead in?
Neon.