MANILA, Philippines - Despite having grown up in the fashion industry, Marielle Santos-Po, merchandising manager for the house brands of Cinderella, the department store and fashion retailer that her family founded nearly 70 years ago, is not a victim of it. She chooses pieces that complement her style and love it back, and, though she appreciates them, Marielle mostly considers trends as statements of fashion that pass on a seasonal basis. Hers is a fashion sense that is very feminine: printed dresses and rounded curves. Clean lines and easy closures.
And even if she is dedicated to her work, Marielle still, visibly and consciously, puts time and focus into other interests. She cooks. Travels when she can, mostly with her husband Leo Po. And she also runs. Which, if you think about it, complements her vibrant disposition and lively personality. Marielle is actually training to run in a half-marathon early next year. Just to prove that she can. “I’m actually following a program right now. I’m training myself to run 15 to 16 kilometers just before the run and will only do the 21k on the event itself. After I do that, I’ll probably just relax and run leisurely.”
She also does a lot running around in her job. Marielle is very hands-on with nearly everything that concerns her brands, C Women, Seventeen, Pierre Cardin. She meets with suppliers, arranges marketing campaigns, approves designs, organizes tie-ups with other retailers. And when she’s not up to her elbows in Cinderella duties, she’s filing for a leave to do shoots to, somehow, promote the store. Just like this one.
Philippine Star: What are you obsessing over now?
Marielle santos-po: H&M by Jimmy Choo.
Which designer would you save up for?
Valentino — both the Chiuri and Piccioli lines.
Do you collect anything?
Bags, definitely.
Most extravagant buy?
Honestly, good makeup is an extravagance for me. I don’t usually use makeup so when there’s a need to buy, it’s so difficult for me to grasp its price — I guess expensive things do come in small packages!
Loose, shapeless tops, but my husband hates them!
What is your biggest fashion frustration?
Right now, it’s shoulder pads. They’re nice but not on me!
Are you big on trends?
I like trends. I don’t follow them all the time because my style’s more on the classic side. Also, some trends don’t agree with me, like those booties and heeled gladiators that are so in right now.
Do you have any personal rules when it comes to shopping?
Never buy on impulse. Sleep on it and if it’s still haunting you the next day then purchase it.
Signature scent?
Jo Malone. I like the White Jasmine and Mint variants.
Signature accessory?
My engagement and wedding rings.
Which city do you keep going back to?
Hong Kong. It’s close by, the food is amazing and the shopping is great.
Which city is next on your travel list?
Valencia.
What’s your biggest luxury?
Food! I love to cook.
And what are your cheap thrills?
Costume jewelry.