Belle Daza: ‘My ideal man? Handsome, kind, funny, French’

MANILA, Philippines - Behind closed doors, inside the elegant Peninsula Suite of The Peninsula Manila, members of the press get comfortably intimate with Isabelle “Belle” Daza, the newest Avon Fashions intimate apparel ambassador.

Standing tall wearing her Belle Dream Bra in black lace with matching underwear under a sheer coverup, the 26-year-old actress/TV host/model declares, “I am very proud to be with Avon, I know what the brand represents ever since I was young — it’s really something for women. And I love how, aside from the fact that it’s a direct selling company for women, it also helps women start their own business, make a life for themselves and basically change lives.”

There to welcome the newest baby into the Avon family is a visibly excited Julie Tatarczuk, Avon Philippines president and general manager, who shares, “When we were thinking about the right person, we wanted somebody who believed in the Avon philosophy. And that had to be Isabelle. She’s a fashionista, she gets followed by a lot of people in the social media.”

Never has Avon gotten this intimate with members of the media. Suspense and mystery fill the air as we’re whisked into the Peninsula Suite and host Lexi Schulze gives us a tour of the home-suite-home and a sneak peek of Avon Fashions Boudoir.

In the bedroom, Avon unravels three hot beauties: the lace and embroidered Daisel Underwire Bra, the Sharlyn Underwire 2-Way Bra in ocean blue, and the Sonya Underwire Bra in hot pink.

Next, we step into the living room that’s brimming with flowers and color. Lounging in the living room are models baring more of Avon’s intimate statements: the versatile Alison Underwire Multi-Way Bra with a removable halter strap that can be worn in six different ways, the tropical-printed Georgina Non-Wire Bra, the Olivia Underwire Bra with purple watermark print, the Cattleya Underwire Bra with fancy shoulder straps and sexy criss-cross design, and the Mylene Underwire Bra in folkloric florals.

Meanwhile, sitting pretty in the dining room are models in neutral-toned underwear — Arwen Underwire Multi-Way Bra (which, take double note, can provide varying levels of cleavage enhancement, you won’t need any support from the Community Chest), the Helen Underwire Convertible Bra in snakeskin print, and the Naima Underwire Bra in sand-and-burnt orange lace combination.

And briefly now, let’s get to know the men up close and somewhat personal. Looking hot in the Jacuzzi and reading the day’s hot news are male models donning Troy 5-in-1 Hi-Cut Bikini briefs in color-blocked panels, solid-hued and printed Paulo 3-in-1 Bikini briefs, and the classic cotton spandex Carlo 2-in-1 Boxer briefs.

Excerpts from The STAR’s intimate interview with Belle Daza:

PHILIPPINE STAR: Describe your ideal man.

BELLE DAZA: Handsome, kind, funny, French.

Does your mom (former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz) approve of him?

I think she loves him more than she loves me. Haha!

What’s the best thing about being Gloria Diaz’s daughter? Do you mind getting compared to her?

The best thing is probably my mom is friends with a lot of people, so when I meet people, they are always extra kind to me.

I don’t mind at all getting compared to her. I can only dream to accomplish what she has done already with her personal life and with her career.

What’s it like being part of the Daza family who has carved a name in the food industry?

I’m equally proud of my Daza side, my Lola Nora is known for her contributions in the culinary industry in the Philippines. In fact, I think she should be recognized as a national artist! Every time I meet people, after telling me, “I know your mom!” they always follow it up with “I have your lola’s cook book.”

What does your dad (Bong Daza) say about your modeling?

When it comes to my career, my dad leaves it all to my mom and says it’s her business, but he’s very supportive as well. He has lots of pictures of me in his house.

Describe your fashion style.

Polished and comfortable.

What are your fashion preferences?

It all starts with having the right intimate apparel that sets the tone for what I want to wear.

When did you start wearing a bra?

I started wearing a bra when I was 13 and in seventh grade. I was looking forward to it; in school, everybody had the little clip-on bra. My mom and I went together to choose my training bra and I felt such an adult.

How picky are you with underwear?

Very picky! I think it’s something you learn growing up with a bunch of women, I have a lot of aunts, female cousins, and my mom, of course. I think your underwear says a lot about you. It’s basically your little secret from the world. It gives you a kind of inner confidence.  My tita was an Avon lady in the US, that’s how I came to know the brand.

How many bras do you have in your closet?

I have a big collection — I have colored, printed, nude, black. Even before Avon, I had a fascination for bras.

Of course, my favorite is the Belle Dream Bra, which I helped conceptualize and design. I chose the lace, the color, the whole concept behind it. I’ll force my mom to wear one. It’s very elegant and sophisticated yet comfortable. It’s kind of a day-to-night bra.

When we were talking about what kind of bra I’d design, I wanted it to be classic because everybody needs a classic bra. That’s why we didn’t choose something too over-the-top.

For my cleavage needs, it can be tighter, pushed up higher; it can be looser, depending on the occasion.

Avon also has the talented bra — you can change the straps to suit different types of clothes, like a tube top, halter, etc.

Who are your favorite designers?

Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang.

Where do you shop for clothes, shoes, and bags?

Bench! And when I go abroad. Shoes I try to shop online or when I’m abroad since they don’t carry my size here!

What are your cheap thrills?

Cheese-flavored dirty ice cream.

Could you share your beauty secrets?

Investing in a good moisturizer like La Mer. I also wear a lot of sun block by Belo.

It’s about eating properly. When I stop my mom and tell her to diet, she’ll say, “I already have a crown!”

It’s about balance. I like to eat unhealthy food sometimes, but I exercise a lot as well. I go to the gym and I run. I’m doing triathlons now. I swim and I bike and I do yoga and horseback riding. It’s mixing your sports so your body doesn’t get used to it.

And lastly, happiness!

What to you makes a woman truly beautiful?

False eyelashes! Hahaha!

And how a woman treats other people.