Model anatomy

Nobody does understated effort-less style like a model off-duty. It’s a recipe of easy pieces, matched with a touch of fashion and a whole lot of personalized individuality. It helps also that they have the perfect body frame to pull everything off. So, with that as a base from which every point of sartorial creativity can take off, dressing up should be a myriad of fantastic possibilities.

Not that the world revolves around me, but I really wished I had grown a few more inches than my current 5’4” verticality. But then, on hindsight, yes, I wished I shrunk 15 pounds in frame, with less cheekbones and with mysterious green eyes. But I digress.

Point is, we all manage to work with what we have, and more! So, since it’s Philippine Fashion Week already (is your wardrobe set?), I’ve decided to dissect how these stylish languid gamines get their fashyown on. Shot while they were on their numerous fittings for retail brands, this is as real off-duty as you can get. At least if we don’t have the towering height and the enviable skinniness, we can all get the attitude. Hah.

•Paulette Quinto in her oversized utilitarian top would look good in anything, standing at 5’11, her body is an endless linear line with neverending trotters — so she looks especially good in ultra short shorts and flat boots. Denim in all its reincarnations will never lose its place in style heirarchy, wear it under loose shirts or with pockets deliberately peeking out. (Top: H&M; shorts: Holic Jeans; bag: Longchamp; sunnies: Dior; boots: from Hong Kong)

•Brapanese model Cris Takaya is a surprising find, though I’ve worked with her before in an editorial, I never saw this stylish side, but I super love it! She works high street style in that turban and aviator shades combo, and high-waisted washed-out shorts that’s super unforgiving on a body thats a percent over zero in body fat but on her looks amazing. A bright red tote also gives an unpredictable twist to this classic tee and jean pairing. (Top, jacket, shoes: Topshop; shorts: Mango, Sunnies: Aldo, Turban: Forever 21)

•Justine Gabionza has invaded TV, what with her numerous commercials and exposures. She has this covetable toned bikini body that has all the assets in perfect shape and size, so micro hemlines and ultra tight shapes work. A printed geographic dress is offset by this seasons neutral: nude. (Dress, Sunnies: Topshop. Quilted jacket: H&M. Sandals: Aldo. Bag: Baby Phat by Kimora Lee)

•Marita Ganse has long been a street style favorite. She’s been in my best dressed list ever since I saw her in one of those defunct Fluxxe nights. She’s a mix of fashion irreverence with a bolt of indie quirkiness twisted in. I shot her on day that was terribly overcast and wet, so she came in a lightweight trench with a pleated back, and oversized concert tee and patent lace-up booties. Check! (Dress: Topshop. Trench: Burberry. Shoes: H&M. Bag: Jacques Le Corre)

•Emily Synes, I met for the first time when I shot this photo. In the sea of ubiquitous style blah and boringness she stood out in this slouchy long line cardigan paired with a t-shirt dress and Mod boots. Just goes to show that even the simplest pieces can grab attention when thrown together right. (Dress: Cohen et Sabine. Boots: Vintage. Wrap: from Australia. Bag: Sachi)

•Valerie De Los Santos will always be the rock chick with the rocker boyfriend who both own a too-cool label. Having a brand (streetbeatbo-utique.multiply.com) that mirrors your individuality is a great way to spread the style love. Casual off-shoulder top deflects the sometimes too glam up vibe of leather shorts. Lace-up flats, a derby, and a trinketed tote seal this music festival uniform. (Sweater: Forever 21. Shorts: H&M. Hat: Topshop. Bag: Zara. Sandals: Renegade Folk)