MANILA, Philippines - Few are aware that the skinny model clad all in black is a licensed nurse, but Krystal Espiritu is not your typical model. Since she was discovered by makeup artist Patrick Rosas, who noticed her otherworldly looks at a fashion show — Krystal was waiting for her brother who had walked at a show — her career has ascended, allowing her to walk for friends like designer Gian Romano, who took her to Singapore to open for his show at the Audi Fashion Festival.
YStyle took a walk with the model/muse who is known for her singular look as well as her signature style.
YSTYLE: Last show you walked?
KRYSTAL ESPIRITU: The last big show I did was the Furne One show for the Mega Pinoy Pride event. It was also one of the most challenging since we had to walk with these masks that covered our faces.
Designers you adore?
For the local designers, Gian Romano tops my list. He’s one of the very few designers who sticks to his aesthetics but never fails to show something new and interesting. I’ve personally seen him work so many times and he comes up with the most clever ideas. Case in point: an ombre scarf attached to a simple white shirt at his latest menswear collection. Norman Noriega, Joey Samson, Mike Lavarez and Marlon Rivera also reminds us that we live in the year 2012, not 1991. And of course, I dream of walking for designers Gareth Pugh, Karl Lagerfeld and Hedi Slimane someday.
Best show you’ve done?
I would never forget the Audi Fashion Festival in Singapore when I opened Gian Romano’s segment for the Blackmarket show and SLIMS at Philippine Fashion Week last May when I walked in Joey Samson’s breathtaking finale dress.
Who taught you how to dress?
I can’t say that I was taught, but more of influenced in the way I dress. I’ve been browsing fashion magazines and watching fashion shows on TV since I was 13 and I guess that’s where it all came from. Fast forward to many years later, I became a model, and I quickly realized that my job required me to make a little effort to look good. It contributes to the difference between “Are you a model?” and “You must be a model.”
Where do you shop?
I usually go to Topshop, The Ramp Crossings, Greenhills, online stores, ukay. When all else fails, I raid my brother’s closet.
What’s the last thing you purchased?
My second bottle of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum.
Who inspires you?
When I grow up, I wanna be Betty Catroux.
Favorite wardrobe piece you keep turning to?
My black Norman Noriega leggings are the ones I always trust. I can wear them with anything.
Most insane garment you’ve ever purchased?
I don’t know about you but a Viktor and Rolf shirt for P100 already spells “insane” to me.
What would you never be caught dead in?
Clogs.
When are you happiest?
After a show, nothing can beat a nice dinner and drinks with friends and colleagues. When I get home, I take off my heels and I ask my brother to give me a foot massage. Happy feet = happy girl!
A few of her favorite things:
City: My home province, Cavite Cavite Cavite!
Drink: Red wine, preferably Australian
Label: Topshop
Favorite Gallery: The Drawing Room
Sunday afternoon haunt: Our friendly neighborhood ukay
Vacation destination: My dream vacation is to visit the city of Antwerp in Belgium