Portraits of artists as style stars
MANILA, Philippines - To the uninitiated, it would appear to some that the art world is dominated by gallery girls wearing Ann Taylor Loft, sleazy artists in capri pants, with a few sex-crazed gallery owners and eccentrics thrown in for good measure. At least that’s what it looks like on Girls. For our art issue, YStyle totally went undercover (kind of) by photographing actual artists (and a gallery owner) and picking their brains when it comes to their personal style and their view of the rules of fashion in the art scene.
Lui Medina Artist
What are you wearing?
Jeans and top from Beyond Retro — they’re my favorite pair of jeans — with Rag and Bone wedges.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
I dress based on where I’m going, what I’m doing and what the weather is. When I’m working on my art, I wear pajamas or old jeans and a ratty T-shirt.
Do you remember what you wore to the first exhibit you attended?
No.
What were you wearing to your first exhibit? Your first solo show?
My first exhibit was at Finale Art gallery in SM Megamall. Don’t really remember what I wore, probably just jeans, heels and an ukay top.
How has your personal style evolved since your first exhibit?
I got older, but I still buy cheap secondhand clothes.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
Jeans and comfortable shoes.
Does your art inform the way that you dress?
Not at all.
What have you noticed about the way people dress in the art scene?
People wear what they want to wear.
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
I like anyone who can feel confident and comfortable in what they’re wearing, no matter how simple or far out an outfit is. If you feel you look good, then you do.
Leeroy New Visual artist, sculptor and designer
What are you wearing?
A shirt I got from a thrift store in Fukuoka almost four years ago, a pair of Levi’s which I got for free and Onitsuka sneakers, the only thing I really spent for.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
T-shirts and jeans are the perfect work outfit for me. I wear loose and light fabric T-shirts because it can get hot in the studio, plus I move a lot and lift all sorts of materials so it shouldn’t hamper my mobility. I’ve come to face the fact that all my clothes get some kind of stain or tear in them because of some material or tool I’m using, which is the reason I’d rather spend my money on materials or tools than clothes.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
I really just go for T-shirt and jeans, especially if it’s not my show, unless a dress code has been indicated.
Does your art inform the way that you dress?
It certainly does but in a more practical sense like I mentioned with the previous question.
What have you noticed about the way people dress in the art scene?
Some can be very practical and chill while others tend to be more conscious about how their aesthetic sensibilities manifest in how they look. There really is no one look that they subscribe to since the citizens of the art scene are as varied as the art practices.
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
Hmmm. No one comes to mind. I guess I don’t really admire people based on what they’re wearing.
Paulo Vinluan Painter
What are you wearing?
Button-down shirt from Muji, RRL black denim jeans and black Wolverine boots. Comfort always comes first.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
I like the idea of uniform dressing, plus pretty much the majority of my closet is either chambray, gray or black. If I’m in the studio, pambahay is the way to go.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
What I’m wearing now.
Does your art inform the way that you dress?
I use a lot of colors in my paintings, and I’m the opposite in terms of my clothing.
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
I like to spot lolos and lolas in Chinatown along Grand Street because there is nothing contrived about how they dress up. It’s always about the need or function that they respond to in terms of dressing. All those layers, prints and cuffing is enough to make you jealous.
Tina Fernandez Creative director, Artinformal
What are you wearing?
A Majorelle kaftan. It's very cool, comfortable and versatile. It was brought in by my friend from Morocco. My shoes are by Michael Kors.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
It largely depends on the weather, where I expect to go and who I expect to see. Usually, I go with jeans and a white tank or T-shirt. My style has always been quite classic. Nothing quirky nor too trendy.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
It really depends on my mood. There is no real dress code at these events. I can go from jeans and a white shirt when I’m too lazy or a short dress when my legs are tanned or a dressy jumpsuit if I want to dress up a little.
Does the type of art you choose to show in your gallery inform the way you dress?
My taste in art generally reflects my taste in clothing and vice versa. My color palette is quite subdued both ways, but a splash of strong colors is always welcome.
What have you noticed about the way people dress in the art scene?
Almost everyone I know in the art scene dresses up in whatever makes them feel comfortable or expresses themselves best. I think in the art scene nobody really minds or judges how the next person is dressed up.
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
My friend and artist Jia Estrella because she always looks so well put together in any event she goes to, whether it be just visiting a friend, going to a farm or to a gala. Always so chic and elegant.
Christina Dy Visual Artist
What are you wearing?
I forgot where I got my black dress — it’s probably just a department store brand. It’s my default dress for everything. The harness is by Raf Soriano. He made this for a Polecats photo shoot. The five-and-a-half-inch heels are from Pleaser; these are my poledancing shoes. I feel really comfortable in this outfit. It’s black, cotton and I can move in it. The shoes look deadly but are actually very stable and comfortable.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
On a normal day, I just put on whatever’s at the top of my closet. Really. I purged my closet and am now on shopping hiatus for a year, so I really do not have much of a choice when it comes to clothes. While drawing, if at home, old shirts and shorts that have become super soft over time. If drawing in a public space, then leggings and old shirts, all black. I’m always in flats unless I’m dancing.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
Something black. This outfit, but with flats.
Does your art inform the way that you dress?
I work a lot with charcoal and pencil, so I’m dirty all the time. Most of my things are black, even my nail polish to hide my dirtiness!
What have you noticed about the way people dress in the art scene?
Oh, I don’t notice these things.
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
Dressing up isn’t really my thing, unless it’s a costume. So I do like how characters in The Matrix, The Cell, The Royal Tenenbaums and In the Mood for Love are dressed up.
‘I definitely see my appearance as very integral.’
Eugenia Alcaide Artist
What are you wearing?
Tattered shorts from a thrift store, a printed shirt from Zara and mid-cut boots from Call It Spring. I chose this outfit because it’s my normal everyday wear. I like wearing oversized shirts with shorts because it accentuates good areas of my body, while hiding other parts.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
I usually dress according to my moods and the weather. I want to make sure I am dressed properly for the appropriate temperatures. When I’m working I tend to wear regular clothing that’s comfortable (shirt and shorts), although not anything new or expensive just in case something spills or drips.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
I usually just wear dress or jeans with a comfortable shirt.
Does your art inform the way that you dress?
For sure. It’s not like I want to play a role or anything, but I definitely see my appearance as very integral. There’s a lot you can do with your physical appearance, and it definitely contextualizes you as an artist. If I dressed differently, I think the way my art is perceived would be totally different.
What have you noticed about the way people dress in the art scene?
People wear full-on fashion now. They’re usually casual yet well-groomed.
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
I have always admired Natalie Ratabesi’s style, her clean and contemporary elegance, her timeless style and effortless femininity.
Cos Zicarelli Full-time artist and wannabe musician
What are you wearing?
I wore a Springfield leather jacket, H&M black denim and mono plaid top and Vans shoes.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
I just wear working clothes: shirt and shorts, since it can get really messy with my materials, which are pencil and graphite powder. At the end of the day, I’m usually covered in charcoal. At night, (since I rarely wake up in the morning to go out) it depends on the event. Sometimes I just wear a white shirt and jeans. I was really into white shirts and jeans for a long time, but since I came back from Italy two years ago, I’ve been really open to dressing up better.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
It depends on the mood. I usually just wear something I’m comfortable with.
Does your art inform the way that you dress?
Well, my work is very monochromatic. I don’t usually dress up in bright or colorful outfits, so yes, I think my art has really inspired me.
What have you noticed about the way people dress in the art scene?
Very ‘80s, but in a modern way. I hate the ‘80s look! Haha!
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
Well, I really get inspired by Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, the band Jesus and The Mary Chain and Norwegian Black Metal.
Wawi Navarroza artist, photographer and singer
What are you wearing?
I’m wearing a silk pajama top with black and white polka dots, a black denim skirt, and a pair of tangerine/cream wingtip heels. To be honest, I chose these intuitively and didn’t think too much. Maybe unconsciously it has to do with that part of me that’s still tethered to Spain or maybe there’s a slight nod to artist Yayoi Kusama. These items I got from H&M Singapore, H&M Barcelona, and the shoes from an online shop www.sarenza.es. The truth is, when you’re living abroad on your own, the clothes should be something you can easily give away or leave behind. Now I’m back in Manila, I hope to wear more local designers.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
Since I live and work in my studio, it has to be both comfortable and up to the task. This could be anything from meeting the carpenter, going out for errands, spending some alone time to work on ideas, then going out again to meet friends for dinner and drinks, and some late nights for gigs with my band, The Late Isabel. This could all be in one day and what I wear has to be able to cross over to any of these things. When I’m shooting, I stick to the basics: linen trousers, cotton button-down shirt and my trusty brogues. Sometimes, I throw in a good pleather jacket. Lots of blacks, caramel tan, whites. Monochrome. I always wear my patrón San Miguel pendant, rose quartz mineral crystal, and brass knuckleduster.
With all the moving around, I have a more practical streak now so the marvelous Wonderland gig clothes I wore before (tutus, velvet, fishnets) don’t come by as often. These days I pay more attention to the cut of the clothing and the fabric. I also did a lot of decluttering and tried to cut down my wardrobe to a few essentials, punctuated by some unforgettable details here and there.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
Hmmm. Can’t say, but I know what I don’t wear. I don’t wear the jeans, T-shirt and sneakers combo. I want to, but it just doesn’t look okay on me. I like to mark occasions with some love so I put in the effort to dress as an idea.
Does your art inform the way that you dress?
Yes, I think it’s inevitable. I don’t pick it apart usually, but I think my clothes have become more structured and as sincere as my photographs. Aside from art, my choices are dictated by a state of mind or philosophy, if you will. It filters into everything.
What have you noticed about the way people dress in the art scene?
Same same, but different. Most artists I know here don’t bother dressing up (understandable — mainit! — or they’d rather be painting). Most collectors dress to impress, sophisticated, put-together, mabango. Gallery owners, I think, have the best eyeglasses. What I miss seeing in Manila are the token outlandish critic/art patron-cum-quirky-characters. I think we have a local version of that and they’re usually present at openings: quiet, understated, intelligent, nonchalant and they usually carry plastic envelope and payong.
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
On an art residency at the Northeast Mediterranean coast of Spain, I really admired how the people of that small town authentically lived and dressed. Everyone greeted people they met in the street, big basket in hand filled with fresh stuff from the open market. They wore striped navy blues, fishermen’s shirts, espadrilles with a piece of cheese and a knife in a jacket pocket. I guess in general, I like it when there’s a certain elegance, a sum of all parts. Not elegance as in polished to perfection, but elegance in that there’s a relaxed self-hood about it. Among the people I know, I like looking at Tesa Celdrán, my friend Katrina Lagman, Clara Balaguer and artist Dex Fernández. They know how to rock it high and rock it low.
Maxine Syjuco Poet and visual artist
What are you wearing?
Lanvin for H&M, which I purchased online. I’m a big fan of creative collaborations, and I think it’s absolutely wonderful how high-end labels are now working with mid-range brands to make fashion more accessible to the everyday person. In terms of accessories, I chose to keep it simple by wearing only my watch, which is a classic Tag Heuer Link gifted to me by my parents on my 18th birthday.
What do you usually wear when you’re working?
I choose what to wear in the morning based on the most recent work of art that sparked inspiration in me. A painting, a sculpture, a good book, a fascinating film, or even a great song can dramatically alter my outlook, and the type of outfit that I choose to wear is definitely influenced by my latest artistic experiences. When it comes to working, though, things can get rather messy in my studio. I usually opt for anything comfortable and rugged — like a tank top or an over-sized tee paired with leggings or tattered denim shorts.
What would you normally wear to a gallery opening?
Gallery openings are very important to me. I see them not only as events held in celebration of the showcased artworks, but also as celebrations in honor of the artist’s courageous spirit. Given that, I like to dress as best I can in order to show respect to both the artist, as well as to his/her work. For openings held in the afternoon, I usually wear a cute little cocktail dress with fancy shoes or dainty ballet flats. For openings held in the evening, I sometimes wear short-shorts fancied up with an overly “girly†top (like a satin bustier or a lace camisole), and maybe a cropped geometric blazer.
Does your art inform the way that you dress?
The way I dress is indicative of my art, but is in no way an immediate reflection of it. My personal style is far more muted and traditionally-romantic as compared to my more dark and brutally-honest artistic style.
What have you noticed about the way people dress in the art scene?
The art scene is the best place to see people dressed in their rawest state. Whether it be because they’re dressed to the nines or, on the contrary, dressed down, those who belong to the art scene are those who value the importance of both eccentricity and individuality.
Is there anybody that you admire in in terms of dressing up?
There are five women to whom my admiration belongs. My mother, Jean Marie Syjuco, because she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known (and because she used to pick me up from school with an awesome Mohawk). My two sisters, Michelline and Trix, because they have an innate and unwavering sense of how to truly express themselves through their clothes. And two of my art collectors, Silvana Diaz and Tina Fernandez, because they always — no matter when or where — look like the “glamor goddesses†that they are.
