Izza Gonzalez-Agana: From model to designer

MANILA, Philippines - I have known Izza Gonzalez-Agana for more than half of my life. The dimpled, dusky Ibanag beauty from the North became a model in 1982, a year after I started. Izza, and myself, along with Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis, Alta Tan, Suyene Chi-Sia, Maribel Lastimosa-Steinmann, and Annette Coronel were known as the “ate girls” among our fashion friends. I don’t recall who gave us the moniker, but it seemed appropriate since we spent so much time together. We were like family and considered each other siblings and ate regardless of our age.

Izza always stood out in our group because she was the only olive-skinned, exotic beauty in a bevy of mestiza models. Discovered by makeup artist Jay Lozada in 1982 at the age of 21 while he was buying Air Supply vinyl records from Izza’s brother, Jay coaxed her to appear in a Renee Salud gala show at the Coconut Palace; from that moment on, she fell in love with modeling. In 1985, after having bloomed on the runway, Renee Salud told her, “Pwede ka na, halika na” (the time is right, let’s go) and entered her in the Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant. She won the title Binibining Pilipinas-Maja and went on to place second in the Miss Maja International contest in Trinidad and Tobago. The rest, as they say, is history.

Playful in tulle: Tulle sequined skirt by Jessica, tank top from Shopwise, necklaces from Mango and a flea market in Australia

Izza is the “model of grace under pressure.” She reminded me of a trip we took to Egypt to model for an Arabic designer whose fully beaded, ridiculously heavy gowns were custom-made in the Philippines. “Oo nga pala, you were part of that group! Remember, ang haba haba ng stage (the stage was so long) and the show took forever. We finished the show after midnight?” she asked. “Yes, that’s right,” I replied but remembering so much more: a photo shoot in the middle of the desert in the 46-degree sweltering heat wearing Ibrahim’s clothes, the oversized and tight headdresses that pinched our temples and cut into our skin, the heavy clothes that gave use back pains and bruised shoulders. We all threatened to quit in the middle of the show, but all throughout the madness, Izza kept her composure and walked down the runway, regal and flashing her dimpled smile. Thinking back to all the brouhaha, all she could say was “Tets, my feet were so numb during that show!”

Today, Cairo is all but a memory, but Izza has kept her poise and her fashion style. Married to lawyer Yakie Agana, Izza has made the transition from model-beauty queen to stylist-clothing designer and she is on top of the world, relishing her new titles.

I caught up with Izza at the Agana residence over green tea, homemade buko pandan ice cream and lots of laughter and peppered her with these questions:

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: You were one of the most successful models in the ’80s. Did you always want to be a model growing up?

IZZA GONZALEZ-AGANA: No, not really, it was just pure luck.

The young models then had to fend off unwanted advances from playboys and older men, among other things. Based on your experience, what was the most difficult aspect of modeling?

Di ba so many people looked down on us because they thought we were dumb and easy? Having to deal with those people and prove time and again how wrong they were was difficult but worthwhile.

Izza’s own collection of fashion design and art books

Our work brought us to many places, exposed us to many kinds of people and experiences. What life lessons did modeling teach you that serve you to this day?

I learned a lot, but the most important were instilling discipline in everything I do, committing myself fully to all my obligations and always being professional no matter what the circumstance.

One of the perks of being a model is traveling. Which place do you consider your most favorite? Why?

Martinique, an island in the eastern part of the Caribbean. Aureo Alonzo had this annual six to eight-month long cultural fashion shows around the world called “Fiesta Filipina,” and I decided to join just a few years into modeling. Wow, what a great opportunity to see the world! I loved Martinique so much I decided to stay longer with Annette Coronel. I found its unique French flair fascinating, its flavors and beaches as some of the best in the world. Of course, Trinidad and Tobago will hold a special place in my heart because that’s where the Miss Maja International contest was held.

I left Manila in 1988. What year did you quit modeling? What was your last show?

I officially quit in 1996 after doing the Renato Balestra show, but I still accept very select runway assignments, every now and then.

Several of our contemporaries are also involved in fashion. How did you make the transition from model to stylist and clothing designer?

I was asked to style for a now defunct bridal magazine and Jackie Aquino, the fashion director, (and our close friend) saw my work and asked me if I wanted to work with him as a stylist; a single collaboration led to many more. I have since worked with him and on my own for brands like Marks & Spencer, Avon, Bally, Liz Claiborne, Springfield, Furla, Roberto Coin, Zara, and Lacoste. As for becoming a clothing designer, one day I just decided to put up a small brand of my own and consign with several department stores. Today, I have a shop that carries ready-to-wear and made-to-order dresses and gowns for a select clientele.

Being a former model and now a stylist, you have been exposed to all types of fashion. What kind of clothes do you design and who are the women who buy your clothes?

More than designing for a client, I work with them to come up with an individual overall look that best represents their personalities and careers. My clothes run the gamut of casual to bridal and most of my clients are working moms.

Shoe die for: Tod’s moccasins, Nine West wedges, Ann Demeulemeester orange suede shoes, Chloe Moroccan-inspired heels, among other brands

Which do you enjoy more, styling or making clothes?

Both, but styling is more fun because I get to work with many women of all shapes and ages all at the same time.

How would you describe your fashion style today? Has it changed much from when you were a model?

I have definitely matured. I use fashion to express my creativity and the clothes I wear are mostly classics with a sprinkling of the eclectic. I enjoy mixing and matching them for an easy, comfortable style.

What is your foremost consideration when buying clothes, shoes and bags?

I always look for high quality and great style, pieces that are timeless.

Izza’s own collection of fashion design and art books

What brand of clothing will I find in your closet today?

I am practical so I go for brands like Zara, Topshop and Mango for the most part although lately, I’ve been a fan of Chloe. When I travel, I like to scour the flea markets and local stores for great buys.

I noticed you have furniture pieces from the ’60s and the ’70s mixed in with contemporary ones. Any particular reason why?

The old furniture came from my mother-in-law’s house; I find the pieces finely crafted, very elegant and classic. Just like my fashion style, I mixed them with modern ones to create a polished, timeless look for our home.

Who among the local and international designers do you admire the most?

I admire Inno Sotto for his classic designs and Vera Wang because she expresses her femininity in her designs. My wedding gown was by Vera Wang and I tell you, the gown I wore 14 years ago can withstand the test of time and can still look fashion-forward today.

What won’t you be caught dead wearing?

Mommy dusters at home.

I know you are a fitness and health buff. How do you keep fit and healthy?

I do Bikram Yoga five times a week and brisk walk with my husband Yakie five times a week as well. I personally do our grocery shopping and select food items that are good for both of us; I also cook all our meals at home and make sure they are nutritiously balanced.

What’s your greatest fear?

To become unhealthy.

Trends have come and gone. Which do you you think has had the most influence on fashion in general?

Street fashion, especially abroad.

When you’re not working or exercising, what do you do?

Run errands mostly but I enjoy cooking for Yakie the best.

I vowed never to return to the runway again.What would convince you to walk the runway again even for one last time?

Working with the “ate girls” would definitely convince me to do a show one more time. Speaking of which, I will be doing the Inno Sotto show at the CCP on Nov. 14 with some of our contemporaries.

After 14 years of being married, how would you describe your life now?

Happy with peace of mind; I find joy taking walks with Yakie, spending quiet time with him and being around family and close friends.

You seem to be very happy with what you’re doing now. Is there anything else you want to achieve, say in the next five years?

I hope to become a more successful businesswoman and  create my own yoga wear label.

What words of wisdom do you live by every day?

Be thankful to the Lord for everything that I have and for everything that I will still receive.

This woman, who admits to having no regrets in life, has no pet peeves, never gets flustered or upset easily and vows never to undergo any kind of cosmetic surgery, clearly knows what she wants out of life and is getting it in her own terms. Izza, the ate girl who exudes charm and grace, has definitely come into her own and is without a doubt living una vita benedetta (a blessed life).