Woman of Style: Ferosh fashion by Liz Uy

Before anything else, let it be said that Liz Uy will not talk about her past relationship to actor John Lloyd Cruz to the media. After having had to field off questions when the news of their three-year relationship leaked out, and after being ambushed in fashion events where she attended as media, Preview’s fashion editor has already formed an automatic reply ready: “Wala po talaga akong comment. Pasensya na po.” Polite to the point of being apologetic, and in a language that most showbiz people understand. And it’s non-negotiable.

But it’s not necessarily her Facebook status that has had people sitting up and taking notice of Liz Uy. Particularly in the fashion industry, she is known for her fashion savvy both as an individual and as a fashion stylist. Along with her brother and Preview creative director Vince Uy, the sibling tandem is responsible for some of the most arresting fashion editorials in local publishing.

Retail brands and the celebrity world caught on to her talent and have since pinpointed her as a preferred stylist. Liz has styled Kris Aquino, Lucy Torres Gomez, and Bea Alonzo for Kashieca, Gretchen Baretto and Paula Taylor for Plains & Prints, Maja Salvador for Jelly Bean, Marian Rivera for Natasha, among others. It probably also helps that she is as comfortable mixing with showbiz denizens as she is teetering around in her signature stiletto heels. Aside from her past association with local showbiz’s most in-demand leading man, Liz counts Anne Curtis and Isabelle Daza (who she styled for Swatch and Human, respectively) and Raymond Gutierrez as her BFFs, all of who are, in their own right, followers of fashion.

Liz may insist on her romantic affiliations remaining taboo but she at least let go of a personal rule this time: coming out in features such as this one. In the last few years, and coinciding with her relationship with John Lloyd, Liz has declined to be featured or come out in any shoots. “Bakit pa?” she asserts, denying the claims that she has also become some sort of celebrity because of her skills. Also, she’s camera-shy, as most people who work behind-the-scenes are most likely to profess. It took the bringing together of her dream team — photographer Mark Nicdao, makeup artist Gela-Laurel Stehmeiher, hairstylist Raymond Santiago and brother Vince to do final artwork — and a lot of cajoling to get her consent. And if pictures are worth anything — in the fashion world, they’re everything — then Liz Uy, both behind and in front of the camera, is, in one of her favorite words, ferosh.

Describe your personal style.

Sometimes polished, sometimes undone. I’m a mood dresser.

Personal shopping haven?

Colette, Dover Street Market, Lane Crawford and On Pedder. I like one-stop shopping — saves time and energy.

How often do you shop for yourself?

Every time I have a shoot, which is about thrice a week. I shop from my own pull-outs — can’t resist!

Who are your prefered designers?

Right now, I’m into Balmain, Martin Margiela, Rick Owens, Altuzarra, and Givenchy. I also like Slim’s. Very ingenious and indigenous.

How did you discover your love for fashion? 

I guess it was just there ever since…

And when did you know you wanted to make a career out of it? 

After graduation. I was in the hotel and restaurant industry and it just didn’t work out for me. When I entered the fashion industry, it made me happy to be where I was.

What can’t you get enough of?

I used to be obsessed with “it” bags and I’ve since shifted to stilts. You never know with fashion, tomorrow I might be hooked on jewelry.

What would be your ultimate buy?

Jewelry. I’m getting there.

Most extravagant buy? 

A fashionable pad

Do you always need to buy designer?

Not really, but you can always rely on them for quality and cost per wear. It’s good to have investment pieces that will last for years. I only invest in shoes and bags…I love H&M.

Whose style do you absolutely adore?

I love all Kates! Moss, though she’s probably everyone else’s; Bosworth for her easy, nonchalant dressing; and Lan-phear, whose style is ferosh! 

And whose do you think is overrated?

Lindsay Lohan — she’s always in leggings, for crying out loud. And Nicole Richie. People forget that it’s her former stylist Rachel Zoe’s style and not hers.

Do you follow any particular style websites?

Karlascloset, Seaofshoes, 4thandbleekeragency, Jakandjil and Chuvaness.

Do you have a signature item?

Gravity-defying high heels.

What’s the one thing you will never wear? 

Clogs, especially rubber clogs.

Ever had an embarrassing fashion moment?

My whole grade school life… and I thought I was cool!

What’s the oldest thing in your closet?

My mother’s Dior shoulder bag.

Who will you wear to your wedding?

Monique Lhuillier. Pinoy pride!

What would you tell a lot of the youth aspiring to be stylists about your work?

It only seems glamorous during events. But 90 percent of a stylist’s life is pure, hard work. A typical day will see me pulling out in my stilettos, booking different teams nonstop, dealing with difficult clients, attending pre-production meetings, location hunting, steaming clothes, sewing — the works. You name it, I’ve probably done it. You have to be focused, organized, and talented, of course. 

What do you think of your celebrity status as a stylist to the stars?

I don’t consider myself as a celebrity. I am only of service to them.

A fashion tip you want to share.

I feel naked without nail polish. I believe it completes the look.

What’s your favorite city?

I like Paris because everyone is such a snob, I love it. So chic. I also like London. Super saya ang nightlife sa London. Nabuhayan talaga ako ‘don. And Manila, of course. Everyone is still here and I’m just happy here.

Do you need to date a fashionable guy?

Not necessarily, though it will definitely be easier for him to woo me if we speak the same language.