Women of Style: The Syjuco sisters' closet full of art

MANILA, Philippines - Thanks to their parents, pioneer Filipino experimental artists Cesare and Jean Marie Syjuco, Michelline and Maxine Syjuco didn’t have what you’d call a conventional upbringing — for an artistic household, at least. It wasn’t quite the bohemian lifestyle most people envision for celebrated families of artists.

“It was a really laid-back childhood,” says Michelline. “We didn’t grow up going out all that much. Our parents really wanted a quiet lifestyle.”

“That means no partying,” she says. “We weren’t really the type to head out to the clubs, we’re more ‘let’s-go-watch-a-movie-and-have-some-popcorn’ type of people.”

“We went to a really conservative school and dressed pretty tame when we were kids,” says Maxine.

These days, the siblings have broken out of their shell and are refining their identities slowly but surely with every designer addition to their closets. Michelline, a celebrated jewelry designer best known for her strong, practically medieval pieces, and Maxine, a poet and trans-media artist, front-woman for the art band Utakan and founder of The Little Picasso Art Workshop (“I teach art to children ages three to 12”), prove that art isn’t limited to eye-catching installations or dramatic canvases.

Showing off their wearable art (Michelline’s own line of accessories is argument enough), the artist sisters display startlingly divergent styles. STAR delves into their home to decipher the elements of an artistic wardrobe.

PHILIPPINE STAR: Would you say you and your sister have a similar style?

MICHELLINE: Similar in the sense that we share an appreciation for well-tailored garments, but totally different in what we would pick out for ourselves to wear.

MAXINE: Yes, we have a similar style in the sense that we were raised as good, old-fashioned girls by our very experimental artist parents. As a result, I’d like to believe that our style is a unique combination of “edgy” and “classic” at the same time.

Best thing about having a sister?

MICHELLINE: You have an unconditionally loyal friend who knows you in and out.

MAXINE: I can borrow certain clothes and accessories when I’m bored with my own. But even better than that is having someone to look out for me no matter what.

Worst?

MICHELLINE: The occasional bickering.

MAXINE: There is nothing wrong about having Michelline as my sister. She is honestly one of my role models, and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Growing up, did you guys fight over the same stuff at the mall or did you tend to go your separate ways?

MICHELLINE: There were times when we would pick out the same items, especially when we were younger. But as we’ve gotten more mature, our taste levels have changed. And although we can appreciate what the other is wearing, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we would wear the same outfit or put pieces together in the same way.

MAXINE: I think we’ve always gone separate ways in terms of clothes. But when it comes to handbags and shoes, we’re almost always on the same page. Michelline and I both adore designer handbags. We see them as works of art, and thus, as collector’s items.

How would you say your sister’s style has evolved over the years?

MICHELLINE: Maxine used to be a semi-tomboy and now she is undeniably girly. I remember her wearing big, baggy tie-dye T-shirts and huge baggy pants. Now I’m not sure she would be caught dead in either of those items.

MAXINE: Michelline went through a bohemian stage when she would wear these long, flowy skirts and tank tops. Before then, when she was the vocalist of our band Faust! in the ’90s, she loved plaid mini skirts, leather jackets and boots. These days, she is able to combine a little bit of both worlds — and I think it’s wonderful how she makes her own, unique style.

Do you turn to each other for advice when it comes to clothes?

MICHELLINE: All the time. We know that we can count on each other to tell the truth when it comes to clothing, so we go to each other for approval, especially when we have to attend a special event.

MAXINE: Definitely. Michelline and I collect fashion magazines, particularly Vogue, and so we’re constantly turning to each other for advice. My grandmother Aurora Syjuco was in love with fashion, and every time we would visit her in Forbes, she would be reading fashion magazines and creating her own designs. My sister and I definitely took after her in that sense.

Describe your personal style.

MICHELLINE: I like avant-garde and quirky pieces that are one of a kind. I like to stand out, so detail is important to me.

MAXINE: Like my poetry and art, I would describe my personal style as feminine with a slight twist of darkness.

What are the basic elements of a good outfit?

MICHELLINE: The pieces should fit you properly. They don’t necessarily have to match — I like to play with different colors, textures and prints — but they should come together in a flattering way.

MAXINE: Comfort equals confidence. You need to feel good about what you’re wearing. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as you know in your heart that you feel good for yourself. A good outfit is about being you and pleasing you — not necessarily other people. When you know that you’re getting dressed to feel good about yourself — because you are happy in what you’re wearing — you know that you’re wearing a good outfit.

What defines a well-dressed woman?

MICHELLINE: A well-dressed woman is someone who knows how to put clothes together in a stylish and unique way. She has to be confident in what she is wearing. It doesn’t matter if your clothes are from an expensive boutique or a thrift store. If you are happy with the way you look, that just brightens up your entire aura, and people will take notice.

MAXINE: Believe it or not, I think that what defines a well-dressed woman is not necessarily her clothes or accessories ... it’s how she carries herself. When a woman moves with ease and grace, it doesn’t matter anymore whether she’s wearing a bigas sack or a tube dress.

Who, in your opinion, are the best dressed-women of Manila?

MICHELLINE: Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Trickie Lopa, Mai Kaufman and Yael Buencamino.

MAXINE: My mother, Jean Marie Syjuco, and my two sisters, Michelline and Trix. Each of them can carry their own style with utmost confidence because they know how to dress for themselves. They don’t get dressed to please other people, they do it because they love fashion and they love treating it as a form of art.

What separates your style from the rest of the pack?

MICHELLINE: When I dress up, I think of myself as a doll. I like to think I’m playing different characters. I’m not afraid to try new things, and I’m always bold and out-of-the-box when it comes to my choices.

MAXINE: I like to think of my body as a blank sheet of canvas, or an empty sheet of paper. Treating my style like origami is key. A plain piece of fabric folded a few times creates a style that is uniquely Maxine. How I dress is a lot like the way I create an artwork or write a poem. I keep it simple, but I leave little, undeniable traces of me. I think that white is the ultimate non-color for clothes. A big number of garments in my closet are white because I love the way that its very starkness leaves enough space for my own personality to shine through. During performances, though, I like to mix girly clothes with guy-ish stuff. A popular performance look of mine is short-shorts, high heels, suspenders, a guy’s polo shirt and a masculine necktie.

What is your no-fail outfit?

MICHELLINE: Definitely a trench dress. I have several in my closet. When I’m in a hurry or I have no time to piece an outfit together, I just throw one on, tie the belt, and I’m off.

MAXINE: Either a sundress with ballet flats, or short shorts, heels, a tank top and a blazer — or a boyfriend’s jacket.

What do you feel best wearing?

MICHELLINE: I feel my best when I’m wearing avant-garde dresses to evening events. I feel like that really shows off my personality and lets people know who I am as a designer and artist.

MAXINE: I feel best when I’m wearing anything white because it looks crisp, fresh and clean. It’s simple yet elegant — and it never distracts others from my personality.

Is there an item in your closet you cherish the most?

MAXINE: I do. It’s either my Chanel cropped blazer — given as a gift by my best friend Benedict for Christmas — or my white tank top with paintings and drawings made by my students. Oh, and my PE skirt from high school in Woodrose. I keep it in my closet to this day because of the story it holds. In my junior year of high school, I was struggling to express myself, so I cut my PE skirt really short. I got into so much trouble for such a simple matter.

Do you have any fundamental rules of dressing?

MICHELLINE: I don’t follow any rules because I think that’s boring, but I make sure that my outfit is flattering before I leave the house.

MAXINE: I don’t believe in any rules except for “keeping it real.” Fashion is a wonderful way of expressing who you are, so take advantage and go for it. Have fun.

What was your style as a kid? How has it progressed?

MICHELLINE: I used to be very bohemian. I liked long skirts and little tank tops. My taste has since evolved, and I now like structured, tailored outfits that are still quirky and unpredictable.

MAXINE: As a baby, my mom would always dress me up in crisp cotton dresses, which is similar to my style these days. But as a kid, I changed my name from Maxine to Magoo, and I refused to wear anything girly. I loved my Chucks, and I would steal boys’ shirts from my brothers. At the age of 11, I dyed my hair hot pink, I wore giant plastic geeky glasses without grade; I usually paired them with plaid flannel shirts during the grunge days. And I always had a chain dangling from the pocket of my jeans.

What do you never leave home without?

MICHELLINE: I never leave home without a can of mace in my bag. (Laughs)

MAXINE: I never leave home without a handbag, and I never use a handbag until it contains my tektite rock, which my dad gave me as a gift “from the moon.”

What do you regret buying the most?

MICHELLINE: I don’t really regret anything I’ve bought because it takes me quite a while to decide whether to buy something or not. I usually sleep on it, and if the next day I’m still crazy about it, that’s when I go out and purchase it.

MAXINE: My first pack of cigarettes?

In terms of fashion, I don’t regret anything I’ve ever bought because I think long and hard before purchasing any item.

Most unforgettable present you’ve received?

MICHELLINE: On my 16th birthday, my dad gave me a silver and gold globe pendant and said, “Today I give you the world.” I’ll never forget that.

MAXINE: Two watches, both from my dad, the love of my life. A gold Tag Heuer, and a Franck Muller “Crazy Hours” watch.

Most outrageous purchase?

MICHELLINE: It would have to be my vintage Chanel Jumbo 2.55 Classic Quilt and chain-link bag. It’s so hard to find one in pristine condition!

MAXINE: Probably anything I’ve ever purchased from the Louis Vuitton boutique.

Best sartorial advice from your parents?

MICHELLINE: “Dare to be different!”

MAXINE: “Love yourself as much as we love you — so don’t be afraid to bend the rules of fashion unconditionally.”

Who, in your opinion, is emblematic of classic style?

MICHELLINE: I think Jackie O, definitely. She was always so sophisticated and in tune with the times. If she were alive today, I’m sure she would still look classic and yet current at the same time.

MAXINE: My mom. She loves comfort, and she can carry any outfit because she’s oozing with confidence. That, to me, is classic!

What would you never be caught dead in?

MICHELLINE: Super-short spaghetti-strap dress with plunging neckline ... but only because I don’t think I can get away with it. (Laughs)

MAXINE: Lingerie for a photo shoot. Never, ever. Ever.

Your fave place to shop?

MICHELLINE: Manila is still my fave place to shop. I live in Alabang, so Alabang Town Center and Festival Mall are staples. Once a year, I visit Las Vegas, and I have my favorite high-end stores as well as vintage thrift stores there.

MAXINE: I can shop almost anywhere because I love men’s clothes as much as I do women’s. If you put me in a guys’ shop, I’ll find something to cut apart and make into my own.

What is your latest purchase you are in love with?

MICHELLINE: My Ray-Ban Jackie Ohh III Shades! I love them! They fit my face perfectly and go with absolutely any kind of outfit.

MAXINE: My Chloé calfskin handbag.

Who would you like to trade closets with?

MICHELLINE: Ashley Olsen or Sienna Miller.

MAXINE: My sister Michelline. Not all of her clothes are my style, but they’re all gorgeous. I’d love to spend a day in one of her couture garments.

What’s your signature scent?

MICHELLINE: Alfred Sung Forever, which was my husband’s first gift to me. It’s been my fave ever since.

MAXINE: I’m obsessed with baby products, like baby lotion and baby powder. When I was a child, my mom would bathe me and brush my hair back. Then she would embrace me till I couldn’t breathe because she said she loved the way that I smelled. Since then, I’ve always made it a point to use nothing but baby products … maybe in order to relive those moments? People often tell me that I smell like a baby.