Liz Uy: Fashion force

She is single-handedly the most indemand woman in fashion. Celebrities have her on their speed dial and some refuse to work without her overseeing their wardrobe for TV commercials and personal appearances. She has changed the landscape of styling with many labeling her as the local counterpart of Hollywood stylist du jour Rachel Zoe, and is one of the pioneers that bridged the gap between showbiz and fashion.

Liz Uy, Preview magazine’s fashion editor at large, has found her most influential client to date — President Noynoy Aquino III or P-Noy as he likes to be called.

She’s part of a style team, made up of makeup artist Juan Sarte, designers Paul Cabral and JC Buendia to ensure that the country’s newly elected president is always spot on when it comes to his appearance. She was asked by the President’s sister Kris Aquino, a long-time client and friend, during the campaign period to be in charge of P-Noy’s wardrobe for his television ads, all of which Liz handled.

But the most crucial moment for Liz had to be the inauguration day, when the whole nation stopped to take a look at the President’s oath-taking and listen in to his mandates and plans for the future. When all eyes are on you, naturally the wardrobe plays an important a role — an assignment Liz took on with full enthusiasm. We caught up with the woman at the forefront of fashion to discuss love, life, and how cool our new President really is.

Liz Uy’s inauguration day timeline:

4:30 a.m.: Wakeup call

5 a.m. to 6 a.m.: Makeup with Gela Laurel and hair by Raymond Santiago at House of Laurel

6:30 a.m.: Paul Cabral’s shop to pick up P-Noy’s wardrobe.

7 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Aquino residence on Times St. with Juan Sarte and JC Buendia where we have coffee and ensaymada. Senator Mar Roxas also visits at this time.

9 a.m.: Juan Sarte grooms P-Noy.

9:30 a.m.: Depart Times St. and head for the Quirino Grandstand.

10 a.m.: Arrive at Quirino Grandstand where I am seated with Deo Edrinal of ABS-CBN, Cherry Pie Picache, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, Coco Martin, Kim Chiu, AiAi de Las Alas, and Pokwang. In front of me are Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes. Behind me are ABS-CBN bosses Charo Santos-Concio and Cory Vidanes.

10:30 a.m.: When former President GMA was exits Quirino, everyone shouts “Bye!” in a sarcastic tone.

11:45 a.m.: Tessa Prieto-Valdes dramatically arrives fashionably late decked out in yellow. Her outfit overwhelms everyone.

12 noon: P-Noy’s oath-taking and speech. AiAi and Pokwang provide the laughs in our section as they punctuate every point of the speech with “Tama!”

1p.m.: After the ceremonies, the people rush in. A crowd gathers around Kim Chiu and Coco Martin. All non-showbiz friends suddenly turn into bodyguards.

2 p.m.: Arrive at Malacañang Palace where P-Noy changes into his second Paul Cabral barong, which has palay embroidery. Lunch is served and I have Japanese rice, California maki, and tuna sashimi. There’s also inihaw. I have fruits for dessert, like melon, grapes, watermelon, and pineapple.

3 p.m.: While waiting for P-Noy, Juan, JC, and myself tour Malacañang and have a brief photo shoot with me as subject.)

4 to 5:30 p.m.: We wait for P-Noy in one of the rooms. We ’re served cheese pimiento, egg-mayo sandwich, and tuna in white bread cut in tiny triangles. Empanadas and yummy lemongrass tea are also served.

5:30 to 6 p.m.: Chat with P-Noy — topics are non-political and not work-related. He’s a very cool guy.

6 p.m.: Last styling check before he goes down for the vin d’ honneur.

7 p.m.: Back at Times St. to prepare his wardrobe for the Quezon Memorial street party, which he did not wear, by the way, because he wanted it simple. He ended up wearing his favorite yellow Collezione shirt he used during the campaign period.

8 p.m.: I go to my parents’ house to share my experiences during this historical day.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What did the President wear at his inauguration?

LIZ UY: Barong with bamboo embroidery and pants by Paul Cabral, shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo, Tortoise frame glasses by Range Rover from Sarabia Optical, watch from IWC, and belt from Louis Vuitton. Everything he wore was given to him as gifts.

How does it feel to be part of a historic day such as the presidential inauguration?

I’m framing my invitation. It’s surreal! Being invited is such an honor, receiving accolades from the press and from people I don’t know, being in this coveted position, everything is such an amazing surprise.

In your opinion, who stood out during the inauguration in terms of style and elegance? And who could do better next time?

Baby James in yellow Wayfarers; almost everyone was in terno, but Agot Isidro opted for a barong short dress, it’s so ingenious of her. Of the performers, I liked Gary V’s barong the most. Who could do better: Apo Hiking Society and the shirtless guy.

How do you feel now that you’re labeled as the presidential stylist?

It’s overwhelming, but it’s an amazing challenge for me.

P-Noy is less style-savvy than his political counterparts during campaign season. What image makeover are you giving him?

Now that he’s the leader of the country, it is important for him to put his best foot forward — appearance-wise — but he should always be approachable regardless of what he’s wearing.

Having spent a lot of time with him, tell me something not a lot of people know about P-Noy.

He’s music-savvy. He has a music room filled with CDs, different speakers, and a whole setup I’m not familiar with. His choice of music ranges from Gary Valenciano to Brownman Revival, Janet Jackson’s disco mix, plenty of house and jazz music, and can even sing the lyrics of Kaskade’s Ever After. And who would’ve thought he’s a Paul Van Dyke fan? I found it really cool.

What can you say to the people who criticize P-Noy for the way he dresses?

Not all men know the difference between seersucker and herringbone and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I believe the man has bigger responsibilities.

I’m sure this job comes with perks. Can you name some?

For the people sending him loads of food, thank you very much. Because most of it he shares with us, and they are very yummy.

Do people treat you differently now that you’re associated with the President?

Maybe some do, but I just don’t pay much attention to it and I shouldn’t.

Everyone knows you’re very close to Kris Aquino. As a friend, how do you feel about what's going on in her marriage?

Love is nothing but trouble. (Laughs.) Kris knows exactly what she needs to do and I’m here to give my love and support.

You had a high-profile romance with actor John Lloyd Cruz. Looking back, how would you sum it up?

I think it was too intense a relationship and a whirlwind of emotions. 

Does it surprise you that there are reports that John Lloyd is being labeled as an alcoholic or a womanizer?

No, I’m not surprised, because in this industry, stars are labeled either as an addict/alcoholic or gay/womanizer.

What did you learn from your relationship?

I was very sheltered; it made me stronger as a person and gave me a greater sense of independence.

How do you prepare for scrutiny now that more attention is on you?

I don’t know. Do I have to prepare for that?

Working with celebrities on a daily basis, have you been starstruck?

Yes, with Aga Muhlach. His charisma is everlasting.

You’re often described as a woman of glamour. Is that fair?

Maybe because I overdress most of the time, they get that impression. It’s fair enough because I do work for the country’s top fashion magazine.

Fashion has an obsession with size. How does it affect you?

Size counts. It does. And as much as people say I’m thin, I still struggle every single day. How can I resist all the good food around me? I run, go to the gym with my trainer, and do Bikram yoga simultaneously just so I get to eat pasta tartufo.

What’s your drink of choice?

Belvedere Vodka and Moet et Chandon when there’s a celebration.

What is the one skill that people might be surprised you have?

I’m an all-around yaya because I’m very domesticated. I cook and manage my home very well, borderline OC.

Which fictional character do you most identify with?

Right now, I’m Carrie and waiting for Mr. Big, But really, my friends say I’m Monica from Friends. I can also be Liz Gilbert of Eat Pray Love because I’ve psyched myself that that’s my story.

If we raid your fridge right now, what will we find?

Silk Soy Milk, Nestle Fitness Cereal, which I eat every day, truffle cheese, truffle butter, pesto sauce, salads, and mangga’t bagoong. Random, right? (Laughs.)

What should men never say?

“You gained” — actually men or women. It’s offensive to anyone. Or am I just sensitive? (Laughs.)

What should women never do?

Be lazy. To quote Helena Rubinstein: “There are no ugly women, only lazy ones.” 

Who is the most overrated person for you?

Our former President GMA.

When are you happiest?

When I travel. I get to see their culture, try their dishes, meet new people, and feel the difference. Each country has its own beauty. My dream is to see the seven wonders of the world. I have four more to go.

When did you establish your fashion identity?

I’m a late bloomer in all aspects. I was a tomboy growing up, really. Only when I was in college, I would alter my lab gowns and I’d wear killer heels to class when everyone else was in sneakers. Kate Moss was my peg, then Carrie got into me and I got inspired. It changes, it’s constantly evolving.

Who are your mentors?

• Vince Uy — my dear brother and creative director of Preview. He’s been there to guide me ever since we were little. He’d always say, “Dream big and make it happen.” He pushed me to believe in myself. I owe it to him.

• Pauline Juan (editor in chief of Preview), she believed in me when I knew nothing, I was just an ordinary kid aspiring to be a stylist and she gave me hope.

• Kris Aquino — for supporting and trusting me, both as a friend (but more like an ate) and as a client.

• My parents Bing and Nenette Uy for raising me well.

Many observe that you’re one of the pioneers when it comes to celebrities requesting for stylists for personal appearances and ads. What do you say to that?

Celebrities started requesting for their own stylists? That’s a good thing. Let’s beautify the world, why don’t we?

What’s the one thing you won’t be caught wearing?

Nothing! I’d wear anything! Uhmm, I take it back. Maybe kitten heels — no to mediocre heels!

Who do you follow on Twitter?

Carine Roitfeld and Anna Dello Russo, among others.

What’s your current obsession?

I’m addicted to Nail Spa, I do mani-pedi weekly because I feel naked without nail polish.