SJP’s advice to women: Don’t try to look or dress like somebody else

MANILA, Philippines - I was thrilled to get an invite to the opening of SM Aura. It meant I had a chance to see the spectacular new mall of SM and Sarah Jessica Parker! But to actually interview the fashion icon and have a photo with her? I owe it all to luck. The event was crazy packed and cars were almost at a standstill all the way from C5. Bea Ledesma, the assigned writer, was still stuck in traffic so my editor asked me to do the interview at the assigned time slot since I was there already.

My task was to focus on this actress’s new role as the endorser of The SM Store, leaving the other topics for Bea — who we hoped, would still be able to make it.

Imagine,  I just really wanted to see her but I got unbelievably lucky! And let me tell you, she was so nice. She’s just like Carrie in SATC — the way she talks, her mannerisms, gestures, even the way she pauses to answer. I loved that she was always smiling. And those eyes — wow! They were as brilliant as the bracelets she wore on each wrist.

PHILIPPINE STAR:You are a dazzling figure on the red carpet. Any advice on how to stand out in formal occasions?

SARAH JESSICA PARKER: I just say that you should feel like yourself, you should feel comfortable, wear something that you think suggests the mood you’re in, tells a story you want to tell that night. The idea of trying to look like somebody else or wearing what is right or correct, that never seems to suit the person. I always say, step out of the door feeling like yourself.

 We hear that you are very hands-on with your styling. What  is  your mantra when going through the process?

I like to wear something that feels appropriate for the occasion, that I think reflects the mood, or an environment that I’m wanting to fit into. There are some occasions that call for whimsy, and there are some that are more serious, and some that are formal. I pay attention to those themes, then I just sort of do the best I can, frankly.

 We were informed that you were very excited about the SM Store project. How do you feel about being  the new face of The SM Store?

I was really excited to travel to the Philippines. I’ve never been here. I was excited to see as much of Manila as I could in the limited time we have, have an opportunity to see the store, meet some of the customers. The best thing about an opportunity like this is to meet people you might never have the occasion to meet, to see part of the world that I’ve never had the chance to see. It’s been amazing! I think this is a really exciting city. The people here associated with the store have been so lovely and so hospitable. The experience has just been really, really fun.

The campaign being launched is called “Love To Shop,” and The SM Store believes you embody the “Love To Shop” persona.

I feel very flattered that they considered me and thought that I was the right person. It’s a very nice feeling to have been brought here all the way from home and have the opportunity. It’s not something that I would’ve thought that I would be elected to do in the way that I have. It’s been a such a great experience. It’s lovely!

 Did you research on The SM Store after you found out they elected you as the new brand ambassador?

I learned a little bit about it and I’ve learned more ever since I arrived here. You learn those things best by being with the people who are most informed. The store looks gorgeous! It looks amazing!

 SM means Shoe Mart. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Are you going crazy here with all the shopping, too?

I love shoes! I think nobody could be as devoted to shoes as the character I played for a really long time. But I have a great appreciation for shoes and well-made shoes. I understand how they can change how you feel, walk, and look. One can plan a whole outfit around shoes! So I’m excited to see the shoe department! I met the gentleman who runs it, he was really nice and explained that that was the genesis of the store and how it grew. SM sells 20 million pairs of shoes every year, which is unbelievable! That’s a lot of lucky feet.

 You’re a fashion icon, But do you yourself have a fashion icon that you look up to?

There are many, many women that I continue to see and learn about, some of whom are well known. You live in a city and you see interesting women all the time. You might never learn their names but there’s something about them that strikes you, that’s inspiring, or interesting. I live in a city where I see all sorts of women all day, and that’s always been inspiring to me. There are great women of the screen that I have loved, my mother who inspired me a lot, who made our clothes when I was a little girl, women who are older than me but who have a great understanding and interest in fashion. So it’s a wide range of women — and men — that have inspired me and continue to.

 What’s the best advice you can give to women on fashion?

The best advice I can give to women is to be yourself. Don’t try to dress or look like anybody else.

 What about on love?

You know, I’m not an expert in this field. I say I hope that when somebody finds love, I hope it’s meaningful. I always hope for people to be lucky in love.