In that cold hotel room which serves as Liz Uy’s holding room before the evening’s launch of her as Plains & Prints’ latest endorser, I rush to embrace her, my version of a congratulatory salute for years of hard work toiling behind and in her version of “in front” of the scenes. “You’re very warm,” I tell her. Liz was neither feverish nor nervous about the event. There was a relaxed and excited energy about her. She knows herself well. She’s very happy where she’s at. There are things that come to women at a certain stage in their lives, whether attached, or not. In the cold comforts of a serviced apartelle, Liz has just unknowingly brought so much warmth to everyone around her. I guess there lies Liz’s magic. It’s her warmth.
Today is Liz’s day, not just as an ambassador of a clothing brand —today also marks a turning point, a metamorphosis of Liz proving her flexibility on both sides of the fence. Only a few can cross over seamlessly. Liz is that one unique creature that has transcended from being the force behind a star, to being a star in her own right.
Liz was never one to hog the limelight, she let others revel in it. She actually struck me as shy when I first met her a couple of years back as editorial assistant at Preview. Even now as THE Liz Uy the celebrity, I would see her at styling jobs totally devoid of make up, with sleeves rolled up, totally focused on the job on hand, as if saying “I’m here to work, seriously.” And when it’s time to play, with style as her weapon and primary canvas, Liz whips up deliciously visual treats you would be blind not to notice.
I first saw this when she came out in a gold lamé gown reminiscent of an Oscar trophy in one event and then another time in a fully beaded ensemble that could only come from the closet of a Dubai-based Filipino designer. In other words, Liz knew the power of style for transformation. She knew how to use it on the numerous iconic covers Preview had done, on the countless celebrities she had styled, and she also knew how to apply it to herself. Styling as empowerment could very well be her mantra for success.
The Liz That I Love
As a friend, Liz is best enjoyed when single, whether she likes this tidbit or not, but I like that glimmer in her eye when she has a secret. She is quite mum about her man to the public, but that is because with everyone she’s been with, whether a friend or a love interest, she always seeks to protect them. That is the “elder sister” complex within her, the same way she is to creative director brother Vince and actress slash blogger younger sister Laureen. Fiercely loyal and fun, that is the girl I know, the Liz that I love.
I remember a quick escape we did to Hong Kong. Whether it was a shopping or eating trip, it was just a few days of no itinerary (save for designer outlet shopping) with fellow Philippine STAR columnist Bianca Gonzalez and director Robby Carmona. It was about endless catching up over our lives over endless food, which we would all be guilty about (the food, not the stories or theshoppin) after. Those endless night outs with surprise appearances from people like Vice Ganda and other famous instant friends were priceless. I honestly miss those moments of wild abandon, when we would just decide to go with the flow and end up in another side of the world, all in the name of adventure. That’s Liz, the free spirit.
At the end of the day, fashion is still fashion and celebrities will be celebrities — with all its preconceived rules and laws of judgment. But when things would get too serious between such intense individuals, i.e. friends of Liz, it would be Liz who would be the first one to break the ice, bring everyone on the same page and inject her trademark laughter into the equation. She not only had an impeccable sense of style, she also had an irrepressible sense of humor.
Through breakups, heartbreaks and breakthroughs, we all unknowingly became part of Liz’s journey. There is a “I know how she must have felt” nod from people when they see the style star, despite her elusive nature. And now when you see her in person, or at a store front photo, on a billboard, or through Twitter for that matter, one thing’s for sure: No matter what happens, she’ll always be strong. She’ll always be stylish. She’ll always be smiling.
Whether she’s wearing plains or prints.
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