That other Curtis mugs for the spotlight
Anne Curtis better watch her back. There’s a new actress in town with the same look, same voice, same sweet disposition — who just happens to be her sister.
Melbourne-based Jasmine Curtis, at 17, is on the same path as her sister’s, playing the lead in a soon-to-debut telenovela and starring in her very own ad campaign for LoveBayo.
Targeted to sweet tweens, the fast fashion label is the more affordable younger sister of the KC-endorsed Bayo.
The label is hoping to tap into the trend-conscious 13-andup market who shops every week, a smartphone filled with style pegs clutched in their tiny pubescent hands.
The label’s found their face with Jasmine Curtis, who recently arrived on the showbiz scene all fresh-faced and cute, often found in a T-shirt and shorts, a pair of Lennonesque round glasses framing her face.
Curtis, who makes no bones about being jealous of her sister’s success, isn’t your typical teen actress with nothing between the ears except for hairspray and conditioning hair treatments. “I like to draw,” she tells YStyle.
“I’m not the best. But recently it’s been a requirement for my arts folio.” The young starlet likes to draw faces, enlarging certain features in an otherwise normal-sized physiognomy, in an ode to popular Dada artists.
“I admire Frieda Kahlo,” she says. “She paints herself and showcases her pain. And I love that she always puts her monobrow. She’s not ashamed. If I didn’t pluck my
eyebrows, I’d have a monobrow too.”
But would you wear it as proudly as Frieda, we ask.
“Not really,” she says sheepishly. “I like to pluck mine.”
YStyle sat down with the new face of LoveBayo to talk style, music and achieving the kind of stratospheric success her older sister Anne is famous for.
YSTYLE: Tell us about your style.
JASMINE CURTIS: It depends on my mood. Very laid-back. More rock grunge
when I do decide to dress up.
Trends you love?
Indie trend. I like that they’re not afraid to stand out among everyone else. They roll up their pants, the top buttons done up. Dakota Fanning is very indie. She’s very girlie but when she dresses up, she’s still got that edge.
Trends you hate?
Those plastic clogs with holes, they are so ugly. For me, ha, I’d never wear it. Unless I have to — like for a good cause.
What cause would be so important that you’d wear Crocs for it?
I guess for charity. I wouldn’t mind if it were raising money to help others. But if not, wag na!
What do you see other celebs wearing that you wouldn’t be caught dead in?
I don’t understand why some of them wear those cardigans that look like nets.
I know. The crochet kind!
Yeah, it looks weird.
What do you think of those girls in bandage dresses and high heels?
I think it’s nice for some events but not for every single event. Some girls just wear it all the time even during the day. Sometimes I’m just in flats and I’m okay with it.
How does your style differ from your sister Anne’s?
Hers is very specific. When she channels someone for the day, it’s very to the point. My own, personally, is very weird. While it’s natural for her to dress up, its harder for me. I have to ask for advice.
How did you dress while growing up?
Shirts and shorts. I was more into being comfortable because I’d go out and play. Then sometimes my sister would get mad at me. She was very style conscious even back then. She’d say, “Jas, dress up naman.”
Most embarrassing childhood outfit?
I wore really high super-tight cycling shorts and a Marvin the Martian T-shirt.
If only your friends could see you then.
If my gay friend in Melbourne could see me in that, he’d say, “Uh, I don’t think I know you.”
How would you define LoveBayo style?
It’s a little bit hippie modern but laid-back. It’s not too dressy.
Would you wear it in real life?
Yeah, even though I’m not girly. Their clothes are not just for girly girls, they try to cater to everyone.
And how does it relate to your style?
They have really loose shirts. One of the tops I wore to the shoot was long sleeved and floral. I never would’ve imagined wearing it but when I saw it on me, I really liked it.
What has being in show business taught you so far?
You have to be patient and you have to have the drive to do almost anything. You have to be able to jump into situations even if you’re not comfortable in it.
Is there a celeb whose career arc you’d like to emulate?
My sister. Dami niyang endorsements eh!
Are you ever jealous of your sister’s success?
Oh gosh, yeah. I said this before, I can only wish that I could have her career. Or go further. She’s got everything going for her. Not that I’m not grateful. Pero gusto ko rin lumevel up.
Who would you like to star in a movie with?
Judy Ann Santos, she’s amazing. I grew up watching her.
You grew up watching telenovelas.
Yeah, at home. That’s what my yaya was always watching so I’d watch it too.
Dream job?
Be a stay-at-home mom. All you’re worried about is your kids and taking care of them.
Why? What are you worried about now?
Being able to choose the right course after high school.
Where are you planning to go for college?
I’m undecided. It depends on my mom, sister and manager whether I’ll study here or in Australia.
What are you reading now?
One Day by David Nichols. It’s out right now in the movies.
Oh that was a bad movie. Really shit.
Oh really? Sayang. The book was so good.
Who are you listening to now?
Seeker Lover Keeper. It’s an all-girl band in Australia. It’s a more upbeat version of She and Him.
Let’s get a little Teen Beat in here. Who are you crushing on now?
Local or international?
Both!
Rafael Nadal, the tennis player.
Local?
Jericho Rosales.
Really? People still like him?
He’s got that traditional Filipino look.
You’re returning to Australia tonight. What will you do soon as you get home?
Study for a test the next day. And maybe unpack. Maybe.
