Designers on the women who inspire them

MANILA, Philippines - “Madonna has been the biggest influence in my life. I’ve been a Madonna fan for the longest time — since I was a kid. She has influenced me in a thousand ways, from music to fashion and even got me into doing yoga.” — Louis Claparols

“Definitely my mom, Corazon! She’s been my rah-rah girl since day one. My mom has been my fitting model, my proofreader, my wake-up call. She has influenced me to be prayerful, kind and gentle and, most of all, selfless.” — JC Buendia

JC Buendia and mother Corazon

“My late aunt, Tita Nena (Elena Ongpin Reyes) influenced my appreciation for the arts and style. She never had children of her own and I was the easiest pamangkin to take along her numerous cultural affairs. I grew up attending exhibition openings and galas. She would bring me to CCP or the National Museum as her little date. I absorbed everything I saw. From ballets to paintings of the masters and new artists to antiquities at the San Agustine Museum, even small plays and concerts at the Goethe Institute or Intramuros. She also had a distinct style. She never liked black. She would always wear reds or oranges, or wild prints, and always with an Asian touch. It could be her collar, or a neckpiece or a cocktail ring. She never had a shoulder bag, only lady-like handbags would do for her. She would carry this around during exhibits while clasping her bright vermillion driving gloves, looking every inch an impeccable lady with so much style; tagging along a skinny, nerdy kid, unknowingly sharing with him her love for the arts. Thanks for everything, Tita Nena! I miss you.” — James Reyes

James Reyes