A Filipina stylist in the City of Style

MANILA, Philippines - It’s not rocket science, but LA-based Filipina stylist, writer and all-around fashion gal Melissa Magsaysay lives and breaths style so much that she talks about it with the kind of absolute, unaffected accuracy that comes with knowing — and loving — something by heart. In her book, City of Style: Exploring Los Angeles Fashion from Bohemian to Rock, Melissa breaks down her city’s style tribes like a cool, shiny-haired, golden-tanned anthropologist, boiling each sub-group’s eccentricities down to a science and offering informative how-to’s and tips on getting different looks.

The San Jose, California native worked as a stylist’s assistant in New York, was market editor at Women’s Wear Daily for three years, and most recently held a post as style editor at the Los Angeles Times for five years. Today she is a freelance fashion and beauty writer, contributing to various fashion magazines, as well as designer and contemporary brands. Her appreciation for style is not unrequited — the launch of City of Style (at 3.1 Phillip Lim, no less), drew in LA’s fashion and film crowd, like actresses Brittany Snow, Kristen Bell, Mandy Moore and Minka Kelly, Whitney Port and celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez (who were featured in the book), and LA designers Kevan Hall, Emily Current and Meritt Elliot.

And what fashion hero is all work and no play? Downtime for her is dancing to Lauryn Hill’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You with her five-month-old son. Love her already? YStyle does, too. We got hold of the busy stylist, writer, mom and LA “It” girl and talked about her favorite things, life lessons she’s learned as a fashion insider, and the possibility of creating a City of Style, Manila chapter.

YStyle: What/who inspired you to get into fashion and fashion writing? Did these two always go hand in hand?

MELISSA MAGSAYSAY: My mom has always been into clothing, beauty and fashion and I started watching her and becoming interested at an early age. Reading fashion magazines was also a huge influence on me. At around 15 years old, I decided I wanted to write or work in fashion in some capacity.

Are the Magsaysays a fashionable bunch?

My family is a very fashionable bunch! Particularly my mom and dad. They always stressed the importance of being well groomed and put together and I think it’s rubbed off on my brother and I. My family is also incredibly supportive of creativity and self-expression, so that makes getting dressed and experimenting with style even more fun.

When did you last visit the Philippines?

Christmas of 2011 through New Year’s 2012.

What was your first job in fashion?

I was a stylist’s assistant in New York just after college.

What was the most crucial lesson you learned when you were just starting out?

To work harder and longer hours than I ever thought I was capable of doing, because there was a lot of competition and I needed to stand out. The same thing still rings true today. I always push hard and try and top the last thing I’ve done. 

What was it like working at the Los Angeles Times? How did you land that job?

Working at the LA Times was incredibly educational. I learned so much about writing, reporting and being a good journalist. I got that job while I was a fashion editor at Women’s Wear Daily. The editors starting the style section at the LA Times called me, I interviewed and helped launch the section from its very first issue.

Being a stylist/creative consultant now, how has your routine changed? What do you love most about it?

I enjoy the autonomy of writing, but that means that it’s generally just me and my computer every day. My day starts at the computer answering e-mails. I make calls and do interviews for various stories and write stories on deadline. A couple times a week, I go on appointments to see designer’s collections or new beauty lines and once or twice a week head out at night for a work dinner or event.

Describe the process of creating City of Style. Where does one begin writing such a comprehensive take on one city’s fashion?

I was inspired to start working on City of Style after spending years in LA meeting and getting to know so many stylish and interesting people here. I noticed that their look was unlike anywhere else I’ve ever lived or been and I started thinking about why the look was what it was — what factors that are unique to LA contributed to that. 

I started by outlining how I saw the book, then reporting, interviewing and meeting new people who told me their stories and helped to paint the sartorial history of the city’s subcultures and style tribes.

What was your goal when you started writing the book?

My goal when starting to write the book was really just to give an accurate and compelling historical background as well as to talk about fashion other than what happens on a runway, but more about what happens organically and try and discover where style starts.

Who did you collaborate with for the photos and illustrations?

Donato Sardella took all of the original photography and the cover illustrations were done by Kali Ciesemier.

Would you ever consider writing a City of Style spinoff featuring Manila?

I would love to! I’m very open to ideas and inspiration about the city’s look and sartorial influences.

Whose style do you admire most?

My mother, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin and Alexa Chung.

Who could use a little help in the style department?

There’s no one who I think is so offensive I would call them out. I respect anyone’s style as long as they dress for themselves and own it.

Do you have any favorite Filipino designers?

Monique Lhuillier and Oliver Tolentino.

What trends are you into right now?

Ripped boyfriend style jeans, bright pops of color and the graphic black and white trend.

Who are your favorite designers to wear?

3.1 Phillip Lim, Rag and Bone, J. Crew and Vanessa Bruno.

What five items do you never leave home without?

My Phillip Lim Pashli bag, Fresh lip balm, Make Up For Ever eyeliner, Nars bronzer and rosewater spray.

What’s the best trend ever invented?

High heels.

What trends should just go away?

I’m not fond of wedge sneakers or super short shorts.

Nail polish of the moment?

Essie Red Nouveau.

Lipstick of the moment?

Lipstick Queen Chinatown glossy pencil in Thriller.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do?

Spending time with my five-month-old son, hiking, traveling, reading magazines, perusing the farmer’s market and having a nice dinner with friends.

Do you like watching TV? What shows are you into?

Yes! Though I don’t get the time to watch much these days. I love HGTV particularly Property Brothers and Love It or List It, Top Chef, 30 Rock, Game of Thrones and Mad Men.

What songs are currently on your playlist?

I dance with my son to Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Lauryn Hill. Also, Phoenix, The Roots, Jay Z and Ellie Goulding.

I read a feature about your lovely home in Refinery29. What’s your family like? Do you like to dress your son up?

My family life is wonderful — simple and cherished, for sure. I do enjoy dressing my son up in adorable little outfits. He wears a lot of stripes and preppy clothes. But the important thing is that he’s comfortable since he’s so young. My husband and I always give each other our honest opinion on our outfits — what looks good, what doesn’t.

You’ve accomplished so much in the industry. What’s your next move?

I would like to focus on television and do more style stories and segments on TV. I would also love to do another book and create a website based on the City of Style concept, exploring off the grid style and interesting, undiscovered fashion and beauty all over the world. All in the works! Stay tuned!

* * *

Melissa Magsaysay’s best-selling book City of Style: Exploring Los Angeles Fashion from Bohemian to Rock is available on Amazon.com.