MODERN MUSE: Effervescence, Glamour, and Gladys Siao

Gladys has been a client for a while now, and over the years, I have had the privilege of creating a multitude of gowns and dresses for her. Sometimes sleek and architectural, sometimes frothy and fairytale-like, each garment is a style story waiting to unfold. We would sometimes begin with a color, sometimes a look or feel. We loved to vary each concoction, making sure the next one was a little different, but added something to the inadverted sartorial narrative we were creating.

When we had first met, and I hope she would agree, we had become fast friends and she had endeared herself to my entire family as well. Which is perhaps how this project, photographed by my brother Mark Perez, with makeup by my sister Marilene Perez, came about. Thanks to Gladys for the immense trust, and to her fiancé Terence Ang, who helped us with the shoot and also took behind-the-scenes photos. 

MODEL: Gladys Siao

PHOTOGRAPHY : Mark Perez

MAKEUP : Marilene Perez

Gowns by yours truly 

MARIANE'S MUSES: Anne Curtis Smith for Primadonna

Anne Curtis. Her given name may not be idiosyncratic enough to allow her the luxury of dropping her last, but trust me when I say, she is a star who needs no introduction. She's like Beyonce, who despite having the same 24 hours in a day, was able to sing, dance, act, host, model, have amazing abs in the time you and I Facebooked, Buzzfeeded, Instagram-stalked our crushes (and frenemies), Whatsapped the news to our posse, got a latte, and then napped.

Her versatility and down-to-earth-glamour is akin to fab shoe brand Primadonna, whose trendy boutiques are filled to the brim with haute heels for sexy nights out, beaded sandals for the beach, or cute flats for day. It's a label I love so when I was asked to make clothes for their 2014 Holiday campaign shoot, starring Anne Curtis, I couldn't say YES fast enough! 

Chanelling the festive holiday season, the campaign of sexy stilettos and metallic hues was a sight to behold! This was one of the final layouts captured by lensman BJ Pascual of Anne in a metallic jersey mini with chain-strap detail paired with strappy black heels. Shoes are getting very delicate and this black one is a classic!

Naturally, I couldn't stop myself from snapping a photo of the larger-than-life poster in the store. It just makes everything feel super legit! 

A photo posted by Mariane (@marianeperez) on Dec 27, 2014 at 8:20pm PST

And for some déjà vu, I also designed this gown for the label's Pre-Holiday campaign last year, which reveled in  a punk-rock theme. Melville, one of Pam Quinones' styling associates, asked for cutouts, slinkiness, and a slits galore! Rendered in velvet, I do think the whole outfit had a sultry quality about it, and looked great with Primadonna's silver platforms. 

Going back to gold...the 2014 ad campaign was actually shot earlier in that year, I would say maybe a week after Anne's unfortunate jellyfish incident. And despite being on the road to recovery, Amazing Anne posed with such glamour and moved with such infectious energy. Seriously, what jellyfish?

Here are some behind the scenes goodies from the super fun and high energy shoot. Anne was such a natural at posing, and was gorgeous in every frame! 

In between takes, hairstylist Raymond Santiago makes sure her hair is super perfect! 

Of course after the shoot, we all kinda lined up to get photos with her. There was a bunch of us, but she had time for every little fan girl on set! 

Me and Valerie of Primadonna taking pictures of ourselves, while Anne was taking pictures. Priorities, priorities! 

Was also such a treat to bump into makeup maven Robbie Pinera and hairstylist Raymond Santiago. Back when I was styling for Preview I used to see them at shoots like ALL THE TIME, but this was a welcome little catch-up! So nice to see that everyone's still as sweet as always! 

Naturally, before I left I had to stalk the Primadonna shoesies on the shoot. Some had yet to drop in stores, so I had time to plan my hoarding trip! 

To keep updated on all things Primadonna, like their Facebook page or follow @primadonnaph on Instagram! 

MARIANE'S MUSES: Max Collins

She's a breath of fresh air with a classical beauty and refined elegance that allows her to portray mahinhin roles with such impact. Exuding serenity and confidence that belies her young age, she's any director or fashion designer's dream. Which is why when her stylists Happy Lopez and Donna Cuna-Pita asked if I could dress her, my answer was a resounding YES! 

For Max, we chose ensembles that reflected feminine glamour and modern flair. It was something that suited her personal style and also her role as Esperanza in the soap Innamorata last year. Needless to say, we really went to town with it! 

Of course, one of my faves is when she wore my peony print trumpet dress to the Cream Silk at 30 event. Red carpets have become quite understated of late, but naturally still equally dramatic. I do think that modern glamour is about restraint, it's about the woman wearing the dress, and not the other way around. And in the case of Max, she was such a spring beauty in this gown! 

FROM THE INSTAGRAM OF @MAXCOLLINSOFFICIAL

FROM THE INSTAGRAM OF @THEPAOLOLUCIANO

Peonies are one of my fave flowers, and I think the vibrant blooms on ivory, rendered in a very classic silhouette exude a fun, uptown vibe. And speaking of uptown, Donna Cuna-Pita posted this photo of Max vis-a-vis Emmy Rossum at the Met Gala last year, remarking at how the two gowns had the same vibe. And guess who liked it?! @HouseofHerrera, that's who! Nothing gets a fangirl going more than social media affirmation from your fashion heroes. Incidentally, Carolina Herrera was the commencement speaker when I graduated from FIT, so this moment to me is pure serendipity! 

And as they say, why mess with a good thing, right? Max looked amazing in florals, and we loved how bright and happy it made her look! She's got that old Hollywood beauty that looks amazing in these feminine numbers. 

And what star post would be complete without a bit of shine! Loving this mermaid-esque look on Max Collins for Sunday All Stars. The little sheer cutout makes this not just your ordinary silver dress. 

Looking forward to more Max Collins moments come 2015 of course! 

MARIANE'S MUSES: Teen Queens

Sometimes you're just born with it, as is the case with these gorgeous young stars who are making waves and breaking hearts even before turning 18! I love dressing up these girls, they wear my ensembles with such joie de vivre! So whenever their stylist Perry Tabora hits me up for outfits, I get to work ASAP --- pun intended!

This is one of my fave outfits on Liza Soberano, as it's such a clever mix of sweet and sexy. The Forevermore star wears my signature Willow skirt with a bespoke crop top. She's showing just the right amount of skin with those cutouts, yet tempering it with the full tea-length skirt. A lot of people mistake it as a dress, which I think means the outfit goes well together.

And if you're a fan of Liza, like most of us are, I'm sure you'll love these outfits as well. She transforms from a vintage darling in my peony print dress, into a stunning fashionista as she dons my  tropical print mullet skirt. 

Not to be outdone, Janella Salvador of Please Be Careful With My Heart Fame is all sugar and spice in our floral bow dress. With her hair up like that, she reminds me of another teen stunner, Ariana Grande! 

And finally, we have Michelle Vito! She wore this periwinkle blue faille dress with bust drape and silver belt detail for Star Magic's Anniversary Fashion Show on ASAP designed by moi! 

We hope we satisfied your sweet tooth with these lovely fashions. And looking forward to more girly cuteness in the coming months!