What makes a person stylish?
Under the sleek canopy of Greenbelt 3, Philippine Tatler honored 11 Filipino tastemakers recognized in Tatler Asia’s Most Stylish 2025—an evening spotlighting distinctive individuality. The celebration was orchestrated by Philippine Tatler's Irene Martel Francisco and Anton San Diego, setting the stage for a stylish convergence of legacy, creativity, and confidence with tastemakers who are not afraid to break rules and push fashion to the limits, if need be.
Annette Gozon Valdes: “Fashion allows me to communicate confidence and professionalism while still feeling authentic and comfortable. Dressing up fashionably and appropriately shows that you value the occasion and the people that you are celebrating/meeting with. Confidence and self-awareness make a person stylish. The right outfit can transform your presence. It sets the tone for how you carry yourself and how others perceive you.”
Max Collins: “Style is very personal. It’s the little things that make you feel like you. I think someone is stylish when they’re not trying too hard, they’re just confident in their own skin. Don’t overthink it. I usually go for something simple and timeless, then add one detail that makes it mine. When you feel comfortable, it automatically looks chic. Fashion is powerful. The right outfit can shift your energy, it can help you step into your light. It's not about dressing for others, but dressing for the version of yourself you want to embody.”
Michelle Marquez Dee: “Fashion came later in my life, but I somehow always knew it was in me—becoming more than just a way to express myself. Over time, fashion became a way for me to shape my own sense of identity. It wasn’t about appearance—it was about intention. It helped me reclaim my space, especially in moments where the world expected me to be someone I wasn’t. When I dress in alignment with who I really am, my mindset follows. I started moving through the world with a little more clarity, a little more purpose. And I truly believe that inspires other people to do the same.”
Fe Rodriguez: ”A stylish person is one who can put a look that defines her and carry it with ease and confidence. I personally like to wear clothes that are timeless, not trendy ones that last for just a season. I am a true maximalist in the way I dress and decorate my home. I pile up my accessories—mixing and matching necklaces and bracelets, be it modern or antique.”
Charmaine Lagman: “People become stylish when they truly understand themselves; knowing what they want to express, carrying themselves with confidence, and thoughtfully putting everything together with intention. My personal style tip is to keep it refined—not too loud or bold. Pieces can be re-worn and styled in many ways; dressing up or down while adding playful accessories when you are in the mood for something bold.”
Jo Ann Bitagcol: “Fashion is therapeutic. It gives happy, good energies when done correctly.”
Lolo Drip—at 73 years young—proves that style has no age limit with his joyful street wear that has turned him into a viral fashion icon with his self-expression. Comfort and happiness are of prime importance with his sartorial choices.
Atasha Muhlach: “Being a creative person growing up, I've always believed that fashion is a form of self-expression. One has the ability to showcase uniqueness and personal identity through the clothes that are worn. Fashion is a way of feeling good about yourself and the freedom to just be you.”
BJ Pascual: “Fashion is fun! I get to play with the way I look according to my moods and fantasies. Some days, I want to be a pop star. Most days, I want to be 6’ 3” (I’m 5’6”). It makes me more confident and feel more like myself. When I put on a pair of heels, I feel more visible, literally and figuratively.”
Ruru Madrid: ”I love how fashion lets me express who I am without having to explain myself. It shows my mindset, my energy, and where I am in life. You just wear it, stand by it, and let it speak for you. I feel good whenever I wear something that looks and feels right—it changes how I carry myself.”
Bianca Umali: “Fashion is my silent language. With every look, I can challenge, redefine, and own who I am without saying a word. Local is the new luxury and I am one to explore and redefine the space between masculine and feminine style—not to make a statement, but simply because it feels right. There’s a quiet freedom in not fitting into one box. When I feel connected to what I'm wearing, it doesn't just boost my confidence, it also shapes the mindset I bring into the world.”
