Connect with us

Fashion

Bee Urgello’s Closet is as Glamorous as We Thought

Bags, shoes and couture gowns make the closet of this Cebuana Queen Bee a glamorous sight.

The crown is the first thing that caught our eye once we entered Bee Urgello’s all-white closet. Sitting on a pillow in one of the most visible spots in the space, it’s the diadem that’s usually awarded to the lady who wins Queen Philippines, the pageant for alternatives. It’s surprising that it’s here then, considering Bee had won the title back in 2011. “Mommy Cary,” she says, referring to revered designer and Queen organizer Cary Santiago, “told me that I can keep it here, because I’m the Queen that’s most active in events.”

Bee’s all-white closet allows her pieces (and herself) to truly stand out. Her beloved collection of Chanel bags are a focal point, though.

Of course, it’s not like Bee needs a crown to stand out. Whenever she makes an appearance, she does so in carefully thought-out ensembles that make the most of her enviable height and svelte figure—and the various Best Dressed awards certainly reinforce her sense of style.

“Dressing up makes me happy, and it completes me,” Bee shares as she shows us the different outfits she had planned out for the shoot—namely a body-conscious red dress, and a black and white combination that she felt played up her proportions. As we go through the rest of the clothes, she told us to concentrate on the racks that stood by the closet door. “Those are the ones that I haven’t worn yet,” she explains.

“Its just my favorites,” Bee answers with a laugh when we ask her why some shoes get displayed outside her cabinets. For easier reference, she devotes each shelf to a certain brand–this one features her Yves Saint Laurent pairs.

The items that fell under that category actually took up two racks, filled from end to end with pieces from brands like H&M and Zara, as well as creations from local designers. “I always say that shopping is better than sex. A dress or shoes will never hurt or leave you like a man does,” she says with a laugh.

The collection shows off different sides to Bee’s style—from the trendy see-through sheaths with floral embroidery, to the more classic looks of jersey jumpsuits and black dresses. Then there’s her collection of evening gowns, with figure-hugging silhouettes and intricate detailing, that she wears for her official appearances. A yellow dress with cut-out details from Cary Santiago and a blue one with a bejeweled neckline from Harvey Cenit hang at the end of one rack. “Those are really new. The one from Harvey Cenit I’d just picked up,” Bee explains. “I can’t wait to wear them!”

Of course, its not just all about Chanel–Bee’s other designer bags het their own space inside one of the wardrobes, and are arranged neatly for when she’s in the mood to switch it up.

But it’s not just about clothes—with its white walls and cabinetry, Bee’s closet has various areas to display the other part of her collection: her shoes and bags. “They’re my babies,” Bee jokes as she shows us her Chanel bags, which occupy their own shelf on one end of the room. Next to it, a wooden shelf houses her designer shoes, organized by brand for easier dressing.

Drawers on one side are filled with various accessories, and Bee laughs as we move to open another cabinet. “Don’t! Those are my pang-balay,” she exclaims. “Not stylish at all.”

24 Comments

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PHILIP RODRIGUEZ

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Cebu’s esteemed designer, Philip Rodriguez, pays homage to imperial attire with this stunning yellow silk brocade qipao. While adhering to the traditional cheongsam silhouette, Rodriguez infuses a touch of sensuality by incorporating see-through silk tulle panels along the waistline. Known for his timeless designs and culturally respectful creations, Rodriguez’s attention to detail is unparalleled. His embellishments are intricate and exquisite, showcasing impeccable taste and luxurious design without veering into ostentation. Take, for instance, his cheongsam for the Year of the Dragon. While it may seem daring compared to traditional sensibilities, Rodriguez maintains elegance by delicately veiling the wearer’s skin with sheer tulle on the cutout side panels. The front slit of the dress is cautiously calculated to strike the perfect balance between modesty and allure “I design for women who possess sophistication beyond their years, “ Philip emphasizes. “My clothes are crafted to evoke a sense of beauty and allure, leaving her feeling exquisite and confident.” As a seasoned designer, Rodriguez consistently achieves harmony in his designs. His qipao for 2024 seamlessly blends elements of royalty and sensuality, luxury and practicality, reflecting his mastery of the craft and his ability to create pieces that are truly elegant and well-balance.

Continue Reading

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: JC BUENDIA

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

JC Buendia, celebrated for his ability to tell a million style stories through minimalist details, is a master of clean, chic lines in fashion. Eschewing frivolity and nonsensical embellishments, every element of his designs contributes to their overall elegance.

Inspired by cinematic portrayals of Chinoiserie, Buendia’s first fascination with the Qipao began with Gloria Romero’s iconic portrayal of a Chinese princess disguised as a ‘sampan’ girl in the 1957 film “Hong Kong Holiday.”

“This admiration for orientalalia only deepened as I watched films like “The Last Emperor” and “In The Mood For Love,” JC recalls.

Buendia’s latest creation is a testament to this cinematic influence. His interpretation of the Qipao for the Year of the Wood Dragon features a cropped top crafted from silk Dupioni, embellished with diamond brooches on the reverse closure for a touch of glamour. Paired with a tea-length bouffant skirt made from frothy layers of delicate tulle, the ensemble exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.

With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, JC Buendia’s Qipao captures the essence of cinematic glamour while offering a contemporary twist on a classic silhouette. It’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Chinoiserie and the timeless beauty of the Cheongsam.

Continue Reading

Fashion

The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PROTACIO EMPACES

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Protacio Empaces is renowned for his talent in reinventing historical silhouettes into stylish statements perfect for modern women’s lifestyles. His reinterpretations present wearable, contemporary, and highly coveted fashion pieces. The distinct embroidery he incorporates adds an extra touch of charm to his creations. Take, for instance, his cheongsam adorned with delicately hand-embroidered macro daisies and trapunto leaves. “I imagined a vibrant qipao inspired by tropical aesthetics, tailored for chic city living in ASEAN mega-cities. I’m using cotton pique for its structure and infusing it with lively colours to retain a stylish, sensual silhouette,” explains Protacio. His knee-length qipao captures the timeless sophistication seen in Maggie Cheong’s iconic look in the classic film “In the Mood for Love.” Crafted for the Year of the Dragon, this design seamlessly complements the film’s aesthetic, presenting a potential addition to the character’s wardrobe. Seasoned designer Protacio’s creations speak to women aged 30 to 80. His intial Qipao offering for 2024 combines modern elegance with classic charm that resonates with these women’s sophisticated tastes and vibrant lifestyles.

Continue Reading

Trending