Connect with us

Fashion

We’re Taking Cues from Jaja Chiongbian-Rama and Her Versatile Style

With work days that can go from serious business meetings, to glamorous parties in the city’s latest hotspots, this career superwoman stays polished with a wardrobe as versatile as she is.

Jaja Chiongbian-Rama is a hard woman to pin down. It’s not really surprising, of course—balancing her time between running her events and PR company Bigseed, playing a role in the family shipping business George and Peter Lines, and being the doting mother of two beautiful boys (with another baby on the way) must not be easy. Somehow, though, Jaja makes it look like it is.

Perhaps that can be attributed to her personal style. Whether it’s at an event or in the middle of a tightly scheduled work day, Jaja looks poised and polished. “I can’t really categorize it into one particular style. I’d say it’d be a little bit of everything,” she says when describing her personal style. She adds, “I like mixing and matching.”

Her style philosophy, she shares, tends to be dictated by which facet of her life requires her attention for the day. “My style is pretty much eclectic,” she continues. “It depends on the occasion, it depends on my mood, and what I like to wear for the day.”

On this particular afternoon, she’d set aside some time for us for the photo shoot, although in between hair and makeup, she is fielding phone calls and emails. “There’s so much to do because I’m leaving for Osaka tomorrow,” she explains. “I still have to buy Manu’s winter clothes after this shoot, and then I have to come home and pack,” she admits with a laugh, referring to her eldest son.

For the photo shoot, it’s more classic silhouettes. “I would wear this to an event,” she says of the nude-colored lace dress that showed off her growing baby bump nicely. “Events, especially in Cebu, are an opportunity to dress up, so as much as possible I like dressing up for those.”

Of course, it’s not all about the shift dresses and ladylike cuts—in between takes, she shows me her latest fashion finds from Zara, which include a pair of pointed slingbacks in a floral print, and deep green pajama pants with a flattering side stripe. “And look, there’s a slit towards the bottom so you can show off your shoes,” she points out to me excitedly.

When the day is devoted to mommy duties, though, Jaja is more pragmatic. “Definitely sneakers,” she says. “Comfort above all else, but you can also be comfortably stylish. I like wearing sneakers with a casual dress or jeans.”

As we wrap up the shoot, we ask her if she has any fashion advice. “Wear something you’re comfortable with, but something that also reflects your personality,” she shares. “Don’t let what you’re wearing wear you—let your personality shine through. And experiment, because life is short.” She shrugs and laughs, “Just have fun dressing up.”

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