Katarina Rodriguez of “
Asia’s Next Top Model” fame is juggling
Philosophy and Business Management degrees at De La Salle University
along with training for the varsity track and field team.
“I graduated from tomboy to girly to fashionista,” she said as we
surveyed her room. From bright neon hues of trainers neatly lined up to
two huge bags of newly acquired Charles & Keith shoes sitting next
to her bed (“I got them all at 50-percent off,” she winks), it was easy
to see her personal blend of athletic dash and casual chic.
Rodriguez cited British model Cara Delevigne as one of her
sartorial influences, hence her frequent attempts to add comfort to her
wardrobe choices. “If there’s one thing my lola taught me, it’s never
to buy anything that doesn’t fit you well. Forget the line of thinking
about buying one size smaller to lose weight. If it doesn’t fit you
perfectly, toss it out.”
Another sage piece of advice from the grandmother? Vintage.
“I have a piece of clothing that’s been around for
50 years,” Katarina said of an intricately embellished knitted baby blue
number.
With an aesthetic that revolves around classics and a confessed
pursuit to make two clashing themes work (think classy and sexy,
athletic and chic, fashionable and utilitarian), Rodriguez stocks her
closet with staples and conversation pieces.
“If there’s one thing I’m obsessed with, it’s lip gloss.” Aside
from her lippie obsession, Rodriguez said she plans of someday creating
her own line of skincare.
Until then, it’s a merry mix for this busy lady as she rushes
from one commitment to the next whether it’s a track meet, a modeling
gig or class—in a pair of fashionable trainers, of course.
ByMeg Manzano
