Here's what Hon. Cristal Bagatsing, Shaira Luna, Frankie Pangilinan, and Alexa Kaufman think
For years, women, young and old and famous or not, have been under the microscope when it comes to what they wear. Whether it is about a certain length of hemline, or their undergarments, or what looks trashy and classy, people and even fellow women have so many things to say that turn fashion into a not so fun experience. And as many ladies are being criticized, it pushes us to ask the question, "does fashion still empower women?"
To give us an answer, local luxury retailer Rustan's gathered ladies from different fields to answer that question and what decipher what it means to be an empowered woman.
The things I wore that empower
Fighting poverty and the art of fashion are two contrasting ideas. But for Hon. Cristal Bagatsing, what you wear is among the building blocks of how we build who we are and the statement we want to make. In her case, she feels empowered with the right amount of print and bold color.
"Animal and the color red. I, without a shadow of a doubt, believe that what you wear helps you express what you feel," says the congresswoman who heads the Kabalikat ng Bayan sa Kaunlaran (KABAKA) foundation. "Wearing the right color or print changes your mood and energy that’ll give you that empowering feeling!"
A lady who fearlessly uses her platform to raise awareness on social and political issues, Frankie Pangilinan sees fashion as empowering in the smallest details.
"I’ve been loving rings as of late! Rings and a pretty manicure," Frankie says. "I love doing my nails and taking the time to make them look clean. My hands take me everywhere, carry me through my day. It’s only essential that I treat them correctly."
Capturing beauty through photographs, Shaira Luna definitely sees fashion's purpose in empowering women in a more artistic sense saying, "Fashion uplifts, empowers, and inspires me, one hundred percent. My work and the nostalgic images I produce rely on clothing to help bring out the stories."
"I think that crossed over to my everyday life! What I put on for the day is usually inspired by the set or location I will be in," she continues. "You can just imagine the daily mental exercise I get from all the colors and patterns in my closet!"
Woman brings the power
As fashion designer Marc Jacobs said, "clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them." Many may think that donning the right dress, getting an inch high on the heel, or wearing with sparkling jewelry makes a woman empowered. But, oftentimes, women are the ones who put substance in style. In some ways, it is also them who empower fashion, ultimately, celebrating the art of both femininity and clothing. While fashion, in many ways, materializes what women can achieve.
That story couldn't be more true for Alexa Kaufman, the youngest member of the Philippine Opera Company. Clad in best performance outfit, Alexa had her women empowerment moment at an early age.
"Although my life experiences are very limited, I know from my observations, from people I admire and my readings of biographies of outstanding people, both male and female, that there is no limit to what can be achieved," the young soprano says. "I do believe this to be true, so it is not a question of female empowerment or girl empowerment, but simply self-empowerment."
"Women empowerment means support. Mutual growth," Frankie says. "Lifting one another up when so much of life has been built to tear us down. Embrace the parts of us we’ve been taught to hate. Learn to love fearlessly."
"That you can make your own choices, adjust, tweak, and improve yourself as necessary, and find contentment and joy in the journey," Shaira adds.
"Others would say women are emotional, but I think that quality is what sets us apart because feelings often help when dealing with decisions, at least in my experience so far," Hon. Cristal notes. "I think that because a woman has more 'feels' that's where we get that 'woman’s intuition.'"
Just like these four empowered women, confidently show the world what you’re capable of. Be proud of what you stand for and never be afraid of expressing yourself. Look and feel your best while doing so, with a wide variety of choices from Rustan’s.
This women’s month, Rustan’s equips the strongest of females with powerful ensembles and accessories that will make any woman look and feel their most confident. Ladies can enjoy a 15 percent discount on all regular-priced items under Rustan’s Private brands including Criselda Lontok, Lady Rustan, Lotus, and Luna. Spruce up your wardrobe and always be ready for online meetings or even quick coffee runs with more fashion choices at 20 percent off on all regular-priced items from brands Adrianna Papell, Daze, Elle Tahari, JOA, Lafayette, Lilly Pulitzer, Lost + Wander, Natori, Ricardo Preto, Vivienne Tam, among many others.
Comfy and stylish shoes, paired with the perfect handbag, completes a power look: avail of a 20 percent discount on all regular-priced items from brands such as By Far, Danse Lente, and DeMellier, Kurt Geiger, LeSportsac; Rafe, Rejina Pyo, Schutz, See by Chloe, Staud, Strathberry, and Manu Atelier. For a finishing touch, accessories from Echo Designs, France Luxe, Janavi, Richmond & Finch, and Spartina 449 are also offered at 20 percent off on all regular-priced items