Camille Co
Something held her from taking the familiar path laid down to her after graduation.
Instead, she paved her own amidst the expectations of her traditional Chinese family.
It didn’t take long for Camille Co to pursue her passion. And now she is considered as one of the country’s most followed stylist/bloggers.
In a brief interview during the Islands Souvenirs’ “Cut and Style your Sinulog Shirt,” she shared how seeing the happy faces of her clients makes all the long hours of work worth it—although she hardly calls what she does “work” since it is one of the things she loves most.
This talented, amiable fashionista couldn’t picture herself being in the corporate world, and maintains that success does not always mean conforming to the norm, nor can it be measured by one’s paycheck. Let’s get to know more about Camille, the trendsetter.
TELL US HOW YOU GOT INTO STYLING AND BLOGGING.
Well, I’ve been passionate about fashion ever since I was a kid. I’ve always been that kikay kid. I looked forward to dressing up, like wearing gloves or pretty dresses. But while it’s always been a passion of mine, I never thought that I’d get into it full time, that it would actually be my career. I guess it was more like an accidental path that I took. I come from a traditional Chinese family. They expect you to go corporate, take the traditional route. But then I just couldn’t see myself doing a nine-to-five job. I just can’t.
WHEN DID YOU COME TO REALIZE THIS
At age 20, shortly after graduation. While everyone was eagerly going to job interviews, I was lukewarm to the idea. Not that I was an irresponsible student. In fact, I’ve always been an honor student, in the dean’s list, lahat na, but I just couldn’t see myself doing it. So I decided to follow my heart, take the risk.
IS THERE A STYLIST OR DESIGNER THAT YOU LOOK UP TO?
My favorite is Alexander McQueen. I think he’s a genius. He’s really such an inspiration to me. I like that he’s able to translate art into something wearable. His fashion creations are art forms in themselves.
Camille Co answers questions from Cebu Daily News’ writer Bai Hayde Quiñanola. (CDN PHOTO/ DR. FRANCIS XAVIER SOLIS)
WHAT’S YOUR FIRST BREAK IN BLOGGING
I think it started with “Mango It Girl.” It really opened so many opportunities, not just in here but also abroad.
WHEN YOU ARE NOT BLOGGING OR DESIGNING, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?
I don’t know. I’m so happy with what I’m doing. I can’t imagine life without these things. Like if you ask me what I do aside from fashion, I would tell you na parang wala. It’s not that I don’t have fun. Working is my fun, my passion.
DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF COMING UP WITH AN IDEA TO MATERIALIZING IT?
Right now, I’m not creating anything for the season. It’s all with clients. It always starts with my clients. I look at them. I get to know them. I ask them what they want and then I try to infuse trends and my own personal style. From there, I try to find a common ground in between all that.
WHERE DO YOU WORK BEST?
At my own design studio in Makati.
HOW DO YOU MEASURE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A FASHION STYLIST?
When people say that I inspired them or when my client tells me how happy I made them on their special day—that is my measure of success. That’s basically the point of what I’m doing. I make people happy.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
I always say this. My style it versatile. I don’t really like to get boxed in a certain stereotype, so I’m often trying out different styles and genres . But I make sure the pieces look good when put together—and sophisticated.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO SPURGE ON?
Oh, my God! Shoes! Uhmm, no. Bags! Uhmm…no. Lahat! (laughs). Okay, shoes and bags talaga. I think they are investment pieces.
WHO DO YOU DESIGN FOR AND WHY?
I design for women who are sophisticated like me. They are women who are open-minded like me. Women who know what they want. Women who are from 16 to 35—although I have moms also. So I guess it’s more about aesthetics—people who like my style.
WHAT ARE YOUR IMMEDIATE PLANS IN LINE WITH YOUR WORK?
I plan to grow my brand, and of course, to design more weddings. To keep designing and hopefully to blog internationally.
WHAT’S YOUR FASHION MUST-HAVE FOR SUMMER 2014?
You can never go wrong with bright and happy colors. And cropped tops are here to stay.