Metro Exclusive: In Paris, Pia Wurtzbach Makes Versace Leopard Prints A Must-Have
In this interview with Pia, she talks about Paris, the perfect life journey, and authenticity
The scene: Paris. The subject: Pia Wurtzbach right in the midst of Paris Fashion Week. The look: a lethally chic Versace coordinating leopard-print look. In this interview, Pia reflects on the intricate relationship between fashion, Paris Fashion Week culture, and personal growth as she journey on in her new life as now a global style star.
Pia has been to Paris countless times but she’s only seen the City of Lights through the lens of the runway shows she’s watched every Fashion Week season. For now, it is already a magical experience. “Honestly, I've never seen Paris during a leisurely trip but as the shows are set in the beautiful backdrop of Paris, the most picturesque city in the world, and with each show in a different venue, I feel like I'm touring Paris,” Pia shares. Each venue becomes a part of her journey, transforming the hectic pace of fashion shows into a leisurely exploration of one of the most picturesque cities in the world. This dual experience enriches her understanding of both the brands she represents and the vibrant culture that surrounds her.
In the world of international fashion, being a chameleon helps for Pia as upon wearing the clothes, her energy and vibe shifts with the brand. As she wears the Versace Wild Barocco Silk Caddy Corset Bodysuit and matching Stirrup Leggings, she turns into this stunning vixen, very much like every Versace muse. But even if her mood shifts with the clothes, authenticity is vital for her. Pia maintains her identity by surrounding herself with supportive people who encourage her to stay true to herself, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system in navigating the demanding nature of the fashion world.
Ultimately, Pia’s perspective highlights that both fashion and life are about the journey, growth, and the connections we nurture along the way.
In this interview, Pia becomes candid on the life behind Fashion Week.
Question: Fashion Week is often about more than just the shows; it's a cultural experience. How do you balance showcasing fashion with experiencing the art and culture of Paris?
Pia: “Luckily, the locations of some of these fashion shows are in historical buildings all around Paris so I do feel like I'm seeing some of the cultures while attending the shows. Honestly, I've never seen Paris during a leisurely trip but as the shows are set in the beautiful backdrop of Paris, the most picturesque city in the world, and with each show in a different venue, I feel like I'm touring Paris.”
How do you see the role of fashion evolving, especially during global events like Paris Fashion Week, where you're representing diverse brands?
“From a personal perspective, I keep evolving when I’m going to the shows because just when I thought I already knew or had a good grasp on the DNA of the brand, I’m always surprised that I have so much more to learn. My personal style also continues to evolve, as I have a better idea now of what I like and don’t like. I have my personal taste but then I’m also catching pieces highlighted on the runway so I try to capture all of that through my lenses, so I could share that with the people online. I feel I’m honing my eye and I definitely have much more to learn. Sometimes we do multiple shows a day where I see the same people but the vibe changes and I think that’s super impressive how everybody in the industry is like a chameleon that knows how to adapt. It looks very glamorous on the outside but the people in the industry are strong, professional, adaptable people who share the same passion as you do and you’re all evolving and growing together.”
As someone who’s constantly in the public eye, what advice would you give to young Filipinas looking to make their mark in their respective fields?
“My advice for young Filipinas looking to make their mark in their respective fields is to embrace challenges. Don’t try to resist them because a perfect journey is not possible and it’s actually the trips and mistakes that you make along the way that will make you better and make the experience memorable. Imagine if everything just went perfectly that wouldn't be any fun and the thing is, a lot of us when we are young, we want things to happen for us right away and we try to resist change and challenges and mistakes. But I think if you just know that it’s all part of the process then you could actually have fun with the journey.”
How do you maintain a sense of authenticity and personal identity while navigating the pressures and expectations of the public and media?
“I maintain a sense of authenticity and personal identity because I really find it hard to put on a face. It’s impossible to sustain and I would much rather people like me for me than have to put on a face. I also surround myself with people who keep me in check, who make sure that I’m still the same Pia and that I’m happy. In this kind of job, you’re giving a lot of yourself to others—your time, your effort, your energy, your trust, your love. So it’s really important that you have people around you who are also looking after your well-being. We always want to have good results but what's happening internally is more important, so your support system and the people around you play a big role in that. I’m very grateful that I have people around me that I can count on. And if there are days when I’m feeling burnt out, run down, and need an extra boost, they’ll also be there. I think having a sense of family is so important even with your work because if you have that you’ll feel safe. And your work won’t feel like work.”
Get Pia's Versace look here:
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