Getting to Know Young Fashion Muse Niana Guerrero

A star in motion, a digital icon, a dance phenom—all these titles allude to Niana Guerrero. But what does it take to become a global sensation at just 18 years old? Waking up to millions of fans buzzing around your social media, with people eagerly replicating your viral dance challenges and hanging on to your every move. With amassing a large following across the world, one might think that fame could change a person. But Niana is not one to care about digital fame: “I don’t actually think of myself as [famous],” she brushed off, proving she’s as down-to-earth as before.

Hitting a whopping billion likes on TikTok is mind-blowing for many, yet this feat only serves as a gentle nudge for the young superstar to stick to her purpose. “Being part of the ‘1 billion club’ feels surreal, and it just motivates me to keep working hard and making content that people enjoy,” she shared with due credit to her supporters for their constant support. Marked as a treasured milestone as this like-count are the connections and relationships she’s made through her love for dancing. “I feel like taking care of those [connections] and maintaining them is a great achievement,” she added.

TikTok is not the only platform she thrives in. On Instagram and Facebook, she is also among the most followed Filipino personalities with 15.3 million followers on the former and 23 million followers on the latter, as of this writing. Being a social media star sure comes with its own set of challenges but Niana has managed to stay true to herself. “Social media has made me realize that I can be myself and enjoy it!” she remarked, sharing how her authenticity strikes a chord with a lot of people. While she’s genuinely grateful for the support she receives from her fans, Niana is careful not to get overwhelmed by the demands that come with being in the spotlight. More like juggling flaming torches, she’s figuring out how to keep her eye on what matters the most while dodging the pressures of having a huge fanbase: “So instead of giving in to that, I just do my best to focus on what I truly love doing and always stay grounded.“

At 18, Niana finds herself in what she calls her “self-discovery era,” where she’s actively experimenting with new interests, pushing her creativity, and shaping a more multifaceted version of herself. “I’ve discovered that I’m more into trying new things and exploring different sides of myself now, since I’ve turned 18,” she divulged, adding how fun it is to figure out what tickles her fancy and what doesn’t.

When asked to describe her current state of mind, Niana tossed out the words: “excited, chilled, and always curious.” Talk about a personality that dances on the tightrope of chaos, Niana’s all about that contrast and balance amid the whirlwind of projects, dance rehearsals, and family fun. Here, we take a backstage pass to get to know the girl behind the moves, oversized shirts, laidback style, and millions of likes.

The art that drives her

Well, the world has already caught wind of what propelled Niana into the limelight: dancing! And it continues to be the creative outlet where she feels most at home. A career on one side and a form of self-expression on the other. In her words, it’s a lifelong passion that constantly evolves. “I love how the learning never ends with dance and music.”   

Even though we don’t know how deep her love for the art runs, she makes it evident that her discipline and rhythm have allowed her to master more than just mere choreography. “Training is usually pretty intense, but I enjoy it. It keeps me active,” she revealed, currently knee-deep in dance sessions. On kicking things into high gear, Niana listens to hip-hop music to pump herself up during train rolling. The Gen Z star also dropped hints at some exciting collaborations in the pipeline, saying, “Definitely, there are many collabs in the works, which I am excited to share with you all in due time.”

Virality is practically no stranger in Niana’s vocabulary, not to mention that she has rubbed elbows with a lot of top-tier artists, both homegrown and international. When prodded about her dream dance collaboration, there’s one name that stands at the vertex of her list: Jungkook from BTS. “As a performer, he has unmatched energy and I think we could create something really cool together,” she raved, hinting at her hopes of making bigger waves in the global dance scene.

To the countless fans who look up to her, Niana embodies a new wave of creatives who have grown up with the internet, influenced by the likes, shares, and worldwide exposure that social media brigs. Popping the question about the other artists who inspire her, she name-dropped performers Sabrina Carpenter and Chris Brown as her biggest influences. “They’re super talented and always bring something fresh to the table,” she shared.

From the dance floor to fashion front lines

There’s more to this dance dynamo slash content creator than viral TikToks, YouTube videos, and tons of double-taps. Lately, she's been capturing attention for something beyond her flawless footwork: her fashion. While Niana burns up the dance floor, her fashion game struts right alongside. “Fashion is crucial for me as a dancer. It sets the vibe for the performance and how I express myself!” stated the influencer. She sees it as a clear-cut “extension” of her creativity, a colorful mood board of her mood and interests.

Niana’s personal style has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Starting with big shirts and baggy pants, her style reflected her relaxed and youthful vibe. But as she’s got matured, so too has her wardrobe. “Now I’m mixing it up more by trying on different shapes, different styles that allow me to explore and express other sides to me,” she said.

The first fashion item she ever splurged on? A pair of sneakers! Not so secret it is but shoes are her favorite fashion statement, a detail that can elevate any look. “Shoes have always been my thing. They can really make an outfit look cute and cool at the same time,” she admitted. But she’s got her eyes set on more than just sneakers now. Adding to her fashion wishlist a.k.a. classic collection is a designer bag—something “versatile and timeless” that she can cherish for years to come.

Niana is set on representing her roots with fashion intertwined in her world. Wearing a tailor-made Michael Cinco creation for her debut was a “milestone moment” for her. The internet sensation also expressed that the prospect of working with fellow Filipino creatives feels “endless.” “I think it’s cool that we have so many talented Filipino creatives here and abroad, and to me, it feels like the opportunities to work with them or wear them are endless,” she remarked proudly.

On the thread of her go-to outfits, we can tell that Niana’s fashion sense is dynamic, adapting to reflect her growth as an individual. For a day out at the mall with friends, she’d normally pull off baggy pants and a loose top while she’d swap it up with simple jeans, a nice top, and comfy kicks for a casual family dinner. When it’s time to get a semi-formal gathering, Niana would dazzle in a cute fitted top paired with trousers. And for those posh affairs? She could rock an elegant dress with a little jacket on top or strut in a stylish blazer—depends on her mood! She’s making more room now for skirts and dresses in her closet. True enough, Niana is fast becoming a muse in the fashion scene.

And when it comes to her style icons, Niana looks to the likes of Hailey Bieber and Billie Eilish for inspo. If given a chance, she’d be on a closet-raiding spree in either of their wardrobes.

Beyond the limelight

Even with all her success, she’s just like any other student. As a young adult, she is juggling the demands of her school with a rapidly advancing career. “School’s going okay,” she shared, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing studies with her professional pursuits. The struggle of managing her education while taking on dance projects and social media engagements is a universal challenge many young people can relate to, yet she’s been able to get things done with grace and composure.

Asked about her future educational plans, she hasn’t made any definite decisions about attending university but she keeps her door open to possibilities, especially in creative fields: “If ever I do go to university, I’d love to explore something creative like art, film, or music production.” It’s clear that even if she ventures into higher education, it would likely be an extension of her artistic journey.

Niana, a mosaic of talent she is, has revealed another form of art she enjoys unwinding with: “I think people might be surprised to know that I like drawing sometimes.” It’s one of her quieter sides that allows her to relax and engage her creativity in a way that’s different from dance.

Travel also circles her mind. “Anywhere in Europe honestly, but top of mind would be Paris for sure!” she answered when asked about her dream destination. “I’d love to explore the city, have fancy dinners, and just take all that beauty in.”

Her holiday plans, while not fully set, point toward another exciting option: Tokyo. As a matter of fact, her main goal is to look ahead to “just relaxing and spending quality time with my family and friends.”

Outside of her career, Niana wishes to achieve balance and live a full life at the same time. “I want to focus on personal growth, finding new passions, exploring new things, looking for more creative expressions, and giving back in meaningful ways,” as she puts it.

Photography by Alwee Villarosa

Creative direction by Luna Mingming

Fashion: THAT Concept Store (Dubai)

Styling by Gweys Soriano

Hair and makeup by Sharmaine O'Leary

AC and lighting by Zanong Magat

Studio: The Room Service Dubai