(From left) Enchong Dee, Maja Salvador, and Brent Manalo in Preview's best dressed list. Preview/Instagram
Local celebrities Enchong Dee, Maja Salvador, and Brent Manalo are among the country's newest style stars after being included in a fashion magazine's "best dressed" list.
Preview has announced its 2025 list of stylish individuals "who personify the multi-faceted nature of the stylish Filipino."
Dee, Salvador, and Manalo were honored at the magazine's ball held Tuesday, joining seven other personalities from different industries: former Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee, actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith, drag superstar Versex, stylist John Lozano, designer Dom Canlas, jeweler Shar Cabigas, and interior designer Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran.
In an interview with Preview, Dee noted how his approach to fashion has evolved over the years -- from being a "walking mannequin" to having his own style inputs.
"It's not one-size-fits-all. Designers really appreciate it when you have your own opinions and suggestions towards the things that you wear," he said.
"We might not have the height -- some people do have it -- but it doesn't mean that if you're small, you have to look small," he added.
When asked whose closet he'd like to raid, Dee replied: "Timothée Chalamet's. I think he's one of those actors who are not afraid to try on different looks. Then you realize he's not the tallest actor, he's not a buff or muscular actor, but he knows how to carry the clothes that he gets to wear."
Salvador, on the other hand, was initially in disbelief when she found out she made it to Preview's best dressed list. "Anong nakita sa akin ng Preview to message me na isa nga talaga ako sa mga best dressed?" she recalled in an interview with the magazine.
She went on to realize why -- it's because her authenticity shone through her outfits. "Ang ibig sabihin na lang sa akin niyan is, nakita niyo ako nang totoo. Naging totoo lang ako sa sarili ko, na hindi ko kailangan maging artista always," she said.
As to what will always be part of her look, the actress said: "Statement shoes. I'm a shoe addict. Alam 'yan ng lahat ng friends, family, and supporters ko."
Manalo, for his part, sees the recognition as a validation of his wardrobe choices, which he considers "innate."
"I think when it comes to fashion, I don't have to try so hard. So to be considered as best dressed is validation that I'm not the only one who sees it," he said.
The actor, who considers fashion as his "armor," said he continues to explore what works for him style-wise: "Most people think that if you're an introvert, they can push you to the side... but the way I dress is a reminder that I'm not one to back down. I don't have the strongest personality, but my style speaks for itself."
Asked about the Filipino brand or designer that excites him at the moment, Manalo said: "Viktor... it's the first brand I've worn since I've been out [of the Pinoy Big Brother house]. They have new and really nice stuff. The cuts, the way the use fabrics."