Name: Nicole Celestino
Age: 17
Nationality: Filipino
Instagram account: @nicoleee.inc
Our special feature Macau Street Style to highlight Macau fashion—follow our Instagram @macaustreetstyle for daily inspiration!
What does the word “fashion” mean to you?
I believe fashion speaks more about one’s personality and about who they are. It gives people the chance to express their taste and the chance to explore more about themselves through wearing different types of clothes.
How much attention do you pay to fashion in terms of trends in the way you dress?
When trends that don’t showcase who I am rise I try not to indulge myself with them because I tend to feel unreal towards myself, it makes me feel like I’m trying too hard to fit in with society. But that’s not the case for everybody. It’s just my own opinion and perspective.
When you read a newspaper, do you read the fashion pages? If so, what sort of information do they usually provide?
When I do I read where designers have a say on the clothes that they’ve done and their stories and inspirations.
Does fashion allow people to express their individuality or does it force people to conform?
This could actually be argued in many ways where one person could express their one true self at first but eventually change and say that the change is a part of them as well.
Does the media (or the fashion industry) play some role in creating or continuing stereotypes?
Many times, when clothes are being commercialized they tend to give viewers the idea of the specific body figures that would only look good with that clothing. It’s rare to see plus size clothes in commercials.
What duty, if any, does the media (or fashion industry) have to change these stereotypes?
It’s their job to make other people feel confident in themselves and not feel isolated. The media should encourage us all to appreciate the uniqueness of everyone’s differences. The models used and sizes of clothing should be more versatile and with less bias.
How does Macau inspire the way you dress?
Macau is such an open and non-judgemental city, from what I know, which makes it easier for people to dress the way they want to. Whether someone chooses to wear revealing or conservative clothing no one really cares. But the main thing about Macau is the availability of clothes. From simple to stylish, it’s all accessible here.
What do you think of Macau’s fashion scene? How can it be improved?
Years back H&M, Forever 21, and other clothing companies weren’t in Macau, people weren’t as conscious or interested in fashion as they are now. The awareness of having them here totally made people have more sense of fashion. However, it’s funny because there are times when I ride the bus and I see people wearing the exact same clothes as I am.
Do you think that being a fashion model would be an enjoyable interesting life? Would you like to be one?
I’d love to be one it’s just that I’m not as confident as other people think I am. But I believe being a fashion model could give much color and story to my life. I think it could help enhance confidence in someone to the extent that they don’t have to worry about wearing clothes outside their comfort zone.
How has fashion brought a change in your life?
I’ve never really cared what I looked like before or what I’d wear going out. People would always criticize me for my long skirts and a pale face. But as I grew older and became courageous about stepping out from my comfort zone I learned how it felt to wear clothes that emphasized my hidden features. I still embrace the fact that I’m conservative at times but showing some skin has definitely made me feel more confident about myself.
Which social media platform are you most active on?
Instagram. I could survive without Facebook and Twitter but not Instagram because it’s where I can post anything I want without feeling shy or ashamed.
