By Cynthia De Castro
MAY 23, 2008
Asianjournal.com
Fashion to the Max
LOS ANGELES—Rodeo Drive—the most “wonderful Filipino friends and numerous
famous shopping district in America, and relatives.” The fashionable lady landed the
probably the most expensive three blocks position of Assistant Store Manager of Max
of shops in the world. It is where the rich Mara on Rodeo Drive within a month of her
and famous do their shopping, and where arrival.
tourists window-shop while trying to spot When not busy with her celebrity clients,
movie stars on the fabled street. Kristine goes to the gym three to four times
Among the many designer brands on a week.
Rodeo is Max Mara, an Italian fashion “It’s the best form of stress release. I also
house, best known for elegant ready-to- enjoy trying the newest and best restaurants
wear clothing. It’s the favorite brand of in Los Angeles with my boyfriend. We like
many Hollywood celebrities like Sandra hanging out with our two cats, Cassidy and
Bullock, Nia Vardalos, Jennifer Coolidge, Isa, and watch television shows like The
and Joely Richardson. Attending to the rich Office, Family Guy, Top Chef, American Idol
and famous clients is Max Mara’s manager, and Ugly Betty. I also enjoy going to The
FilAm Kristine del Rosario. Grove Mall and Farmer’s Market because
In an exclusive interview with the Asian it’s very close to where we live. But on a
Journal, Kristine revealed how much she warm, sunny day, there is nothing better
loves her job at Max Mara. than going to the beach with a great book
“Working on Rodeo Drive puts you into in hand,” she said.
an interesting world of drama. You never Kristine makes sure she is always in
know what’s going to happen or who might touch with her many friends and relatives
show up at the store with their paparazzi
Event Planning. I was fortunate enough
back in the Philippines, through Friendster
and Black American Express card. I have
to have found myself involved in Fashion
and Facebook. Last April, she was able to
dealt with numerous A-list celebrities,
Shows which featured such fashion icons as
visit them with her boyfriend who has
stylists, fashion editors, starlets, etc,” she
Isaac Mizrahi, Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson,
never been to Southeast Asia. The couple
said. “I do have some Filipino clients. They
just to name a few,” said Kristine.
loved Boracay.
love our suits, coats and gowns.”
Kristine admitted that she got her love
“The island is magnificent and the
Born in Manila, Philippines, Kristine went
for fashion from her mom. “Ever since I
consistency of the sand is unlike any other
to St. Paul College in Quezon City where
was a young girl, I was always fascinated
beach in the world. It’s like stepping on
she graduated with a degree in Mass
with Fashion. My mother was very much a
baby powder!” Kristine gushed.
Communications. She was a TV and print
‘fashionista’ which inspired me and allowed
Kristine offers the following advice to
model in Manila before she went to New
me to get familiar with brand names like
achieve the American Dream. “Never give
York City to further her studies.
Nina Ricci, Christian Dior, Gucci, Oleg
up. Be confident. Allow your being exotic
“After arriving in the Big Apple,” Kristine
Cassini, among others.”
and different to be the advantage that
recalled, “I enrolled in Film and Acting
Being a Filipina in New York did not create
sets you apart from others. Stay positive,
classes at New York University. I originally
any problems for Kristine. “I was fortunate
learn to accept criticism as constructive
thought that after my studies, I would
enough to have never encountered any
and allow what you learn to make you
return to the Manila to pursue acting but
racial bias during my time in New York City.
grow into a better human being. And most
ultimately decided to stay because I fell in
The city is home to many diverse cultures
importantly, always remember to learn
love with New York City.”
and allowed me to appreciate my culture
from your mistakes,” said Kristine.
Kristine’s love for fashion led her to
even more and enabled me to focus on
So, next time you’re in Rodeo Drive, drop
take up classes at the Fashion Institute of
being a strong and confident woman.”
by the House of Max Mara and say hello
Technology in Manhattan. “I took classes in
After nine years in New York, Kristine
to the store’s beautiful manager—your
Fashion Global Management, Publicity and
moved to Los Angeles, where she has many
beautiful kababayan Kristine. (AJ)
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