For the past couple of months, Barbie Forteza has been transporting us to the realm of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. There's no denying the impeccable success Maria Clara at Ibarra has had on primetime TV, and at the helm of it all is our Binibining Klay, who we've grown accustomed to seeing in a traje de mestiza and baro't saya.
Even when she's plopped into the country's colonial era, the Kapuso actress' bubbly persona and vibrant spirit definitely still shines through. Someone who can attest to that is her stylist, Daryl Maat. A designer himself, Daryl has been a fan of Barbie's for quite some time, and he's a firsthand witness to how down-to-earth she is no matter how big her star gets.
To get to know the 25-year-old better, we sat down with Daryl and got an inside scoop on how she's really like. Spoiler: She's just as nice as you think she'd be! Read on to see what we mean.
PREVIEW EXCLUSIVE: Daryl Maat on Being Barbie Forteza's Fashion Stylist
Please describe the first time you met.
"Barbie and I met on a Sunday show before on GMA. I was one of the production stylists and she [was] one of the mainstay hosts. I was assigned to style her along with the other artists. The show [had] specific wardrobe requirements because it [focused] more on skits, so the styling [was] based on what [was] needed from the script."
How did you end up working together? How long have you been working together since?
"[That] show ended in 2019 and I [didn't work] with her again [for a bit]. Fast forward to October 2021, I got a message from Sparkle GMA Artist Center and they [were] asking if I [could] style Barbie for [an endorsement] shoot. I accepted the [offer] and that’s how I started styling her [again]. Since then, we’ve been working [together] for a year and four months."
How would you describe Barbie as a client?
"Barbie is a very wonderful client. She’s very professional, she listens to suggestions, and [she is] very decisive. She loves fashion and she’s willing to explore different looks."
How has working with Barbie impacted your career as a fashion stylist?
"Working with Barbie [has] opened a different side of my styling that I haven’t explored. I’m always excited to dress her up because I get to see my vision [come to life with] each look."
As her fashion stylist, what can you say about her personal style/aesthetic?
"Her personal style is dainty, classy, and relaxed. Nowadays, she’s into neutrals but she’s not afraid to wear color."
Has your personal relationship developed since you first met? How would you describe Barbie as a friend?
"She is a gentle-hearted person and [is] very humble. She’s kind and caring. She always checks [on] people around her, [asking] them if [they're okay], if they have eaten, or if they need coffee. She’s a hardworking gal and [is] very professional. I admire her for that."
What’s your most unforgettable moment working with Barbie?
"The 2022 GMA Gala, the network’s first. It [was] memorable because we [planned] everything together months before the ball. We were excited and very pleased with [what] we came up [with]."
What’s something interesting about Barbie that her fans don’t know?
"Taylor Swift songs give her a boost of energy whenever we have [a] shoot or any work [engagement]. She knows [all the] lyrics of every song. She loves coffee, and recently I learned that she loves French macarons."
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