It's been over a year since Barbie Forteza captured the nation's hearts as the gutsy Klay in Maria Clara at Ibarra. The success of the teleserye catapulted the star into new heights, with one big project after another to make her shine brighter.
Alongside her on this journey to superstardom is Janra Raroque, the stylist responsible for dressing her in the breakthrough historical drama. Their work together on the series proved to only be the beginning of their relationship as stylist and muse, as Janra is now a present member of the Kapuso star's glam team. Whether it's a for a press conference or a runway stint, he makes sure to uphold Barbie's ever-evolving brand and fashion sense.
Ahead, Janra lets us in on what it's like dressing up Barbie and how the actress' style has developed over the past year.
Preview Insider: Janra Raroque on Being Barbie Forteza's Fashion Stylist
Please describe the first time you and Barbie met. How did you end up working together?
"I met Barbie last year on her birthday, [which was also] our first day on the set of Maria Clara at Ibarra. I was the stylist of the show as I was assigned to dress up the now iconic characters Klay and Maria Clara."
"[The first outfit I dressed Barbie in] was actually in the Traje de Mestiza that Klay wore all throughout the show. It was a very challenging start to our relationship as stylist and muse because both of us had to study and perfect the attire of an 1800s Spanish-era Filipina."
How would you describe Barbie as a client?
"Barbie is the most fun and easiest to work with. She and I always make sure that we find joy in dressing up. What I appreciate about her is she is very collaborative with the looks we do. We always exchange ideas and the 'vibes' we want to go for."
How has working with Barbie impacted your career as a fashion stylist?
"I started my career as an assistant stylist eight years ago. During the pandemic, I almost stopped styling because I [felt that] my 'fire' had died out. I quit being an assistant and decided to pursue a corporate job, but it [just was] not working for me. It was until I got a call from a friend [who worked at] GMA that told me they needed a stylist for a show."
"From there, one opportunity led to another, and I was eventually working for Maria Clara at Ibarra where I met Barbie. Working with Barbie reignited my passion for what I think I do best and what sets my heart on fire. I started to believe in myself again. For that, I am very grateful for Barbie and GMA."
As her fashion stylist, what can you say about her personal style? How has it evolved?
"I think her personal style is timeless and chic. Most of the time, she arrives on set in a structured blazer and trousers, with a flat white coffee always in hand. Her off-duty look is a reflection of who she is now as a grown woman in charge, one that means business."
What are three signature styles present in any Barbie Forteza OOTD?
"We always tend to gravitate towards romantic and feminine energy when we dress up. Elements of understated sophistication, timeless elegance, and effortless but chic pairings are always present in a Barbie Forteza OOTD."
How do you go about choosing designers or brands for Barbie to wear? How do they reflect her personal brand as a celebrity?
"Keeping her title as the 'Primetime Princess' in mind at all times, the designers and brands we had the pleasure of collaborating with are aligned with the ethos of the Barbie brand and her style codes."
"We see to it that her looks are always are on point yet are very relatable. We make an effort that her looks [can be recreated by her fans] items from their own closets. Because just like her namesake doll, everyone can be a 'Barbie.'"
Has your personal relationship developed since you first met? How would you describe Barbie as a friend?
"Having worked with Barbie through long hours of filming, whether it be on a set in Calle Crisologo or at some endorsement shoot, we became so close that we share so much with each other."
"She and I are naturally madaldal and we share the same sense of humor, so we kill time by talking about literally anything under the sun. 'Hunny', the nickname we call each other, and my younger sister are of the same age. So I see her as my sibling on top of being one of my closest friends. In a sense, I am protective of her and I want the best for her, both in and outside of work."
What's your most unforgettable moment working with Barbie so far?
"(Laughs) This is a good question and I have a funny answer for this. I will never forget how we survived an earthquake together during our filming of Maria Clara at Ibarra in Vigan. The Spanish-era buildings were literally shaking and we were so afraid that they might break and fall on us. It's a good thing we were lead to safety by the production and safety officers."
"It was during our early stages of working together. I think that somehow traumatic experience literally shook our worlds and made us closer."
What's something interesting about Barbie that her fans don't know yet?
"I think there is not much that fans don't know about Barbie. She literally grew up right in front of the nation's eyes. The charming, bubbly, and energetic sweetheart you see on screen is the very same person off-screen."
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
