Michelle Dee champions Filipino fashion’s push onto global stage

The beauty queen-actress champions local designers while embracing an evolving, authentic personal style.

Fashion for Michelle Marquez Dee is more than following trends. Whether walking a runway or attending an event, the beauty queen-actress sees style as an extension of her personality, confidence, and growth.

“I’d describe my personal style as versatile, expressive and constantly evolving. I’ve never wanted to limit myself to one particular aesthetic because fashion, for me, really depends on the story I want to tell at that moment,” she told the press while headlining the PlayScape Fashion Show at the City of Dreams Manila Grand Ballroom.

Closing the show with a confident runway walk, Michelle turned heads in a contemporary, neutral-toned ensemble that complemented her signature blonde bob.

The former Miss Universe Philippines titleholder said she enjoys exploring different aesthetics, from classic and refined pieces to bolder looks, while always keeping her personality at the center.

“I can go from something very classic and refined to something bold or unexpected, but there’s always a part of my personality in it. Over the years, I’ve become more confident in experimenting and less concerned about fitting into a specific category,” she said.

For Michelle, authentic style begins with knowing yourself rather than simply following trends.

“I think great style comes from understanding yourself first. I appreciate timeless pieces and the history behind fashion, but I also think the most interesting style happens when you make something your own,” she said.

“I don’t necessarily dress to follow trends or to break rules. I dress according to what feels authentic to me. If that happens to challenge expectations, then I think that makes fashion even more exciting.”

That belief also shapes her view of Filipino fashion. Michelle sees tremendous potential among local designers, brands, and creatives and believes they deserve greater recognition internationally.

“I think Filipino fashion deserves a spot on the global stage. Definitely, we have so many Filipino designers and brands that deserve to be recognized internationally,” she said.

Beyond fashion, Michelle applies the same intentionality to her career. With multiple roles in the spotlight, she has learned that success also means knowing when to prioritize herself and the people who keep her grounded.

“I don’t think balance necessarily means dividing your time equally between everything. There are moments when my career requires most of my attention, and other moments when I know I need to prioritize myself and the people I love,” she shared.

“I’ve learned to be present wherever I am and to protect the parts of my life that keep me grounded. I love what I do, but having a life outside of work also gives me more to bring back into my work.”

That mindset extends to the projects and collaborations she chooses. As the official brand ambassador of OKGames, Michelle brought her confidence to the PlayScape finale while emphasizing the importance of meaningful partnerships.

“I’ve learned to be intentional about what I say “yes” to. It’s not only about whether a project looks good on paper. I think about whether I genuinely connect with it, whether our values align, what we can create together and whether it makes sense for the direction I’m growing toward,” she said.

“The best collaborations for me are the ones where both sides bring something authentic to the table and we’re able to create something that feels natural rather than forced.”

As Michelle continues to evolve, she remains committed to staying authentic while embracing new opportunities. Her upcoming “Queen of the Islands” pageant marks another chapter in her journey, carrying the same confidence and individuality that have shaped her career.

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