Kim Chiu as an Ukay Queen

FOR her high-school prom dress, a stillunknown Kim Chiu trekked to a thrift store to find that perfect outfit. That was probably before the humble Cebuana won the first Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition in 2006 and hit the big time. Now, the screen queen can readily buy brandnew Versace shoes. In three colors!

Coming full circle, Kim stars in Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen, a fashion drama, romance, family, feel-good series that promotes upcycling clothes, zero-waste textiles and ways to make more sustainable fashion in a circular economy.

From a concept by Nathaniel Arciaga, ABS-CBN’s content development head, the glamorous series also star Jake Eercito, Christopher de Leon, Liza Lorena, Kylie Versoza, Justine Luzares, Kaladkaren, Frenchie Dy, Lie Reposposa, and Angel Aquino.

In an exclusive interview at the Manila Diamond Residences for this new series on Prime Video which started airing on July 6, the 33-year-old “Multimedia Idol” talked about the fashion-serye, her influences in fashion and her side hustle as a bag designer.

How close is your personality to your role?

Ako dito si Melanie de la Cruz. I play an aspiring fashion designer na gusto maging successful as a designer. Similar s’ya when it comes to being a gogetter. Tapos meron s’yang maging gustong maging, at gusto n’ya talagang marating kahit gaano na ’to kahirap and all. Parang lahat ng struggles pagdadaanan n’ya in order for her to succeed. Parang ganun din naman ’yung nangyayari sa akin. Parang lahat ng struggles pagdadaanan mo.

In preparing for you role, who are the real fashion people that you referenced?

S’yempre marami, I grew up in the showbiz industry, and marami tayo nilu-look up to when it comes to fashion. Isa na dun, Heart Evangelista sa local. Marami pa as we speak. Ang nilu-look up ko talaga when it comes to fashion is Black Pink talaga, si Jennie in particular.

Para sa akin kasi, when it comes to fashion, mas importante ’yung komportable ka and you’re confident when it comes to what you are wearing. Kasi kung hindi ka confident at ginaya mo lang ’yun sa isang tao at hindi naman bagay sa ’yo, so parang you cannot carry it confidently. And you’re not really happy with what you’re wearing kasi hindi ka komportable.

Do you actually own ukay pieces and what are they?

Yes, madami. Pag sinabi naman nating ukay, may ukay dito sa Pilipinas, may ukay sa Japan, may ukay sa US.

Masarap din mamili sa ukay stores dahil maramaing ukay finds na patapon na sa iba pero sa ’yo treasure na mahirap hanapin, ’yung iba rare, matagal ng wala pero ngayon nasa ’yo na.

You play a designer. Do you have any designer friends that you asked advice from?

Meron akong designer na super-close sa akin Name niya is Neric Beltran. Isa din s’ya sa mga nag-design sa

How to have a healthy scalp

cicatricial, postnatal, or traction from continuous pulling.

There was one thing I noticed when I started going to Svenson this year—there were so many clients. Quite a few were older like me but there were a lot of younger ones, too. There were even some teenagers.

Shai Aya-Ay explained: The pandemic caused a lot of stress and anxiety for people that led to some scalp problems as well.

B5

KIM CHIU wears a quirky Ha.Mu mixed-materials outfit inspired by the jeepney and Versace platforms at the show’s presscon, Michael Leyva red ballgown at a scene shot at the Manila Post Office, an Ehrran Montoya creation made of recycled scrap materials at a watch party, and Ha.Mu “Basahan at Retaso” dress. Styled by Adrianne Concepcion.

PHOTOS FROM @CHINITAPRINCESS

IT’S not a secret that I have hair and scalp issues and have been going to Svenson for treatments since early this year. I wanted relief from seborrheic dermatitis but as the months went on, I realized that it wasn’t just about the flakes and the itching. Severe dandruff could actually clog your hair follicles and prevent hair from growing.

Svenson trichologist Shai Aya-Ay said the usual causes of dandruff are dry skin, a reaction to hair products, an oily scalp, a yeast-like fungus called malassezia, and certain medical conditions such as psoriasis or eczema (seborrheic dermatitis), which is what I have.

Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors. It can be congenital, genetic, acquired, drug-induced, show na ito. Nakikita ko naman ’yung lagi nyang ginagawa at nakita ko kung paano sya naging successful. So parang inspired ’to sa kanya in a way.

The most common scalp problems, aside from alopecia, that became more common during the pandemic included (this did not surprise me) dandruff, folliculitis, scalp irritation, hair thinning, and psoriasis (stressful situations can trigger this autoimmune disorder that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches on the scalp).

So my daughter and I go to Svenson once a week. If you really have bad hair and scalp problems, you need to go thrice a week for the Scalp Corrective Treatment to maximize its effect. A 30-minute session uses an ultrasound device and Mariatti Scalp Massager to bring out dirt and oil buildup on the scalp. After that, topical scalp corrective solutions are sprayed on the scalp using an airbrush tool. This is followed by an iontophoresis device which aids in the penetration of ionized forms of the treatments’ nutrients. The treatment has antiseptic and astringent properties.

Did you ask any of your fashion friends to do cameos?

Andami! Dito sa Fit Check, maraming mga fashion designers, influencers. Real-life roles na ginagawa talaga nila in their normal lives. Models. So nandito na ang best of the best in the fashion industry.

Did you have a hand in choosing your wardrobe?

In choosing our wardrobe, pinapabahala na namin sa stylists because that’s their job and kami naman susuotin lang namin. Iba din gagawin namin as actors and actresses.

Did you get to keep the pieces that you like? Ako wala.

Can you talk a bit about your House of Little Bunny business? Yes! It’s my bag business and I’m very happy dahil

“With the scalp cleaner, itchiness and irritations are reduced, helping make the scalp an ideal environment for healthy hair to grow,” said Aya-ay.

I really felt relief after the first two treatments and now months later, my scalp is healthier and new hair is growing. This isn’t just talk. The trichologist looks at your scalp using what looks like a dermoscope unit with a camera and you can view it on a screen. I’m really so happy with my scalp’s progress.

So I asked Aya-ay for some tips on how to keep hair and scalp healthy and here is what she shared: n Wash your hair regularly. Use a mild shampoo to keep your hair and scalp clean and free of dirt and oil. I used to not wash it everyday, thinking that washing would dry my scalp. You could actually wash your hair twice a day, if it’s super oily. n Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair. Chemical treatments such as perms, relaxers and hair dyes can damage the hair and scalp. Try to avoid these treatments or use natural alternatives. I still color my hair but I only do so once in two or three months. n Gentle combing. Combing your hair gently can help distribute natural oils throughout your hair, keeping it moisturized and healthy. n Massage your scalp. Massaging your scalp can increase blood flow to the hair follicles and promote hair growth. I use Svenson’s Day and Evening Tonics na umabot ako sa ganun na ang passion ko for bags is nabebenta ko na s’ya. I have my own design na rin at tinangkilik na rin s’ya ng mga tao at lagi s’yang nauubos. I’m very happy and grateful na meron akong side hustle.

Just like Melanie.

Do you do sketches? What are your creative outlets besides acting and dancing?

Hindi naman ako nag-i-sketch. Pili lang talaga ng design. Pili ng colors. ’Yung pagmi-mix and match ng design, color and material. ’Yan ang strength ko when it comes to my bag business.

What are your recent fashion splurges?

Sa work naman namin, kelangan talaga because everyday is a fashion show. (Laughs) Fashion splurge? Siguro shoes. Versace like the one I’m wearing now. Bumili ako nito tatlong kulay.

How excited are you for people to watch this?

Sobrang excited kami because this is going to be shown in 240 countries and territories. With subtitles. n and massage my scalp after application. n Use a conditioner. Conditioner helps to moisturize hair, making it easier to manage. It also helps prevent tangles. Combing through severely tangled hair can result in hair loss. n Protect your hair from the sun and other elements.Cover your hair with a hat or scarf when exposed to direct sunlight or wind. The last time the trichologist looked at my scalp, she saw some UV damage so I was advised to use a hair covering when going out. n Eat a healthy diet. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote healthy hair and scalp n Reduce stress. Stress can contribute to hair loss and other scalp issues. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. n Get enough sleep. Sufficient sleep can aid in repairing and regenerating cells in the body, including those related to hair and scalp health. n Consult an expert. When you are experiencing persistent dandruff or other scalp issues, book a consultation so you may be given a recommendation of appropriate treatments and scalp care routine. A consultation at Svenson is free. The prices are admittedly not inexpensive but having a healthy scalp is so worth it.