The women of US Girls. (From left) Megan Young, Angel Aquino and Iya Villania.

TV host-actress Angel Aquino would like it if people who will applaud the winners in the forthcoming “Us Girls August Awards” would really understand the merit behind the accolade.

In an interview held at Cravings Katipunan on Aug. 13, Angel talked about the jobs of the nominees in the “Stylist of the Year” and “Make-up Artist of the Year” categories.

“A stylist not only chooses clothes but more importantly, puts together a look,” she began. “They have to be creative and abreast with goings-on in fashion so that they can interpret different looks such as the bohemian look, a romantic look, a funky look, etc.”

Having worked with a lot of stylists in the course of her 15 years in the fashion and the entertainment industries, Angel knows that a stylist can only be effective if he understands the needs and lifestyle of his model.

“A stylist won’t give you a look you can’t carry well even if that look is trendy. They know that more than being fashionable, a model should be comfortable with and in his clothes so that confidence radiates from within.”

Angel said that a challenge for the stylist lies in sourcing clothes from just one store or more.

“If you get clothes from just a store, the selection may be limiting. On the other hand, sourcing clothes from different stores with their different fashion forecasts requires sound discernment. Mixing and matching clothes and accessories is not as simple as one thinks,” she said.  

As for make-up artists, Angel said they do not only enhance the most beautiful facial feature, but they take into account such things as the occasion and the clothes.

“And good make-up artists are versatile. They might already know what works best for a face because of its contour and complexion, but they don’t stop exploring other looks.

“Kaya nga hindi totoo na make-up artists just take orders from their models or directors. The work is really an expression of their art. If you see a gorgeous face, you’re not just admiring what is apparent but what went on in the head of the make-up artist.”

Angel said that those who made the final list of nominees in the “Us Girls August Awards” categories are people she, Iya Villaniya and Megan Young have worked with in the past three years.

To balance out personal choices, the hosts of “Us Girls” consulted with the people behind their show. To further democratize the process, “Us Girls” will also get a pulse on the people through a poll (visit http://usgirls23.multiply.com for details).

The very first “Us Girls August Awards” will be held on Aug. 20 at the New Eastwood Mall in Libis, Quezon City. The show will award winners in the “Stylist of the Year,” “Make-up Artist of the Year,” “Most Fashionable,” “Face of the Year” categories, as well as honor a trendsetting celebrity with the “Us Girls Icon Award.”

The telecast of “Us Girls August Awards” will air on Aug. 30, 7 pm on Studio 23.

Angel feels that after three years of airing, it’s about time that “Us Girls” is recognized as a brand or, as the show’s press release puts it, a true fashion authority of everything glam and chic. 

Below are the nominees in the “Us Girls August Awards”:

Face of the Year-  Carla Abellana, Claudine Barretto, Kim Chiu, Anne Curtis, Isabelle Daza, Nikki Gil, Kristine Hermosa, Angel Locsin, Cristine Reyes and Maja Salvador.

Most Fashionable – Nicole Anderson, Isabelle Daza, Anne Curtis, Pauline Juan, Denise Laurel, Divine Lee, Marie Lozano, Bea Soriano, Bianca Valerio, Camille Villar, Georgina Wilson.

Make-up Artist of the Year- Krist Bansuelo, Bobby Carlos, Barbi Chan, Ting Duque, Lala Flores, Chechel Joson, Jigs Mayuga, Patrick Rosas, Juan Sarte, Xeng Zulueta.

Stylist of the Year- Corrine Alegre, Rex Atienza, Daryl Chang, Luis Espiritu, Rey Ilagan, Pam Quinones, Charmaine Palermo, Bianca Santiago, Liz Uy and Bea Constantino.

(“Us Girls” airs every Sunday at 7 pm on Studio 23)