For Michelle Marquez Dee, fashion is more than a matter of trends or appearances. The beauty queen and actress uses style to express her personality, confidence and the different stages of her life, whether on the runway or at public events.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2023 titleholder recently put that approach on display when she closed the PlayScape Fashion Show at City of Dreams Manila.

Wearing an edgy, neutral-toned ensemble that complemented her signature blonde bob, Dee brought a polished yet understated presence to the runway. Her look reflected her evolving style while maintaining the confidence and individuality that have become hallmarks of her public image.

Her appearance also reflected how much her personal style has evolved over the years.

“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 shared in an interview with the press.

The former Miss Univere Philippines said she can easily shift from classic and refined looks to something bolder and unexpected, while still making sure that each outfit feels personal.

“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 added.

For her, authenticity remains at the heart of good style.

“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,” Michelle 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.”

She also believes Filipino fashion has the potential to make a bigger impact internationally. She pointed to the growing confidence and fearlessness of Filipino designers, brands, and fashion enthusiasts as proof of the country’s evolving style landscape.

“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 her fashion choices, Michelle’s outlook also reflects her desire to stay grounded while navigating a demanding career.

“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.”

For Michelle, style ultimately goes beyond clothes. It is closely tied to knowing oneself, finding a voice, and having the confidence to stand for something.

“Style is one way of expressing that, but it goes beyond fashion. The same confidence you develop in knowing yourself can also help you find your voice, your purpose and the things you genuinely want to stand for. You don’t have to fit into one box to make an impact,” she said.

That same sense of intention also guides the projects she chooses to pursue.

“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,” Michelle 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.”

With her evolving style and growing confidence, Michelle continues to show that fashion can be more than a statement it can be a reflection of identity, purpose, and the freedom to define oneself on one’s own terms.