For KC Leyco, also known as Miss Kayce, fashion has never been just about clothes and shopping. It is a form of self-expression, a reflection of identity, and, most importantly, a responsibility.
As a personal stylist and advocate for minimal and sustainable fashion, KC has found her place in the scene, helping clients discover their personal style while embracing mindful consumption.
“I believe that my experience has led me to realize that I have a role that influences and inspires people to be more responsible and conscious with their fashion choices,” KC shared. “And one that would help save our planet, in our own little way.”
KC’s entry into the fashion industry wasn’t a conventional one. “After doing a couple of jobs after college, I was looking for a job that I would fit in best. I had no prior fashion experience, but I’ve always loved fashion,” she shared.
Her earliest influence? Her mother. “I grew up being influenced by my mom. I’ve always looked up to her fashion sense and how she’s created her own trends.”
That admiration turned into a career when KC realized she had a gift for styling. What started as a personal passion evolved into a real profession where she now helps others define their personal style, curate wardrobes that reflect their personality, and embrace sustainability.
Where fashion and sustainability meet
For KC, personal styling is about making intentional choices. “I believe that my experience has led me to realize that I have a role that influences and inspires people to be more responsible and conscious with their fashion choices. And one that would help save our planet, in our own little way,” she explained.
She emphasized that her goal as a stylist is to solve the all-too-common dilemma: “I have nothing to wear.”
“My goal is to help people discover their personal style so they can create their dream wardrobe,” she said.
But beyond just aesthetics, KC ensures that sustainability is at the core of her process. “If and when there is a need to shop and source, we always go for sustainable brands or local brands. If there are clothes that we can save through upcycling or reworking, we do that. I also help with responsibly letting go of items that get decluttered from closets.”
Defining personal style
Achieving a true style transformation starts from within. “It always has to start with discovering their personal style. It should always be deeply rooted in who they truly are—based on what they stand for,” KC said.
When curating a wardrobe, she begins with a wardrobe audit to assess a client’s current fashion situation and goals. “It’s all about making sure their wardrobe reflects their authentic self while also encouraging a mindset of having a solid capsule wardrobe that speaks of their personality, represents what they do, and what they believe in.”
Always Be Chic: A guide
KC’s passion for sustainability led her to write Always Be Chic, a book that guides readers on creating a dream wardrobe while being mindful of consumption.
“It was back in 2017 that I had my eyes opened to what the fashion industry has been contributing in terms of textile waste. It was through Fashion Revolution that had me concerned about this growing problem,” she recalled
Determined to spread awareness, she took a workshop on writing and publishing books in 2019, which led to the creation of Always Be Chic.
“I wanted to write a book so I can help spread awareness about my advocacy of slowing down fashion consumption. I knew that it would be hard to convince and influence people to do this, but I believed it could be done one step at a time.”
The future of fashion and sustainability
Promoting sustainable fashion in the Philippines comes with its challenges, and KC is well aware of them.
“Mindset has a lot to do with the issues of promoting sustainability in fashion. While accessibility and convenience are most important for most, I am saddened by the lack of awareness of how their fashion consumption affects or contributes to rising waste issues and other environmental problems.”
For KC, the solution lies in discovering one’s personal style. “When you know your style, and you’re comfortable and confident with it, you can create a wardrobe that can last a lifetime,” she said. “This is possible if you align yourself with the understanding of what a conscious, mindful, and intentional closet is.”
She envisions a future where fashion is greener and more conscious. “More and more people are becoming aware of the problem, so there is a demand for sustainability,” KC said. “Business models are adapting to more sustainable and ethical practices. Local designers are focusing on zero-waste, multi-wear design functionality. Outfit repeating, renting, or borrowing should hopefully become trends that stay year after year.”
Sustainability doesn’t stop at fashion for KC. It is a lifestyle. “I always try to make sure that I don’t overconsume anything—clothes, food, etc. I like to be aware of how much time I dedicate to everything that I do,” she shared.
KC makes conscious choices in every aspect of her life, from knowing how things are made to carefully selecting which brands to support. “Being mindful of use, purpose, and how it will affect my life, others, and the environment will always be considered.”
It looks like her work as a sustainable stylist transformed from a career to a mission. As she put it, “Once you’ve built your dream wardrobe, you’ll love to wear it over and over again—and care for it to make it last.”
For your random thoughts, e-mail Kate at randomrepublika@gmail.com.