Versatile, vivacious style for Max Collins

PITTED against her character Cindy, Max says she looks like a plain Jane.

For Max Collins, the most exciting thing about acting is being able to live different lives.

In 2011, Collins transferred from ABS-CBN to GMA 7, starting with a supporting role to Kylie Padilla in “The Good Daughter.”  The good reviews she got led to a starring role in the Maryo J. de los Reyes drama series “Pahiram ng Isang Sandali,” opposite Dingdong Dantes.

De los Reyes says the 21-year-old Collins was so effective as the character Cindy Reyes, endearing herself to Kapuso viewers.

Collins, who is now a regular in “Bubble Gang,” says she studies every character she plays to make sure she gives a realistic performance.

Isabelle Abiera Collins in real life, the actress says she and Cindy are poles apart in nearly all their views. “She is outgoing, while I am sometimes introverted,” she tells Living Stars. “While she is very emotional, I have more control over my emotions. She expresses what she feels, while I’m the type who keeps quiet.”

Collins adds, “Cindy is more idealistic about love and life. She grew up rich, a spoiled brat. On the other hand, I’m the breadwinner in the family.” The differences between them can also be seen in their taste in fashion. “Cindy loves girly things. [Compared to] her, I’m totally a plain Jane,” says Collins.

Bags

Her first branded bag, a Chanel, is from her mom Belle. “It was a gift when I became a Channel [V] veejay at 16,” she says. The brown Michael Kors bag was her gift to herself last

PRICEY pieces from Chanel (black) and Michael Kors (brown)

Christmas. “I like the color because (it goes with) different outfits. My other bag, in beige [by Dior], is also overused.”

Her advice to young girls who plan to collect designer bags: “Since they are pricey, make sure you want to use them for a long time. Don’t buy a bag with an outrageous color because it will be hard to match it with your outfits. A branded bag is all about quality. You should be able to tell by the material that it’s for long-term use.”

“For taping, I don’t use branded bags since I change them all the time. I try to get bags on sale,” she says. “I bought a pink bag at Charles and Keith. I don’t use it often because of the color (but) the design is really nice.”

Footwear

SHE ADORES this pair of brown suede boots from Charles & Keith.

Collins says she has always preferred sneakers “even though I don’t look good in them because I’m tall. To solve the problem, I opt for girly shoes. Finally, I bought myself a pair of high-cut DCs. I match it with shorts and a loose polo (shirt). That’s what I really wear when I’m not at work.”

“I’ve always been a fan of boots,” she says,  showing her pair of brown suedes from Charles and Keith. “When I was younger, I always wore flat boots. Now, I’ve leveled up—this (pair) has high heels.”

She first wore her pair of green suede Charles and Keith in “Pahiram.” “They look like space shoes. Everyone on the set loved them. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to get them.”

But Collins claims she is not a shoe person and only collects them because of work. “I’m more into slippers,” she says and advises others to “consider comfort first when you buy high-heeled shoes. You have to think if you can use them for a long time. Shoes with four- or five-inch heels are just for show. Also, buy shoes from a brand you trust so you know that the quality is good.”

Clothes

Collins relies on her stylists to help her keep up with trends. “I also study pegs online. I check out the website lookbook.nu sometimes if no one helps me with my outfits. My wardrobe is really very simple. I like polo and loose shirts, although I wear dresses when I go out with friends at night.”

Her favorite dress is from Herve and Leger. “I’ve worn it many times—the first was during an Esquire launch. It’s easy to wear because it’s black,” she says. “Another favorite is this beige

STYLISH black dress from Mango

skirt from Top Shop. I love it because it’s so dainty.”

A gold-black mini tube dress from BCBG is also memorable. “I used it for a photo shoot organized by my talent management PPL Entertainment.”

Whenever she “feels like having that rocker-look,” Collins uses her studded leather jacket. A beige knitted sweater, another favorite, is perfect for the “sweet look.” She uses scarves as accessories. “They make me feel artsy,” she adds. “My favorite is a gift from a French friend who visited Manila recently. I didn’t even know it’s from Hermès until my mom told me.”

Accessories

“I buy accessories everywhere. I’m more into gold and silver than beaded accessories because [the latter] are harder to match,” says Collins, as she shows a pair of diamond earrings. “I’ve had this for a very long time. I used to wear this to most events because it goes well with anything.

“My current favorite is a pair of mother-of-pearl earrings. I like that it’s square (rather than) the usual round,” she says. “This spiral gold ring is nice because it adds spunk to a simple outfit.”

The watch from Marc Jacobs is another gift to herself last Christmas, she says. “It’s actually what I wear when I don’t feel like wearing accessories. I like its multi-colored stones.”

She advises readers to “save up for a good brand, for something that you can wear for a long time. Watches don’t go out of style unlike other accessories. Get one that you really like and not just something you need for work. Watches can be a lot of fun.”

Cosmetics

Collins, who has been modeling since she was 10, picks up a lot of tips from the makeup artists she works with. “I would see what they put on me and I’d buy those colors for myself. For my cheeks, I go with brown or dusty rose if I want a darker look. If I want just the tisay-look, I go with rosy pink.”

HER COLLECTION of earrings in different shapes and sizes

She loves the red and pink lip colors from Mac. “I usually mix them with the nude shade so that my lips wouldn’t look too bright.” She suggests, “Don’t be afraid to go bright. I was hesitant to try them at first (but) my makeup artist said, ‘bagay sa iyo.’ I liked it after a while.”

Collins says she does not rely on the makeup artist alone. “Sometimes, my face can look sharp if the makeup is too thick so I’ve learned to make it look simpler. If the eye makeup looks too strong, I add some light colors.”

“You have to know your face,” she says. “If you don’t, it’s easy to distort your beauty. You have to know what looks good on you. Then you’ll feel beautiful. Experiment, ask questions, go to stores. Sales agents often present you books that show what color palette or shades are best for you.”

Books

She loves reading Vogue magazine, especially issues that feature her two favorite actors, Marion Cotillard and Penelope Cruz. “They’re my inspirations,” she says. She has started reading “Cleopatra: A Life” by Stacy Schiff. “It’s history written in an interesting manner.”

Collins is also a fan of Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. “I’ve read six of his books and loved them all. The one I’m reading now is called ‘Eleven Minutes,’ about a woman from a rural town

SHE RAVES about these books from Coelho, Neruda and Schiff.

in Brazil who ends up working as a prostitute in Europe. She saves up to make her life better only to end up kind of lost while trying to find love and happiness. I like that she isn’t sad when she talks about her experiences. It’s realistic. It probably happens to a lot of people,” she notes.

Collins also likes Pablo Neruda’s love poems. “His poems are very deep. I’m very picky when it comes to poetry, but his works speak to me.”

Gadgets

“I’m not a techie,” says Collins. “I only have my iPhone 4S and my old PowerBook laptop.” She says her manager Perry Lansigan gave her an iPad Mini last Christmas. “My brother borrows it all the time. It’s good that I have my iPhone, if not I’d be bored during tapings. With the smartphone, I get to watch videos, play games, surf the web.

HER reliable gadgets

“I’ve had this laptop for years. I use it more for watching movies and for Internet browsing,” she says.

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