MANILA, Philippines – They say that every woman’s best friend is her mother. And for social media darlings, Rina and Rafa Santos, this couldn’t be more true. In the last few years, the Santos’ have defined “twinning” thanks to their playful aesthetic sensibilities and their globe-trotting adventures. This month, Melissa Shoes recognizes power mom, Rina Santos, as a #MeInMelissa Style Maven.
“I had no idea we were even popular,” shares Santos. “It started when Rafa was really small. I would always dress her up in something weird or fun. Then eventually, people started asking me, ‘Oh, how’s Rafa?’. So I changed my IG account’s name because more of my followers are actually following Rafa!”
Rina Santos for Melissa Shoes
#MeInMelissa is the campaign by Brazilian footwear icon, Melissa Shoes. The campaign empowers women across the country while highlighting pieces from the brand’s 2018 collection, Open Vibes.
“I like the comfort (of Melissa Shoes),” says Santos. “And actually, it’s really low maintenance. It’s nice. You can bring it to your travel. It doesn’t take a lot of cleaning. I really like the collaborations with different artists nowadays. Melissa opens doors to artists and different collaborations. People can also try it from the different designers.”
For her #MeInMelissa Style Mavens shoot, Rina Santos donned a pair of Melissa Classic Brogues. A new twist on the classic Oxford complements Santos’ personal aesthetic; the balance of androgynous stylings with vintage, yet feminine touches. “(the pair) exudes manliness, at the same time if you mix it up with different kinds of styles, it brings a different kind of take in fashion.”
Seeking Inspiration Through Travel
Due to the popularity of her Instagram account, @rinaandrafa, Santos launched a supporting video blog, The Rina and Rafa Show, which has become an instant favorite. Through her social media accounts, viewers have a chance to witness the Santos family’s trips all over the world.
“Travel is important to us. Not just for fashion, but for Rafa,” says Santos. “It opens a lot of ideas for her. She has an open mind and she’s not discriminating. She doesn’t feel scared going to different places. But if we have a super favorite place, that would be Japan or Seoul, South Korea. We like the food and they have a lot of vintage stores there. We love mixing vintage and store-bought clothes!”
For Santos, travel isn’t just a means of exploring new worlds or rediscovering long-forgotten favorites. “Most of our inspiration actually comes from traveling. We see a lot of styles along the way, and eventually that brought us to zeroing into our individualities. We’re different and that’s okay.”
Taking Twinning to New Heights
Because of their increased presence on social media, both Rina and Rafa have become ‘Aesthetic Goals’ for mothers and daughters all across the Philippines. This comes through most prominently through the tandem’s now-famous rotation of complementing outfits.
“It was just me wanting to dress her up and later on, it eventually grew on her and we bonded,” Santos shares. “It’s a conscious decision to coordinate. Not more on twinning, but coordinating through colors and structure of the fabric. We have fun in planning our outfits.”
Because of their constant movements, whether at home or across continents, the Santos girls understand the need for footwear choices that are long-lasting, stylish, and comfortable.
“You can go to a lot of places with good and comfortable shoes,” Rina Santos adds. “Comfort is the main priority and then style, of course. If style and comfort mixes together, that’s very good. But at the end of the day, comfort will bring you a different perspective on life.”
Mom on the Move
Rina Santos is a woman who has found incredible success in both her private and professional life. And yet, despite of all her accomplishments, Santos remains grounded by her dedication towards her family.
“My priority is family,” says Santos. “The second is career. So either way, whatever happens, I can sacrifice whatever it is for family.”
And because of this, Melissa Shoes is proud to recognize her as one of their Style Mavens for #MeInMelissa.
About Melissa
Melissa is an iconic global footwear brand from Brazil. Established in 1979, Melissa is highly regarded for its avant-garde designs, sustainable materials, and collaborations with a number of high-profile names from the world of art and fashion.
From sexy stilettos to fabulous flats, Melissa shoes have brought fashion and comfort to new heights. Melissa brings the future of fashion to the world.
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For more information, kindly contact:
Danise Flores | Centaur Marketing
pr@centaurmarketing.co | +639176515984