Vogue Philippines celebrated its anniversary in style with a grand gala at the Palais Galliera, Paris, honoring the country’s heritage and the creativity of Filipino fashion designers. The event, aptly named ‘Vogue Threads,’ was a captivating tapestry of fashion, art, and culture, bringing together a diverse mix of international and Filipino celebrities, industry professionals, and tastemakers.
The event’s theme, ‘Threads,’ aptly symbolizes the intricate connections and continuity that bind the Filipino community, both within the Philippines and across the globe. Vogue Philippines, through its lens, celebrates these threads, representing the rich heritage and history that make the Filipino identity unique.
As guests arrived in Mercedes Benz cars, the grandeur of the Palais Galliera, also known as the ‘museum of fashion and fashion history,’ unfolded. The halls were adorned with a blend of contemporary and Filipino elements, reflecting the event’s theme. Tables draped in black were decorated with red florals and Maison de L’Asie fragrance sheets, offering a captivating olfactory experience.
The guest list was a veritable who’s who of fashion, entertainment, and influence. Global chief content officer of Condé Nast, Anna Wintour, graced the event alongside editors and publishers from Vogue Ukraine, Vogue Adria, and Vogue Singapore. Notable figures such as supermodel Coco Rocha, Kelsey Merritt, Heart Evangelista, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, and Drs. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho were present. Adding to the glamorous mix were Maison de L’Asie founder Elizabeth Liau, Sarah Lahbati, Drs. Aivee and Z Teo, bag designers Rosemarie and Rome Oamil of Mele + Marie, and Marion Branellec De Guzman of Jewelmer.
Co-presented with Chivas Regal, the evening unfolded with an array of signature cocktails curated by mixologist Mark John Buenviaje. Guests enjoyed the Chivas Knight, Chivas Rose, and Chivas Luxe, adding a touch of Scottish sophistication to the celebration. A peach photo wall showcasing partners Belo, Mele + Marie, Chivas Regal, and Jewelmer provided a backdrop for memorable photos.
The venue was further enriched by maquettes showcasing the works of 23 Filipino designers, including Ivarluski Aseron, Vania Romoff, Carl Jan Cruz, and Mich Dulce, highlighting the ingenuity and creativity of Filipino fashion across the world.
Vogue Threads was more than just an anniversary celebration; it was a testament to the power of Filipino creativity on a global platform. As Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief Bea Valdes aptly stated, “We continue to write, with each issue, a love letter to our Archipelago. If it has not been apparent enough, we are boundless in our pride for our rich heritage. From the scope and scale of our work, we have discovered that what makes us most unique, is often that which connects us all.”