Two years ago, Vogue Philippines burst onto the scene, celebrating Filipino creativity while promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and compassion for the environment. Now, the magazine is taking its message of Filipino artistry to the heart of global fashion—Paris.
The desire to mark milestones is deeply ingrained in our nature, especially when those milestones are long awaited. Two years ago, the launch of Vogue Philippines and its inaugural issue brought together the Filipino fashion community in a celebration of style. For many creatives and style lovers, this was a dream come true, a chance to see their own culture reflected in the pages of this iconic magazine.
Vogue Philippines’s debut was marked by a two-day extravaganza. The first day saw a star-studded bash at Xylo, where guests embraced the theme “Rewear” with their stylish interpretations. The following night, Manila’s tastemakers flocked to Shangri-La The Fort, immersing themselves in an exhibition featuring life-sized magazine pages before enjoying a sumptuous Filipino feast.
Fronted by Filipino-American model Chloe Magno, the first issue took readers on a captivating journey through the Philippines’ picturesque landscapes, showcasing the work of local talent. This commitment to showcasing Filipino artistry has informed every issue since, as editor-in-chief Bea Valdes eloquently put it: “By championing inclusivity, diversity, sustainability, craft, and creativity, Vogue chronicles fashion’s evolving relationship with Nature, with each other, and with ourselves.”
Since then, Vogue Philippines has hosted a series of captivating events, including stylish dinners bringing together artistic souls and Vogue Talks, panel discussions featuring thought leaders on pressing industry issues. These talks have featured notable figures like Imran Ahmed, editor-in-chief of Business of Fashion, historian Marian Pastor Roces, and stylist and photographer Melissa Levy.
The most significant celebration, apart from the magazine’s debut, was the Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala. The event, merging mindfulness with elegance, saw attendees walk the black carpet in sophisticated interpretations of “Refresh & Rewear,” mirroring the launch’s theme. Guests showcased their creativity by reimagining designer closets or their own wardrobes, like Liza Soberano in Rajo Laurel, or by reworking vintage pieces, as seen in Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey’s look by Mark Bumgarner.
But fashion wasn’t the sole focus; the night took guests on a multi-sensory journey through the country’s history and archipelago. Culinary delights were on hand, courtesy of a six-hands dinner prepared by chef Margarita Fores and Shangri-La The Fort chefs Carlos Huerta and Joris Ryken. The dishes, inspired by Filipino culinary traditions and the country’s three main island regions—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—mirrored Vogue’s exploration of the Philippines over the past year.
After dinner, guests were greeted by larger-than-life magazine covers from the past year for “Vogue Unbound.” From H.E.R on the February cover to the June Pride issue featuring Bretman Rock and the April Beauty issue starring mambabatok (traditional tattooist) Apo Whang-Od, the covers showcased diverse representations of Filipino beauty and identity. Apo Whang-Od, the oldest ever Vogue cover model at 106, presented an unconventional take on beauty that resonated globally, earning recognition and commendation from Congress through House Resolution 1949.
As the doors to the main hall opened, guests immersed themselves in the “Common Threads: Re/Creating Fashion” exhibition, a multi-dimensional experience blending art, fashion, and the future. Scenographer Gino Gonzales crafted a world of wonder, featuring mannequins shrouded in gauze cylinders for “Re:Made,” a section showcasing collaborations between creatives from various disciplines to create artisanal and upcycled ensembles. The “Dreamfields” installation by Moss Manila transported viewers to the otherworldly spaces featured in the anniversary issue, while floor-to-ceiling screens projected fashion editorials, offering a visual journey through the magazine’s first year.
The highlight of the evening was the September issue cover reveal. As the countdown ended, the cover featuring Jo Ann Bitagcol, Lukresia, and Rina Fukushi was unveiled, showcasing their radiant presence against the backdrop of the Ivatan sun. Shot in Batanes, the models embodied the magazine’s commitment to celebrating high craftsmanship, artisanal techniques, and honoring collective cultural memories.
Vogue Philippines’s mission of showcasing heritage and traditions through the lens of fashion continues to drive its success. To celebrate its second anniversary, the magazine is embarking on a series of captivating events in Paris. The first, a maquette exhibition called “Vogue Threads: Weaving Philippine Culture Into The World,” will feature Filipino designers presenting garments in miniature, interpreting the theme “A representation of the Philippine archipelago: a celebration of craft and form.” This will be followed by an intimate dinner for 120 Filipino and international guests at the historic Palais Galliera.
These events, coinciding with Paris Fashion Week, will see Vogue’s editors, influencers, and top talents documenting their sartorial adventures through “Vogue Experience.” By championing Filipino design talent and weaving cultural narratives into the global fashion landscape, Vogue Philippines is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage, solidifying its position as a respected voice for style and culture.
