Embracing the theme of refresh and rewear, we engaged with celebrities, delving into their fashion choices for Vogue Philippines’ milestone first anniversary.
On August 29th, Vogue Philippines marked its vibrant 365 days at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.
This gala encapsulated Vogue’s journey and showcased fashion and art through the exhibit, Common Threads: Re/Creating Fashion.
The evening peaked with the September edition’s grand reveal, a symbolic toast to Vogue Philippines’ first anniversary.
At 9:00 PM on August 29, 2023, guests eagerly witnessed the September cover unveiling.
Visual Odyssey
Bea Valdes, the editor in chief, shares insights about the main fashion feature.
“Our main fashion story, Origins, was shot in Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines,” she says.
“Here we explored a fashion story rooted in craft, through reworked vintage and upcycling, with fashion forward pieces from emerging designers and established global brands,” she adds.
Pam Quiñones, the fashion director, adds her perspective from the highlands of the north, where a saga of intricate craftsmanship and handiwork unfolds.
This tale revisits and reinforces the roots of our fashion identity, deeply intertwined with the artisanal and the traditional.
Quiñones states, “This story extends an invitation to rethink fashion—a beckoning to look back to our origins for a clearer glimpse into our future.”
The grandeur of the event was amplified by the Common Threads: Re/Creating Fashion exhibit—an artistic expedition tracing the commonalities that link culture, identity, and modernity.
The exhibit ventured through a series of installations and displays, each illuminating a distinct facet of the Vogue experience.
Vogue Unbound
This open book-like exhibit recounts the initial 365 days of Vogue Philippines through its captivating covers.
Vogue Visions
A playful TV installation immerses visitors in the visual essence of Vogue Philippines’ photography, capturing the storytelling prowess of fashion editorials.
Re:Made
The spotlight is cast on meticulously crafted and upcycled garments, a testament to Vogue Philippines’ commitment to fostering innovative mindsets.
Designers such as Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Quoï Alexander, Paolina Russo, and Neric Beltran redefine fashion’s boundaries using unconventional materials.
Re:Create
The intersection of art and craftsmanship is celebrated through the ingenious works of artists and designers.
Their ability to resurrect materials into renewed marvels is awe-inspiring.
The collaboration between Wawi Navarroza and S.C. Vizcarra artisans birthed a water hyacinth raincoat.
Ken Samudio x Bagasáo harnessed denim, furniture scraps, and beads in homage to nature’s forces.
Olivia D’Aboville’s “Dandelion Lights” reimagined discarded plastic bottles.
In essence, the celebration harmoniously melded artistry, craftsmanship, and a profound connection to fashion’s heart.
Fashion Replay
With a multitude of attendees ranging from celebrities and fashion influencers to artists and industry stalwarts, Vogue Philippines celebrated an extraordinary inaugural year.
Throughout this year, the magazine diligently chronicled the evolution of the Filipino fashion identity while simultaneously paving the way for a more ecologically conscientious future.
Lifestyle Asia delved into the wardrobe choices of these esteemed members of society, querying what they opted to “rewear” for the momentous first anniversary of Vogue Philippines.
Siobhan Moylan
Siobhan Moylan, gracefully adorned in a previously cherished Martin Bautista creation, revealed, “I let him take free rein in the design. I just went to him because I’ve known him for a really long time and he made my prom dress, so I thought I just really wanted to work with him again because I admire him.”
Moylan further illuminated that the dress graced the pages of the maiden issue, making it particularly fitting for the occasion.
Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho
Famous pair Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho showcased their pre-loved pieces, with Belo donning Gucci and Kho sporting Ralph Lauren.
Belo enthusiastically shared her choice, “I chose this day because I’ve worn it before, you said reuse, yay! I also love the drama at the back.”
Kho chimed in, “I’m wearing Ralph Lauren which I bought maybe four or five years ago, I used it in the US for one dinner, never got to use it again, so I’m wearing it now.”
Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis, donning Yves Saint Laurent, brought a nostalgic touch to the occasion.
She shares, “I’ve had this in my closet for ages, like it’s such a staple piece that you could never let go of, like even when I became a mom, I hope I still fit into it. I wore this at the Blood Ransom premiere years back, Edition soir 2008 collection.”
Curtis also expressed a heartwarming sentiment, mentioning her daughter, “it’s something that I know eventually Dahlia will own.”
Richard Gutierrez
Richard Gutierrez displayed his fashion finesse in Dior Homme, with Gutierrez sharing his candid approach, “I didn’t have a lot of time to prepare and plan, unlike Sarah, so I kind of just went with my go-to. For this event, I rewear a classic piece.”
Other personalities dive into their attire choices, also sharing why they wore this particular piece for the event.
Sarah Lahbati
The collaborative effort between Lahbati and Mark Bumgarner came together seamlessly, as Lahbati explained, “It was such an easy process, I knew what I wanted, he sketched and had three fittings, and then it was done!”
Dolly De Leon
Dolly De Leon, clad in Sassa Jimenez, shared her sartorial reasoning, “I chose this outfit because it really feels so comfortable and I just wanted to not have to worry about how I feel, how I look, and just be myself.”
She also added, “Events truly make you feel stiff, and I just want to be relaxed. So, I guess what inspires this whole look is just that, comfort.”
De Leon also expressed her excitement about reconnecting with old friends at the event.
Dr. Aivee Teo and Dr. Z Teo
Dr. Aivee Teo and Dr. Z Teo embraced a coordinated elegance, both dressed in Mark Bumgarner.
Aivee remarked, “I chose this dress because it’s sexy but comfortable, and I love how it falls on my body, and I feel wonderful tonight.”
Z added his thoughts, “I like it because it has this really cool embellishment here.” Aivee concluded with a touch of humor, “It’s a his and hers.”
Megan Young
Megan Young, elegantly clad in Russel May Cordero.
She shed light on her choice, “I’m wearing this because I wanted to be chic and enjoy the night.”
She added, “I just want to be comfortable! I won’t have trouble walking, I also like this flower piece that she added.”
Banner photo by Pau Guevarra courtesy of Vogue Philippines.
