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Vogue Philippines’ Maiden Issue Features Our Motherland
Vogue Philippines launches its first issue with our Inang Bayan on the cover.
It’s no secret that the Philippines boasts an abundance of beautiful beaches, delicious fruits, and the most hospitable people. It’s precisely for these reasons that the first cover of Vogue Philippines is our Inang Bayan herself. She is front and center as the editorial team went around the whole country to discover and photograph as many places.
“It’s an homage to mothers, grandmothers, and our roots,” shares Bea Valdez, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Philippines.
The magazine, which is published under a license agreement between Condé Nast and MEGA Global Licensing. Inc., launched its first-ever issue today. It includes a cover story featuring Chloe Magno, a Filipino-American model whose roots are from Davao.
The debut issue marks the arrival of Vogue Philippines, in print and on its digital and social platforms. The cover story, shot by Sharif Hamza, a British-born half-Filipino, half-Egyptian photographer, highlights the diversity of Filipino talent and beauty. It’s evident that the stunning locations reflect this diversity.
The Beauty of and Talent Found in our Motherland
The 36-page cover feature travels the length of the Philippines. Chloe floats in the lagoons of Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte, explores the otherworldly rock formations of Biri Island, Northern Samar, and conquers the marble boulders at Tinipak River, Rizal. All this while dressed in clothing from international couture labels to local indie darlings. Her ensembles show a range of designers and brands that have a mind for both luxury and sustainability.
Other notable fashion stories in the issue include a futuristic take on the terno, the traditional silhouette symbolic of Philippine national dress as interpreted by contemporary and cutting-edge Filipino designers. Plus, a feature on the next wave of emerging talent who are pushing the boundaries of fashion, whether by creating gender-disruptive clothing or diving deep into Filipino heritage. Moreover, it has an accessories story that celebrates the history of craft and artisanship inherent in the country’s latest must-have baubles and bags.
“Through the content in Vogue Philippines and its platforms, we hope to showcase the Philippine fashion identity. By connecting us to the global community. Vogue remains the most powerful platform for fashion’s emerging talents and their diverse perspectives. It has always been at the crest of new aesthetics and mindsets, and we are thrilled to join the fold,” says Bea.
Rooted in Filipino Values
With 26 international editions, Filipino values such as malasakit, bayanihan, and kagalakan make Vogue Philippines stand out. It hopes to crystalize the Philippine fashion identity by discovering local talents and nurturing the industry. Additionally, apart from bringing out the best of our motherland’s art, design, and culture, and being a creative platform to express ideas, it will tell human stories. “It’s about bringing small stories with global dreams to a wider audience,” Bea shares.
The brand will reframe its relationship with nature and practice sustainability, too. This is evident in the theme of the Vogue welcome party held at Xylo at The Palace, which was Rewear. Guests attended the celebration wearing existing pieces from their wardrobes.
Vogue Philippines looks forward to empowering mothers
Women at different stages of their lives make up the editorial team. Bea herself has three girls and a stepdaughter. And the entire Vogue team is a living example of how women continue to find balance with both their families and careers. They understand the struggles that women, especially mothers, go through. “It is not easy,” Bea admits. “This is one of the stories we want to be able to tell. We want to be a space that speaks true for Filipino women. Her own stories are at the forefront. And her voice is the authority.”
“If you look at the US cover of September with Serena Williams, it’s a heartbreaking story even at that level. A woman has to choose between her family and her career. As much as we progress, this is still a reality.”
“And as she said, if she were a man, this would not even be an issue. But I think as we put these stories out, it’s not just for awareness. It’s creating a connection emotionally with all other women. That there are still struggles. But somehow, by bringing these out, we also feel supported. And hopefully there are alternatives where we can help each other do everything we want to do about our dreams and our children. Change this mindset that society has that you have to raise children like you don’t work, and you have to work like you’re not raising children. I think that’s one of the things that we really have to find the balance. So that it’s not a work-life Jenga instead.”
“These are small steps. As we empower ourselves to choose family sometimes and other aspects at another time, we know it’s okay. That we’re in a safe space to make these choices. This is one way we progress together slowly.”
Read more stories about Vogue Philippines on Modern Parenting:
Get to Know the Senior Editors of Vogue Philippines
The Most Iconic Magazine From Our Parents’ Generation is Arriving
Serena Williams On Her Retirement: “I’m Evolving Away From Tennis.”
