From New York to Manila, Nylon magazine finally made its way to the Philippines. So, what could the engaged and emergent young Filipinos expect? Here, we dissect what their brand is all about.
Being someone who’s on the cusp of generations, straddling the marks of a Millennial and Gen-Z, adapting to two different generations isn’t that hard. Understanding the language, behavior, and cultural references came all-so natural. So, whether the topic revolves around movies, songs, or series, becoming out of place never happened. But I have to credit those moments, of course, with the help of Nylon magazine.
Nylon Magazine
With its bold tone and colorful aesthetic, Nylon has been the go-to source for the young, stylish, and culture obsessed. Ever since its inception in 1999, it thrives at the intersection of fashion, entertainment, and music. The brand has always celebrated an electric mix of emerging voices and underground talent, making it a point to empower and connect the next generation of trendsetters.
So, when it started back in the early 2000s, I was actually among the first generation that was greatly influenced by the magazine. In fact, ever since I was in high school, the articles in the American edition of Nylon molded me into who I am today—to be sensitive, and to be socially, as well as politically aware of what is happening in my own community, and even country.
Watching many pop culture movies such as Sex and The City, for example, the leading ladies’ viewpoints were progressive for the 90s. But fast-forward a few years later, we realized many of the comments in the script made during the time of airing did not age well. Such as Samantha misusing the term trans or Trey MacDougal’smisogynistic and potentially triggering language during sex. See? Regardless if it was a popular movie and series of our time, Nylon unfailingly reminds the younger generation to remain steadfast in helping rebuild the broken system of society, hence, creating a progressive next generation.
Nylon Manila For The Young Blood
Now that NYLON Manila has arrived in Philippine territory, what’s in it for them or rather, us? According to their Editor-in-Chief, Angelo Ramirez de Cartagena, “The vision was very clear for me since day one. My goal is to carve out space in the highly saturated landscape of the internet, [as well as] hero and champion stories that are not only relevant but also responsible and radical.“
As they follow the anatomy of the eponymous and progressive Nylon brand, the Philippine counterpart is set to underscore the identity of the youth as a generation to be seen, heard, felt, and taken seriously on all fronts. “This isn’t a members-only, high-horse of the cool club in any way, shape, and form. Diverse and inclusive, we are not just a wallflower in the room that cowers to a pervasive dismissing of opinion, but rather a voice that speaks up with something important to say and shift perspectives,” he firmly claims.
So, making sure to follow through, it’s only fitting for the team to put celebrities and personalities who also share the same ideals as them on their covers. From Andrea Brillantes, Frankie Pangilinan, Yanyan de Jesus, to Kokoy de Santos, these are the biggest names in our youth today that will take us to the next chapter. They are the trailblazers in making it a point that the youth will keep their eyes open regardless of our society’s ever-changing times.
Together with these kinds of stars, Nylon Manila will “fully intend to cut through the noise online with distilled, well-thought-of, insightful content and conversations that are above all, necessary and enriching.” By definition, they are big, bold, and brave. This only means we are at the dawn of a new era in celebrating authenticity, diversity, and innovation with today’s youth in the center. Raring and ready, they are all set to change the game, break barriers, and redefine our future, as Angelo Ramirez de Cartagena reminds, “on our terms and our responsibility.”
With all that said, Hello, NYLON Manila.
Head on over to nylonmanila.com for more updates about Nylon Manila.