Behind the celebration that weaved Philippine culture, creativity, and community into the world.
As one of the busiest weeks in global fashion unfolded in Paris, Vogue Philippines made its own mark with Vogue Threads, a celebration of Filipino artistry and creativity. The event commemorated Vogue Philippines’ second anniversary with an exceptional showcase of Filipino craftsmanship held at the famed Palais Galliera on September 25, 2024.
The Vogue Threads setup at Palais Galliera in Paris
Since 1977, the Palais, once known as the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris, has displayed treasures from French royalty, ensembles worn by Hollywood celebrities, and creations by renowned designers like Balenciaga, Dior, and Givenchy.
The Philippines took a historic step with Vogue Threads by featuring the works of 23 talented Filipino designers. Vogue Threads masterfully connected the country’s rich heritage with modern fashion through exquisite designer maquettes or miniature mannequins that display the intricate artistry of Filipino designers. The exhibition, curated by Gawad CCP Awardee Gino Gonzales, featured the works of 23 Filipino designers, including Nazareno, Sarenas, Laurel, Caluza, Padilla, Bagasao, and more. Each piece was showcased on locally crafted wooden maquettes, a traditional technique used by European couturiers, reimagined through the artistry of Palawan artisans.
Showcase of Filipino designs
The designs drew inspiration from guiding stars, traditional basket weaving, glistening grains of rice, taklobo mollusks, the pages of history, and the love of grandmothers, reflecting the different narratives of the Philippine islands.
AGC PHC VP for Business Development Randolf Palanca, Vogue Philippines Editor-in-Chief Bea Valdes, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, AGC PHC CEO and Vogue Philippines Publisher Archie Carrasco, Vogue Philippines Fashion Editor Pam Quiñones
Other notable guests in attendance
The glamorous affair drew out fashion icons and industry leaders from around the globe. Vogue’s legendary Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, made a special appearance and took a tour of the exhibition. The event also welcomed international Vogue editors such as Mark Guiducci, Vena Brykalin, and Bettina von Schlippe. Other notable guests included renowned models Mathieu Simoneau, Coco Rocha, Chloe Magno, and Kelsey Merritt, filmmaker Isabel Sandoval, and Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
Bea Valdes addressing guests during her opening speech
In her speech welcoming esteemed guests to the event, Bea Valdes, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Philippines said, “From Batanes to Basilan, from Pasig to Paris and beyond. We continue to write, with each issue, a love letter to our archipelago. Tonight, we take this momentous step together, daring to imagine that every pioneering journey is a step in evolution.”
Arriane Sanchez, Head of Events Production and Global Circulations, recounted the journey of creating Vogue Threads, noting that preparations took nearly eight months. During that time, the team also organized other significant events, such as the Vogue Man launch and Vogue Talks with Imran Amed. “Behind the scenes, we were also working on the Vogue Threads Paris Project. Since February, it has been the major topic during our weekly publishing meetings,” Sanchez shared. She added, “Vogue is definitely one of the most exciting media brands to work with and with an incredible entire team, we managed to pull off milestone events like this.”
AGC PHC Head of Events Production and Global Circulations, Arriane Sanchez
Renders vs actual setup by AGC PHC team
The planning stage with the AGC PHC team
Archie G. Carrasco, CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. and Publisher of Vogue Philippines expressed the same sentiment, “It was a moment that solidified our place in the international fashion landscape as we continue to elevate Filipino culture on the world stage. It feels only right to thank the dedicated team who made this vision come to life.”
Group photo at Vogue Threads event
Carrasco continued, “The collective pride of being Filipino is at the heart of everything we do.” Through the lens of fashion, Vogue Threads became another love letter from the Philippines to the world that beautifully connected the country’s cultural richness to the global stage.