Here’s a look into the intimate luncheon hosted by the global fashion authority as it unveiled its editorial team and their plans for the fashion industry in the Philippines.
Nearing its highly anticipated debut this September 2022, key players of Vogue Philippines made its first ever appearance to welcome business partners and advertisers through an exclusive trade launch. Hosted at Blackbird at the Nielson Tower in Makati’s Central Business District, the intimate luncheon showcased delectable food, a stunning ambiance, and was abuzz with fashion dialogues. Excitement was truly in the air. Most of all, it was a celebration of togetherness for the newest addition to the ecosystem of AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC) that envisions to raise the flag of Philippine media and fashion across the global arena.
Vision into Reality
Guests of the first ever Vogue Philippines trade launch were treated to elegant and eco-friendly floral arrangements and tablescaping designed by veteran event stylist Robert Blancaflor. The setup’s sustainable concept along with its fashionable aesthetic epitomizes the overall vision for the brand. On the main stage was a big screen that donned the iconic Vogue logo finally embellished with “Philippines” – turning what was once a vision into reality.
President of MEGA Global Licensing Inc. (MGLI) Suki Salvador formally introduced the first batch of key editorial positions with Bea Valdes as Editor-in-Chief, Pam Quiñones as Fashion Director, Trina Epilepsia Boutain as Digital Editor, and Rhoda Campos-Aldanese as Publisher, in addition to her role as COO of MGLI.
Conversations on business and partnerships were made over an exquisite 5-course meal and glasses of wine. The executives of the most prominent brands and some friends from the society were in attendance including key executives from Ayala Corporation and Ayala Malls, BVLGARI, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Furnitalia, Hermes, Lucerne, Mastercard, Marriott/Sheraton Hotel, Rustan Commercial Corporation, Singapore Airlines, Stores Specialists Inc., among others.
For the Future of Fashion
As president of the team that brought Vogue to the country, Salvador addressed the crowd with an inspiring message. “Many people asked us, why now? Why launch during a pandemic? You see, I’ve always believed that the most successful projects and ideas are the ones born during adversity. This idea was a dream of our late founder at One Mega Group, Sari Yap. It was a dream of our Chairman and CEO, Archie Carrasco. It was my dream and you will agree that it is also the dream of many who believe in the power of fashion, beauty, and storytelling,” he shared.
Making her debut as the first Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, Valdes also shared a speech armed with a vision to speak to the future of fashion. The Vogue Philippines Editor-in-Chief said that the true purpose of the title is to weave connections across the global community to foster local stories and celebrate local artistry. “This is where our shared tomorrows are born,” Valdes added. Under her wing, she hopes to lead using Vogue’s values that celebrate inclusivity, creativity, diversity, and sustainability, infused with our very own Filipino values of optimism, “bayanihan”, and “malasakit”.
Last to take the stage is Publisher Rhoda Campos-Aldanese, unveiling the editorial plans for the brand. According to her, Vogue Philippines aims to showcase local and international fashion, beauty, talent, and craft to the international market. Presenting the local edition’s wide repertoire encompassing fashion, beauty and wellness, features, culture, and living, Campos-Aldanese plans to use the distinctive Vogue perspective and voice to present thought-provoking content to move the Filipino culture forward.
After shining the spotlight on Vogue Philippines, guests spent the rest of the lovely afternoon catching up with colleagues, friends, and business partners. And to punctuate the successful trade launch, attendees were treated to a reed diffuser from Vern and Verniece Enciso and Vito Selma, and specialty cookies from Dylan Patisserie. This event will be remembered not only for its heartwarming atmosphere, but as the country’s historical foray into the global fashion scene. This is only the beginning for Vogue Philippines and with its growing dream team, the magazine is definitely in good hands.
Welcome to the beginning of a new era!
Head on over to vogue.ph for more news and updates about Vogue Philippines.