Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2023 i VOGUE PHILIPPINES

For this wellness issue, we began discussions at Vogue Philippines by thinking of the Art and Science of happiness. Indeed, there are vast amounts of information streaming through the internet, from podcasts on joy, countless types of yoga on demand, life hacks on YouTube, manifold meditations on apps. Yet the conundrum of choice does not guarantee a prized panacea. Twinning the world of beauty and its connection to joy, writer Carol Malasig introduces us to the concept of “Eudemonia,” a personal flourishing that goes beyond fleeting pleasure. She touches on Finland's six-year streak ranking highest on the list of the world's happiest countries (the Philippines ranks 76th in 2023) and many other intersection points to lasting well-being. In her article, “Beautiful Pursuits” (page 88), we are fascinated by the studies…

From 1953 to 1963, French shoemaker Roger Vivier became prolific for the elaborate shoes he designed at the House of Dior. The Victoria and Albert Museum writes, “He is the only one of Dior's collaborators permitted to have a credit on the final design—‘Christian Dior crée par Roger Vivier’—which is marked inside every shoe.” One of his most notable inventions is the 1963 Virgule heel, whose soft curve is an allusion to its name. (When translated from French, “virgule” means “comma.”) Handcrafted in patent leather and net fabric, this particular pair includes a suede strap adorned with a rhinestone cube; romantic accents that, like the heart-shaped footbed, might just win you over. ROGER VIVIER Virgule Babies pumps…

“MY WORK NEVER COMES FROM A SINGLE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION, it's more a sum of ideas, a mixed bag of images and concepts,” says Nicolas Ghesquière. “There's a successive strata of things that have made an impression on me personally, to which I'm attached, and that can illustrate my idea, among others, of a French signature.” This notion of Louis Vuitton's women's artistic director can be seen throughout the French fashion brand's Fall-Winter 2023 collection, of which the GO-14 is highlighted once more. The bag is initiatory, one of Ghesquière's first designs. Hence, its coded name, Ghesquière October 2014, the date it first appeared on the runway for the debut of the women's artistic director at Louis Vuitton. It is re-emerging in 2023 in full spirit with a unique characteristic:…

ONE MORNING LAST YEAR, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud met up with the artist Alex Israel at the Beverly Hills Hotel for brunch. The pair was fresh from introducing their collaboration City of Dreams to the world in a glitzy party with the Hollywood sign as a backdrop. “We were drinking a detox juice and discussing about creation and inspiration in general, as well as the wellness culture in Los Angeles,” Belletrud, a master perfumer for the French fashion house, says. “The atmosphere was incredible: we were in a sunbathed patio, surrounded by small trees and plants. The juice was simple and energizing: a blend of fresh carrot juice, ginger, and squeezed orange.” This whole scene gave the nose the idea to create what he calls a wellness fragrance. “I was inspired…

FEATURE In many ways this is the golden age of wellness. Awareness that our well-being and our success are deeply connected has never been higher. We're bombarded daily with technology and life hacks and new products that promise to transform our lives with more productivity, more efficiency, more happiness, more of everything we want in life. But the fact is that the miracle product is already here—it's one that's always been here, and it's free: sleep. It's also available to all of us. Sleep is one of humanity's great unifiers. It binds us to one another, to our ancestors, to our past and to the future. No matter who we are or where we are in the world and in our lives, we share a common need for sleep. And…

NIKKI TANG C.E.O., DMARK BEAUTY For more on DMARK BEAUTY, scan the code BEING BORN INTO ONE OF THE LARGEST HUBS OF BUSINESS AND TRADE IN MANILA, NIKKI TANG HAS HAD EXPOSURE TO AN ENTREPRENEURIAL ENVIRONMENT EVEN AS A YOUNG GIRL IN THE STREETS OF CHINATOWN IN BINONDO. As someone raised and brought up by a community of strong female leadership in her life, the pressure and passion to follow in their footsteps eventually led her toward becoming the standard for prestige among beauty entrepreneurs through her brands DMark Beauty and DermAsia. Having officially debuted DMark Beauty in 1998, Tang saw a gap in cosmetics which was still in its infancy at the time of the brand's conception, and started to distribute dermocosmetic products such as Bioderma, Glowbiotics, and Neostrata…

In 2019, Ellen DeGeneres asked Logan Edra on her show whether the then-16- year-old feels pressure from social media. “I think for me and honestly anyone my age, especially girls my age, it's easy for us to feel like once we get on social media, we feel like we need to compare ourselves to the people that we're seeing, whether it's pictures of other girls or videos of people who have skill sets that we may not have,” the soft-spoken Filipino American B-Girl responded. “And so for me, I always try to remind myself to fully accept myself for who I am and know that I don't need to change to feel like I need to be accepted and loved; and know that I can love myself for who I…

WEATHER REPORT Photographs by BORGY ANGELES Styling by ANZ HIZON & RENEE DE GUZMAN PAGE 58 TEAM CREDITS: Makeup: Zidjian Paul. Hair: Mong Amado. Models: Martha Raagas of Luminary Manila, Tuti Macready of Mercator Models. Production Design: Justine Arcega-Bumanlag. Producer: Anz Hizon. Production Assistant: Bianca Zaragoza. Photographer's Assistants: Karl Mariano, Pao Mendoza. Production Design Assistants: Adrian Frias, Gabrielle Mantala, Geber Cunanan, Louiza Belgado, Rodel Bondoc. Interns: Jill Santos, Sofia Ante. HAPPY HOUR Photographs by LÆRKE ROSE MØLLEGAARD Styling by HANNAH KRALL & ANGEL MACIAS PAGE 66 TEAM CREDITS: Mexico Unit Stylist: Angel Macias. Makeup: Gus Bortolotti. Hair: Octavio Leon. Models: Dalia Xiuhcoatl, Akima Maldonado, Ambar Venegas. Photographer's Assistants: Brian Rodriguez, Mikey Sanchez. New York Unit Stylist: Hannah Krall. Makeup: Tomoyo Shionome. Hair: Taichi Saito. Models: Diana Carl, Jiwon Ra, Megan…

Lærke Rose Møllegaard Photographer, HAPPY HOUR “To me is learning new things. Being creative, where time doesn't seem to exist. Making warm memories with loved ones and living in the present.” Vanni de Sequera Writer, SHIFTING THE LANDSCAPE “In recent years, my friends and I have gone camping in enchanting campsites in Calabarzon and Central Luzon. Few partnerships are as unbeatable as the great outdoors and epic happy hours around a bonfire by the riverbank.” Cheryl Tiu Writer, DANCE REVOLUTION “I think with age, you realize more and more how truly finite life is, and joy to me at this stage in my life is (re) experiencing the beauties of this world — from the kindness of strangers to waking up early enough to start the day at sunrise to…

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR IN THE TINGCUNGCO HOUSEHOLD. Sheets of manila paper and cartolina are spread out on the floor, and the family— a set of grandparents, a set of parents, and three young siblings—gathers around. A ritual is about to take place. After lunch (and this is crucial), the eldest child awaits his turn. When it comes, he steps onto the fragile sheets, standing still as his grandfather crouches down to trace his feet. Dano is getting custom-made shoes for the school year. “That was my first exposure to the idea of bespoke or made-to-measure footwear. At the time, I didn't really pay much mind to it because I thought everyone had that,” he reveals. “Actually, I was kind of jealous of people who were buying their…

CLARE WAIGHT KELLER IS NO STRANGER TO CREATING A TIMELESS WARDROBE desired by women the world over. The designer's previous tenures at Chloé and Givenchy were equally characterized by her distinctive brand of femininity, adapting her vision across ready-to-wear and haute couture collections. As creative director at the latter, she dressed everyone from Rihanna to Rachel Weisz, and famously set a new benchmark for bridal elegance as the woman behind Meghan Markle's wedding dress. Announced in April 2020, Keller's departure from Givenchy was immediately followed by a stint in the English countryside with her family, as much of the world went into the first lockdown of the COVID era. But the designer would return to London shortly after—a change that would provide the inspiration for what was to be her…

FEATURE THE NOTION OF HAPPINESS HAS TANTALIZED PHILOSOPHERS, POETS, AND, IN OUR MODERN ERA, EVEN MARKETERS. But what does it mean to grasp happiness, and how does it really entwine with the world of beauty? Dr. Frank Martela, a lecturer at Aalto University, recently shared his insights on the matter to a group of visiting journalists at the Oodi library in Helsinki. He gave his thoughts on why Finland consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world, but was also quick to clarify that happiness is a deeply personal experience, intricately linked to the quality of life one enjoys. “What I know is that when people appreciate beauty in their surroundings, they experience more meaning in life,” Martela says. It's a profound insight; the appreciation of beauty isn't merely…

FEATURE “I SHOULD DO THE CAMINO,” I thought during a restless morning meditation. I was in search of a spiritual kick-in-the-pants. I figured a challenge— like a solo trek across Northern Spain—could be just the thing I needed for spiritual rejuvenation. That same afternoon, I received a call from the hospital. In rapid Spanish, the voice at the other end said “We've received the results of your scans. When can you come in for a biopsy?” Startled and numb, I spat out a random date, slid to the floor, and went on an emotional free fall. A week and a battery of tests later, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two lumps in my right breast, relatively small ones, but of the aggressive kind. I was told I would need…

FRENCH BEAUTY BRAND LANCÔME made its grand entrance with Vogue Philippines by unfolding three pocket events, each highlighting the brand's key product lines: skincare, makeup, and fragrance. Themed around happiness, the skincare portion in Ember exhibited the Génifique Serum's blend of innovation and science. Subsequently, the makeup experience in The Gallery offered guests a unique opportunity to amplify their looks using the L'Absolu Rouge lipsticks, ensuing a portrait session with Shaira Luna. At Ayala Museum, attendees were introduced to the Idôle Eau de Parfum's transformative and empowering capacities through the power of scent. For more on LANCOME, scan the code Following these segments, guests were ushered to an intimate dinner, cordially welcomed by L'Oréal Philippines’ country managing director, Yannick Raynaud, and Mega Global Licensing Inc.'s chief operating officer, Rhoda Campos-Aldanese.…

“Laughter is the best medicine in life and when I'm able to do that, it just warms my heart“ — MELANIE MARQUEZ FOR OVER A CENTURY, THE BEAUTY QUEEN'S CROWN NEVER LOST ITS LUSTER IN THE PHILIPPINES, a country that boasts holding the most titles from the Big Four. The pageant has survived a lot, simultaneously resisting and accommodating the changing times. From a parade of world-peace wishers in bikinis to a competition of quick-thinking social do-gooders, the modern pageant can be seen through a lens of feminism, where women are taking back control and giving meaning to the title, not the other way around. Queens are using the pageant platform to amplify their advocacies, and audiences can tell if their passions are authentic. Initiated by the Americans, the very…

WHEN BEST FRIENDS KELLY GO AND MARK OCAMPO were asked about the most memorable reaction they'd ever gotten over their chocolate brand Auro, Kelly looks up to the ceiling to dig through her memories. “One thing we always used to get was ‘Oh, this isn't imported?’” she says. Mark adds how Auro had done the work to make it look and taste of quality but they were only met with surprise when audiences would find out their chocolate is local. “Which is honestly very sad for us, because it really shows the mindset of what we expect from products in the Philippines,” he says. It is also ironic, Go says, for Auro is candid about being Philippine-made, which the two emphasize, is at the heart of their company. Auro is…

FRESH FROM HER SUMMER TRAVELS IN EUROPE, Nadine Lustre flew in just in for the Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala. With this being her first official Vogue event, the actress-singer wanted to make sure her skin looked its best and brightest. In preparation for the Gala she sought the help of Dr. Aivee Teo, founder of Aivee Clinic. To help with her preparations for the Gala, Nadine visited the clinic's headquarters at the A Institute. She is seen comfortably receiving Aivee's Emface treatment, with soft, adhesive padding lined across her forehead and cheeks. According to Dr. Aivee, Emface uses electric muscle stimulation and radio frequency in its procedure. Through the use of its radio frequencies, the treatment was stated to help with facial muscle stimulation which tightens the skin. The Emface…

JEWELRY…

Like with many Filipinos, Sundays are sacred for our family. Every week, my parents, sister-in-law, and two-year-old niece Yllize make the trip from the town in Bacoor where I grew up to the city where I now live to have an early lunch together. Walking to the spot where I usually meet them, I would see my niece already bobbing and moving her head as soon as the car stops. She would see me and break into a huge smile, a toothy grin that seems uncontainable as if wanting to burst from her face. It's a sight that brings me joy that is unfortunately laced with sadness. Last year, my brother, Yllize's father, passed away suddenly, a loss that rocked our whole family and that which still echoes among us…

ANNA MAGKAWAS C.E.O., LUXE BEAUTY & WELLNESS For more on LUXE BEAUTY & WELLNESS, scan the code AT THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC AND IN THE THROES OF ISOLATION, PEOPLE BEGAN SEEKING COMFORT IN A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT HOBBIES, passions, and activities. Among them, skincare continued to bloom despite the inability of persons to venture into the outside world. According to the content creator turned CEO Anna Magkawas, Luxe Skin was first conceptualized as a result of the sustained interest in skincare during the lockdowns of the early pandemic. Fast forward to two years later, Luxe Skin has grown beyond a singular skincare brand through the strong community of “Luxers” coming from her vlogging background, and has now further ventured into different facets of the beauty and wellness space. Now…

SPORTS BEAUTY QUEENS HAVE REIGNED AS ROLE MODELS FOR FILIPINO WOMEN FOR THE LONGEST TIME, but recently, it is the Filipino women in sports who are inspiring a newfound national pride and redefining Filipina strength in 2023. For the first time, a Filipino football team qualified for the FIFA World Cup—and it was the Filipinas. Taking it a step further, 27-year-old forward Sarina Bolden secured her place in history when she scored the Philippines’ first goal at the tournament, ultimately defeating hosts New Zealand 1-0 at the Sky Stadium on July 24. Thanks to Bolden's impressive header against goalkeeper Victoria Esson in the 24th minute, Filipinos were suddenly united as football fans. The new national obsession with trophies and jerseys can be traced to the COVID-postponed 2020 Summer Olympics held…

DESIGN CROSSING THREADS Tapestry Artists Born a year apart in Australia as the 1980s came to a close, the sister act developed the “interknot” technique—intertwined chains of, say, Merino wool with varying textures and thickness that graduated to multidimensional relief. Often, their designs were an ode to their Australian-Filipino heritage. Says Kass, “Our ‘interknot’ technique emerged as a transformative moment in our artistic journey.” After experiencing the loss of a loved one, Kass grappled with weighty emotions and turned to her fibers as a means of coping with grief. Intuitively, almost as a salve, she began knotting them in previously unfamiliar ways. “We integrated those chains as supplementary weft in our weavings, infusing them with volume and texture unattainable through traditional loom weaving.” “Our personal contribution to Filipino design, I…