Maureen Disini

Designer
After stints in major glossies, Disini flew to Milan to study fashion, then came back to the Philippines to take the industry by storm. Her elegant touches have attracted the discerning eyes of some of the most fashionable women in the metro, a testament to the appeal of this talented lady’s timeless designs.

Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez

Designer

The effervescent designer has channeled her own vibrant style into the garments she makes, resulting in formfitting creations that feature striking colours and playful prints. Ocampo-Rodriguez’s work has earned her multiple accolades, gaining notice from fashionistas both here and abroad.

Mark Bumgarner

Designer
This former race car driver’s extensive travels exposed him to the world of fashion, later leading him to take up a career in the industry. Now one of the country’s most celebrated designers, Bumgarner’s romantic, structural creations—from voluminous ballgowns to well-constructed separates—commandeer the runways.

Patty Ang

Designer
At a young age, Ang knew that her happiness lay in fashion. Despite the hurdles she encountered, she persisted and established her label from scratch, which the fashion world is thankful for. Fuelled by her passion, Ang’s designs are versatile, everyday pieces one can take from day to night.

Sofia Borromeo

Designer
Educated abroad, this former fashion buyer returned to Manila to launch her RTW label, sofie.b, which carries contemporary minimalist pieces for the global woman. Borromeo has produced 10 well-received collections to date, the most recent one, a Filipino-inspired line for this year’s Artefino Fair.

Vania Romoff

Designer
Effortless elegance is the hallmark of this young designer’s work. Her soft, feminine silhouettes are well-loved by the country’s most fashionable folk who grace socials in Romoff’s creations. A designer for the contemporary woman, she has embraced e-commerce and RTW to reach out to wider audiences.

Rosenthal Tee

Designer
She has established a brand that marries precise cuts with a touch of sophistication, each piece revealing a part of her designer journey. Educated at the famed Istituto Marangoni, Tee’s creations have become fixtures in international runway shows, most notably at New York Fashion Week.

Betina Ocampo

Designer
The creative director of her eponymous label, Ocampo once made it to Elle Magazine’s list of The Most Stylish Women in New York. With her innate cool-girl style and no fuss approach to dressing, she has made waves in one of the world’s fashion capitals. Known for her pieces that mix Filipino ingenuity with modern trends, she brings innovation to the local fashion scene.

Bianca Zobel, Natalia Zobel, and Maria Parsons

Retailers
They are the ladies behind Lanai, a lifestyle concept store at Karrivin Plaza featuring a visual feast of carefully curated, eclectic collections of home accents, fashionable trinkets, and floral arrangements. All pieces are handpicked by this trio, whose unique and refined tastes have established them as design authorities.

Fatima Rabago

Retailer
This stunning model, make-up artist, and mum to lovely Daniela is the driving force behind Agua Brazilian Swimwear, her high-end label that offers versatile, figure-flattering resortwear for modern women on the go. Through her pieces, Rabago hopes to help Filipinas discover and reinforce their confidence.

Kai Lim

Retailer

This half-Filipina, half-Japanese tastemaker runs the operations end and handles local buying for premier lifestyle concept store Cura V, which she co-owns with four of her good friends. The store carries pieces from atypical local and international brands, covering both fashion and home décor.

Pie Alvarez

Retailer
She launched her boutique Love, Candypie (LCP) in 2015, which has expanded to carry casual and formal RTW pieces, accessories, and bags from over 15 international high-end labels. Whether she’s looking after her constituents as the mayor of San Vicente, Palawan, showcasing her entrepreneurial panache, or throwing Frida Kahlo-themed parties, she ensures that everything is done well and in style.

Paloma Urquijo Zobel

Retailer
Eye-catching denim and bohemian pieces combined with local textiles and traditional patterns are what PIOPIO is all about. Zobel, who founded the brand after obtaining her Masters in London, takes pride in sourcing all the weaves from local craftsmen. We can’t wait for its first flagship store to open in LiO, Palawan next year!

Cat Arambulo-Antonio

Blogger
A former stylist and director, Arambulo-Antonio remains a head-turner due to her edgy yet polished look. An advocate of parenting in style, she connects with her fellow mums through her social media accounts, where she hopes to make a difference by empowering them through fashion.

Kim Jones

Blogger
This glamorous citizen of the world has more than mastered the art of the OOTD—atypical ensembles that match perfectly with picturesque locations from all over the world. Jones represents a unification of the best of both homegrown and international talent, making her a relatable style icon for a global audience.

Tricia Centenera

Blogger
She danced professionally for close to a decade in Australia before hanging up her shoes to pursue other avenues in the Philippines. Now a sought-after host, model, and social media influencer, Centenera chronicles her travel adventures and chic ensembles, and connects with her growing number of followers through her blog.

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo

Beautypreneur
Happy Skin has been a long-time dream of co-founder Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, who is also a model, lifestyle columnist, and mum of three. The make-up line has enjoyed great success, loved by beauty junkies all over. Disney itself (and now, even Sanrio) reached out to the company for a collaboration, which paved the way for the ever-popular Disney Princess line. How’s that for a start-up?

Cristalle Belo-Pitt

Beautypreneur
When the business-savvy managing director of Belo Medical Group and Belo Essentials is not hard at work at expanding the company’s product line or launching new clinics, she can be spotted doting on little sister Scarlet Snow, participating in philanthropic activities for non-profit organisation MovEd, or going off on adventures with her husband, Australian hotelier Justin Pitt.

MJ Suayan

Photographer
Suayan started his full-time career in 2014 when a brush with tragedy inspired him to pick up a camera. The self-taught lensman transitioned from street to conceptual to fashion photography, and now conducts workshops in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Shaira Luna

Photographer
The dream-like images she produces evoke a sense of wonderment and nostalgia, reflections of the pervading curiosity that seems to be her driving force. Luna left the academe behind after discovering the joys of photography, where she found what would become her true passion thanks to practice and hard work.

Jerick Sanchez

Photographer
A self-professed old soul, he takes inspiration from the glory days of the ’50s and the works of Irving Penn and Richard Avedon. Like many of his colleagues, Sanchez did not study photography formally. He treats the subject as an art form and takes cues from subtle details such as the draping and structure of the model’s garments.

Carla Yeung-McKowen

Fashion Muse
This svelte and sophisticated Cebuana entrepreneur serves as the chairwoman and president of Modine Inc as well as the director and treasurer of MSY Holdings Corp. An all-around cool girl—she has always been one to enjoy a good videogame—she also backs initiatives for charitable organisation Operation Smile.

Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez

Fashion Muse
The head of sales and marketing at Philux and Philippine representative for Asia’s Most Stylish in 2016 is not afraid to bend a fashion rule every now and then, keen to inject a bit of fun into an otherwise classic ensemble. When not at her desk or out and about meeting with clients, she goes travelling, her go-to pasttime to seek inspiration or to simply relax with her family.

Heart Evangelista

Fashion Muse
Celebrating nearly two decades in show business, Evangelista’s star continues to shine brightly as she expands her repertoire. A talented artist, she has showcased her prowess through hand-painted luxury handbags and gowns by designer Mark Bumgarner, whom she has worked closely with.

Cristina Cu

Publicist/Marketing Maven
A leggy beauty armed with a megawatt smile, Cu has all that it takes to run and market a successful business. The marketing manager of British brand Joseph is a self-proclaimed travel and fitness junkie, and a big supporter of local fashion talents.

Erika Reyes

Publicist/Marketing Maven
An internship for Estée Lauder marked her entry into the beauty industry, where she now works as the marketing executive of Jo Malone London and La Mer. A travel aficionado (and owner of six dogs), Reyes hopes to gain even more traction by working in the regional or global offices one day.

Mitch Suarez

Publicist/Marketing Maven
A true blue fashionista, the new marketing communications head of Stores Specialists Inc is now truly in her element. Equipped with an eagerness to experiment and extensive expertise in her field, Suarez is perfectly capable of handling a bevy of luxury brands.

Sam Sadhwani

Publicist/Marketing Maven
She has inherited the beauty and passion for fashion of her mum, model Apples Aberin, but this young lady has certainly come into her own as an integral part of the team of retailer Love, Candypie (LCP), for which she handles PR tasks. Outside of work, Sadhwani enjoys travelling with friends and kicking back and relaxing at the beach.

Michelle Lao

Publicist/Marketing Maven
She began her retail career in 2001 as part owner of Spanish clothing brand Mango. Now the fashion and sales consultant of Suyen Corporation, Lao handles some of the major brands under its umbrella such as Paul Smith, Alberta Ferretti, Karen Millen, and Casadei.

Martine Cajucom

Publicist/Marketing Maven
Fans of Sunnies Studios, a local brand that carries affordable yet chic eyewear designs, have its feisty and spirited creative director to thank for their growing collections. The coming year will be a big one for Cajucom, who is set to tie the knot with TV host-producer beau Cliff Ho.

Mary Reyes

Publicist/Marketing Maven
Reyes developed a taste for brands and designing at a young age, inspiring her to set her sights on entering the fashion industry. After completing a degree in Fashion Design & Merchandising, she entered the corporate world and found herself managing the public relations arm of Louis Vuitton in the Philippines.

Mia San Agustin

Publicist/Marketing Maven
The managing director of Harlan + Holden got her start in fashion in Milan, where she’d studied and later did PR and communications work for Gucci and launched Stella McCartney Kids. Her leadership has helped steer the minimalist clothing brand to where it is today.

Nicole Whisenhunt

Accessories
Her creations are storied intricacies, often inspired by distinct architecture she encounters while travelling. Though she is lauded for her expertise on Art Deco-inspired pieces, Whisenhunt refuses to be shoehorned as the master of a particular style. This Jill-of-all- trades loves to experiment and concentrate on evoking sentiments through her gem-andmetal pieces.

Kat Ong

Accessories
Katrina Ong is a writer, artist, and creative spirit. She makes handmade jewellery as her creative output. In 2013, she created the brand Flutter Statement Jewelry, a creative collection of jewellery made out of beads, stones and crystals that evolved today into a line of unique body jewellery, cape lets and jewellery vests. As a super passionate soul, she pours her whole heart in every endeavour she chooses to take on—whether in work or in life.

Erika Reyes-Concepcion

Accessories
When Concepcion couldn’t find jewelleries to suit her unique taste, she decided to design her own, teaming up with jeweller and long-time friend Ramon Villegas to bring her designs to life. People took notice, and Riqueza, her line of limited-edition creations, was born. Her vintage-themed pieces draw inspiration from her love of antiques. She donated several of her creations to the recently-concluded exclusive Child Protection Network (CPN) Charity Trunk Show.

Cats Del Rosario

Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
Trust this talented make-up artist and hairstylist to make your look on fleek. She worked in interior design before discovering the fulfilling art of beautifying her subjects.

Raymond Santiago

Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
This accomplished hairstylist has been entrusted with the care of some of the most famous manes in local showbiz. Unafraid to experiment, he is often the one behind his muses’ boldest ‘dos.

Robbie Piñera

Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
To hone his craft, Pinera enrolled in advanced courses in fashion capitals Tokyo, New York, and London. His canvasses are the faces of many famous personalities in the country, being the make-up artist of choice of It Girls Anne Curtis and Solenn Heussaff. In his eight years in the industry, he has amassed several impressive international projects.

Jelly Eugenio

Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
The go-to make-up artist for young beauties like Sarah Lahbati and Nadine Lustre, Eugenio enjoys working with celebrity and non-celebrity clients alike, eager for the challenge each task brings.

Al De Leon

Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
In her 13 years in the industry, this senior affiliate artist for MAC Cosmetics has had access to many exciting opportunities, one of which was the Miss Universe pageant that was held in Manila.

Mong Amado

Hairstylist & Make-up Artist
He was on vacation from his job as a cook on a cruise ship when he decided to do hairdressing work to make an extra back. Now, he is one of the most sought-after hairstylists in the industry.

Kat Cruz-Villanueva

Stylist
The head stylist and co-founder of STYLEdiT Group has a world of experience to her name, making her a favourite among many of today’s young stars. Taking her inspiration from eras gone by, Cruz-Villanueva marries timeless looks with current trends when helping build her clients’ personal styles.

Cath Sobrevega

Stylist
An ingénue fresh out of university when Pam Quiñones took her under her wing, Sobrevega is now a lead stylist for Qurator Studio and co-owner of jewellery brand Nami. A lesson she’d like to pass on? Prepare extensive outfit options and be nice to everyone you meet.

Randz Manucom

Stylist
Metro Magazine’s fashion editor has been in the business since 2012, building his ever-growing portfolio through styling gigs with Folded & Hung and UNIQLO, among others; and a brief stint with Preen. Albeit graduating with degrees in business and management information systems, his true calling is in fashion.

Raymond Gutierrez

Director
With his talent, inventiveness, and industry pedigree, Gutierrez has become one of the most prolific events masterminds and producers in town. Aside from hosting E! News Asia and starring in his family’s reality show It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez, he is also a fixture on the guest lists of society’s coolest events.

Javi Martinez

Director
As the managing director of YAPARAZZI Events + PR, he takes pride and pleasure in creating new concepts for his impressive roster of satisfied clients here and abroad. Tell him how you want your event to be, and he will make it happen. When he’s not finding innovative ways to leave the crowd in awe, he’s busy planning for his own big day with soon-to-be life partner Tim Yap.

Dominique Cojuangco

She represented the Philippines at the le Bal des Débutantes in 2015. After completing her degree at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni London, this young designer is poised to take her place among the fashion greats, if her elegant Filipina-inspired La Doña collection is anything to go by.

Samantha Hiranand

A graduate of Georgetown University, this young lady banded together with two of her close friends to put up 3BORO, an up-and-coming activewear brand that celebrates and embraces diversity, for which she handles Asia sales. Their collections are set to feature cutting-edge pieces one may opt to wear both at the gym or on the streets.

Camille Tantoco

One half of Donnie and Crickette Tantoco’s twin daughters, she was introduced to the family business at a young age alongside her sister Nicole. She graduated from Enderun Colleges, and pursued avenues in art and history before joining the business and working in retail.

Maureen Wroblewitz

She did her country proud when she emerged on top as the winner of Asia’s Next Top Model’s fifth cycle—the first Filipina to do so. This has opened plenty of doors for Wroblewitz, who received flak from fellow contestants for being “just beautiful but inexperienced.” Nevertheless, she persevered.