Filipino stars strutting their stuff like there’s no tomorrow. We love to see it.
Filipinos dominating the runway isn’t a new concept. Even before the golden era of magazines and the age of the internet, we had the first Asian supermodel, Anna Bayle representing for all the morenas in the 80s. Back then, it wasn’t considered by most people as a “real job,” and she was forging paths for many generations after. Some fashion geeks went on to claim that she also mentored Naomi Campbell, showing side-by-side footages of the two graceful gazelles on TikTok. Years later, you have the new breed of Filipina models like Geena Rocero, a runway model and LGBTQIA+ rights activist who was the first transgender cover girl of Harper’s Bazaar and Charo Ronquillo who walked for Project Runway, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, and Loewe among many others. Of course, the young fierce strutters like AsNTM third-runner up Monika Sta. Maria and Marga Esquivel who walked for Gucci made their mark as well. Juicy girls were well-repped, too when plus-size model Kat Gumabao was seen on the NYFW catwalk and Melbourne in 2018. Of course, we have to mention Hannah Locsin who’s become a runway favorite, doing the four-city show circuit ever since her debut in 2019.
The long list goes on, and so have the beauty standards, which has since changed considerably. But just like that, more Filipinos have walked international runways, proving that there’s a lot of opportunities even outside of the country. Read more below for some of the celebrities and models who’ve put everything they’ve got into their walk.
READ MORE: Meet The Filipina Supermodel That Thierry Mugler Adored
1. ARCI MUÑOZ
Arci Muñoz recently stormed the runways of NYFW when she walked and performed for the Uplive x Hekka show in a green puffer jacket, pearl necklaces, and shades.
2. PIA WURTZBACH
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach walked not only once, but thrice for American designer Sherri Hill. Who wouldn’t want real life royalty on their show?
3. MAYMAY ENTRATA
It’s always been the desire of P-pop singer and actress Maymay Entrata to walk at international shows. She’s already done several here, so when she graced Dubai-based designer Furne Amato at Arab Fashion Week, it was a dream come true.
4. JANINE TUGONON
NGL, we’re still hurt that Janine Tugonon was mere inches from bagging the crown when she joined Miss Universe in 2012. But not to fret though, because life after pageantry has served her well. Aside from walking for fashion designers at major cities, Janine also made history as the first Filipina to ever appear in a Victoria’s Secret campaign.
5. CATRIONA GRAY
Who could ever forget Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s signature “lava walk?” But even before her reign, she already caught the attention of fashion designer Sherri Hill months before and was one of the shows that got the highest engagement at fashion week.
6. GAZINI GANADOS
Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados had her first international runway experience last year at Las Vegas Fashion Week when she walked for designer Oliver Tolentino.
7. KELSEY MERRITT
Last, but certainly not the least, is Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt who manifested her modeling career into existence. After walking for Victoria’s Secret, she landed on the cover of Sports Illustrated and worked with luxury brands like BVLGARI and Philipp Plein.
CONTINUE READING: 13 Filipino Models Just Graced The Cover of This British Magazine
