Cover Stephanie Zubiri giving her speech during the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2024 (Photo: Ian Santos)
Stephanie Zubiri giving her speech during the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2024 (Photo: Ian Santos)
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Over the past four years, Stephanie Zubiri has led Tatler Homes with a bold yet nurturing spirit. As she moves onto new pursuits, she looks back on the lessons she’s learnt as an editor
When Stephanie Zubiri joined Tatler Homes Philippines as an editor nearly five years ago, she brought a keen aesthetic eye paired with an effervescent personality. She effortlessly showcased the best designs the Philippines had to offer, never losing sight of the human connections that imbue such spaces with life.
Through her work, Tatler Homes has flourished as a publication showcasing beautiful interiors while also telling their heartfelt stories. Now, Stephanie is setting her sights on personal projects. Before stepping down from her position as editor, she sat down with the Tatler team to discuss the lessons she's learned and the exciting ventures ahead for her.
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Above Stephanie Zubiri holding a copy of a May 2021 edition of Tatler Homes (Photo: Instagram / Stephanie Zubiri)
Stephanie Zubiri holding a copy of a May 2021 edition of Tatler Homes (Photo: Instagram / Stephanie Zubiri)
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What lessons have you learned from your role as Tatler editor over the past four years?
Trust is an important pillar of the work. Showcasing one’s home and opening it to a public audience is not something I take lightly. This requires building trust with the homeowner as they allow you into their most intimate spaces. Sometimes, it took many months or even years of cultivating a relationship with them so they would be confident that I would tell their story with authenticity and soul.
What are your most memorable projects and stories as a Tatler Homes editor?
This is so difficult! Each feature was so special and unique! There are many layers to each shoot. Every encounter with the homeowner or designer is so personal. I’ve made lasting friendships with many of them.
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Above Stephanie Zubiri’s first edition of Tatler Homes in July 2020
Above Stephanie Zubiri’s last edition of Tatler Homes in August 2024
Stephanie Zubiri’s first edition of Tatler Homes in July 2020
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How have you seen interior design trends evolve over the years? How did you steer Tatler Homes through those changes?
I am fascinated by architecture and how it shapes lives, and my goal was to bring more of that to the magazine. I didn’t want to simply focus on décor but expand the concept of design into the space as a whole.
I also prioritised projects with soul. Luxury, to me, wasn’t about having the biggest or most expensive home. It doesn’t have to be filled with name brands.
Luxury living is about being able to express yourself in your space, filling a home with memories, and having the time to use that beautiful kitchen or create stylish, livable spaces, no matter the square footage.
What personal projects are you excited to start working on?
I’m currently focusing on my holistic wellness platform, Soulful Feasts, which encourages people to take small steps to feeling better by nourishing body, mind, and spirit. The podcast has been doing wonderfully.
I am excited about a few other things up my sleeve—namely, more intimate workshops, women’s circles, motivational talks and books! Writing is still at the core of what I do and my first love. I’m hoping to pursue this as a creative outlet as well. I’m about to release a series of children’s books celebrating neurodiversity illustrated by Vico Cham, an amazing artist on the Autism Spectrum.
As I turn forty this year, I want to dedicate my time and energy to endeavours that have purpose and meaning. Hopefully, I can spread a bit more positivity and light in this world.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
