Asia’s Most Stylish 2024: Meet the Filipino fashion icons who made the cut

Cluster head of sales, ABS-CBN

Tootsy Echauz-Angara embodies grace and elegance, consistently making a statement at events like the State of the Nation Address, where she showcases Filipino pride by incorporating traditional textiles and accessories into her wardrobe. As the cluster head of sales for ABS-CBN, one of the Philippines' leading media networks, Tootsy views fashion as a form of advocacy. Her upbringing in the Cordillera region during martial law, alongside her model-turned-activist mother Baboo Mondoñedo, instilled in her a deep commitment to social justice, local artisans, and sustainable fashion.

Together with her husband, former senator and now Secretary of Education Sonny Angara, Tootsy champions gender equality, education, and youth empowerment, all while promoting local culture. Whether in business attire or elegant evening gowns, her style reflects her dedication to these causes and her strong connection to her roots. Beyond her professional and advocacy work, Tootsy is a devoted wife and mother of three, known for her timeless flair and unwavering commitment to giving back.

Read more: 6 things you should know about Tootsy Angara

Fashion designer

This fashion designer garnered international attention after having been included in Vogue Italia Talents 2018. It was his 2017 collection, in particular, that brought him into the limelight. Cruz presented his collection at Fashion Week showrooms in both Paris and Milan in 2017 and 2018, continuing his upward trajectory. His edgy and innovative creations are current and fresh—raw yet refined. Cruz also designs with his Filipino heritage in mind, developing a majority of his fabrics locally. He calls his work a collection of visual autobiographies that aim to analyse and unpack the past and the present.

Reflecting his brand’s ethos, his wardrobe is a colourful fusion of cultural pride and modern sensibilities. “My style is a reflection of the amazing mentors in my life,” he says. As a revered fashion designer, his philosophy translates to his works that often marry functional pieces with expressive touches. His signature pique fabric is breathable for warmer weather and lightweight enough for layering—crafted with Filipino in mind. “It just so happens that my identity is pretty layered, so the aesthetic is a compound of our collective identity as Filipinos. It’s a result of all the experience and the technicalities that I know.”

Read more: Behind the Seams: Meet 8 designers redefining the Filipino fashion world

Actress

This dedicated actress and devoted mother embodies the perfect fusion of classic grace, modern flair, and just a dash of fun. Known for her impeccable sense of style, Sarah effortlessly transitions between her roles as a caring mom to her two children and a celebrated actress, all while maintaining an engaging public persona. Her wardrobe choices reflect a keen understanding of aesthetics and practicality, to ensure she feels confident and comfortable no matter the occasion. “It's important for me to dress in a way that makes me feel good without focusing solely on superficiality,” she says, noting that her fashion sense goes beyond mere appearance.

Born in Geneva, Switzerland—and fluent in French, English, Filipino as well as a touch of German and Arabic—Sarah brings a cosmopolitan edge to her wardrobe choices. Her approach to style is inspired by influential women who manage to seamlessly blend grace with functionality. This balanced perspective allows her to juggle her busy life with a sense of ease and poise, especially as she returns to the spotlight with a highly anticipated TV series. “Starting again from scratch with a new sense of both hope and fear gave me a new inspiration to follow my dreams,” she says.

Read more: Back in the Spotlight: Sarah Lahbati on confidence, resilience, and her showbiz comeback

Art Fair Philippines co-founder

Trickie Lopa has been a transformative force in the art world since co-founding Art Fair Philippines in 2013. She revolutionized the art scene by making art more accessible and engaging for the general public, with the inaugural fair drawing 6,000 visitors and 24 galleries. By its 10th anniversary, the fair had expanded to include nearly 30,000 visitors and 60 galleries, including international participants. Prior to this, Lopa also launched Art in the Park in 2006, an event celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse art offerings in Jaime Velasquez Park, which remains a beloved annual highlight.

True to her role as a trailblazer in the art world, Trickie embodies the same creativity and passion as her style. She effortlessly combines casual ease with a sophisticated yet edgy twist. With a keen eye for not just art but also pieces that reflect her personality, Trickie channels the effortless elegance of icons like fashion designer Victoria Beckham and Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, whose outfits look as chic today as they did decades ago when she stole a king’s heart, and a hint of Alexa Chung’s insouciance. “It’s not about copying their looks, but capturing their essence and attitude,” she explains.

Read more: What You Should Know About Art Fair, The Country’s Premier Art Exhibition

Actor

A leading figure in Philippine entertainment, Donny Pangilinan is not just as an actor but as a style icon. From his early days as a live video jockey to his notable roles in He’s Into Her and Good Game, Pangilinan has evolved both professionally and stylistically. His fashion sense, once characterized by bold streetwear like graphic tees and mix-and-match pieces, has transitioned into a more sophisticated style that blends traditional elements with modern simplicity.

Pangilinan describes his style as "lowkey yet powerful," often favouring sleek black ensembles that highlight his individuality. Whether in a fitted shirt with baggy trousers or a sharp suit, his choice of accessories—such as sleek glasses, trendy caps, and classic timepieces—adds a unique touch. His versatile style reflects his diverse talents in television, film, and music. Donny’s collaborations with top designers and his ability to blend classic and contemporary fashion solidify his status as a fashion chameleon and a role model for young audiences. 

Artist

James Reid's fashion evolution mirrors his growth as a singer-actor and his rising prominence in the fashion world. Initially known for his casual and laid-back style—simple tees, jeans, and sneakers—Reid's wardrobe resonated with fans during his early fame on Pinoy Big Brother. As his career advanced, his fashion choices became more sophisticated, shifting from a youthful, carefree look to a polished, tailored aesthetic.

His appearances at the 2024 Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks further cemented his stylish reputation. Reid made a striking impression in a burgundy Gucci suit adorned with a monogram print, showcasing his affinity for high-fashion statements. His collaboration with Gucci and his role in co-founding Careless Music reflects his growing creative control and fashion sensibility. Influenced by his stylish girlfriend, Issa Pressman, and his inner circle, Reid's wardrobe now features bold colours, unique patterns, and statement accessories. His style, balancing retro cool with modern flair, highlights his complex personality and ensures he stands out wherever he goes.

Read more: James Reid's style journey with Gucci

Creative director, Nena’s Sanctuary

Christian Tantoco, the visionary behind Nena’s Sanctuary, blends tradition with modernity through his forward-thinking style. Hailing from the influential Tantoco family, known for founding Rustan’s, Christian infuses a contemporary twist into the family legacy with a focus on community and inclusivity. His personal style—formless yet functional, practical yet creatively free—reflects his philosophy of unique artistic expression, free from conventional influences.

At Nena’s Sanctuary, a luxurious yet nature-integrated events space, Christian pours his passion into creating meaningful experiences. He also manages brand operations at Joel’s Place, a retail and dining haven launched in 2023, centred on fresh, healthy, and local offerings. Christian views his work at both Nena’s Sanctuary and Joel’s Place as a collaborative achievement with family and colleagues, emphasising authenticity and creative expression. His commitment to learning and growth makes him a distinctive figure in both business and fashion.

Read more: Lake hall is the newest event space in the metropolis and could be the most beautiful

Entrepreneur and entertainer

Alexandra Rocha Araneta embodies elegance and versatility, inspiring her two daughters to appreciate timeless style and pursue diverse passions. Her wardrobe is a vibrant blend of cheerful colours and rich textures, integrating Filipino traditional elements with grace and practicality. Whether attending high-profile events, hosting galas, managing her artisan dessert business Pinkerton Ice Cream, or handling everyday responsibilities, she exudes a seamless blend of sophistication and functionality.

With over a decade of experience in entertainment, Alexandra has made notable contributions through roles in films like Barangay 143 and Heneral Luna. Her culinary passion, cultivated through culinary arts at Enderun College and expressed in newspaper columns, led her to her dream job hosting the TV show Something To Chew On. Her evolving fashion sense includes a wedding dress by Pepito Albert, contemporary Filipiniana from the Boheme Collection, and a signature line for Herman and Co. Her style reflects a cosmopolitan flair while championing local artistry and personal identity with enthusiasm and grace.

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