Cover Lovi Poe at Body of Work: The BENCH Show
Lovi Poe at Body of Work: The BENCH Show
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After a seven-year break, the much-anticipated Bench fashion show returns—bigger and better than ever
Formerly known as the BENCH Underwear and Denim Show, this year’s Body of Work: The BENCH Show is a profound statement about inclusivity and the transformative power of self-expression. Held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in late March, the show’s much- anticipated return marks a significant milestone that infuses the brand’s rich history with a contemporary flair. Ben Chan, the chairman and CEO of Suyen Corporation, stated, “We have been preparing for this major comeback for a long time. As the pandemic eased, our eagerness to uphold the tradition of delivering a spectacular and unforgettable show for our loyal patrons grew stronger.”
The highly anticipated show was first staged in the late Nineties at Planet Mars in Makati City. Termed the Bench Intimate Fashion Show, this intricate fusion of resilience and artistry became a cultural touchstone. Before the show began, Chan expressed his excitement. “The anticipation for Body of Work reminds me of the electrifying energy of our past shows–from the early 2000s to the 2010s,” he muses. “I do not doubt everyone will be in awe of what we have prepared for this show.”
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Above Ben Chan at Body of Work: The BENCH Show
Ben Chan at Body of Work: The BENCH Show
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The show’s architectural narrative spanned five distinct chapters, each exploring the BENCH story through visual storytelling. The event featured an ensemble of the Philippines’ most celebrated talents—Michelle Dee, Ruru Madrid, Lovi Poe, Janine Gutierrez and an array of others—a star-studded exploration of Bench’s artistic capabilities.
Another engaging aspect of the event was the participation of Les 7 Doigts (The 7 Fingers), a renowned Canadian artistic collective. Celebrated for transforming abstract ideas into stunning performances, they elevated the Bench show into a captivating artistic experience.
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Kathryn Bernardo at Body of Work: The BENCH Show
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However, what sets the show apart is its commitment to understanding how Filipino style has evolved over the past 25 years. “We have moved beyond simply showcasing the pieces we offer,” Chan says. “This show is about body empowerment, celebrating individuality and embracing one’s body.”
This philosophy reflects Bench’s stance on conversations that matter most to the current generation. Over the years, the Bench show has been changing societal perceptions of beauty, sexuality and personal identity. More than just a series of eye-catching effects, the Bench team uses the runway to capture a vivid image of these social values.
Above SB19 performing their song Dam at Body of Work: The BENCH Show
SB19 performing their song Dam at Body of Work: The BENCH Show
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Some of the models included actors Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo, as well as Olympic gold medallist Hidilyn Diaz. One of the event’s highlights was the performance of the super hot boy band SB19, who premiered their latest hit song, Dam.
The show was more than a display of the brand’s storied legacy—it sparked conversations long after the runway was cleared. As the curtain rose on this highly anticipated spectacle, one thing became abundantly clear: BENCH is here to challenge, inspire and ultimately transform our collective understanding of fashion.
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Photography: Courtesy of Bench
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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.
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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.
