Cover Asia’s Most Stylish 2024 honourees Tootsy Angara, James Reid, Trickie Lopa, Sarah Lahbati, Xandra Rocha, and Donny Pangilinan
Asia’s Most Stylish 2024 honourees Tootsy Angara, James Reid, Trickie Lopa, Sarah Lahbati, Xandra Rocha, and Donny Pangilinan
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The Philippine honourees of Asia’s Most Stylish 2024 indulged in a lively gathering of creative minds
September is regarded as one of the busiest months in the fashion calendar. Designers showcase their new collections, publications release their ‘style issues,’ and for Tatler Asia, we announce our much-anticipated annual list of Asia’s Most Stylish. This endeavour highlights individuals who epitomise bold self-expression and bonafide creativity, setting the standard for innovative style throughout the region. Last September 18, Tatler Philippines celebrated its yearly selection of Filipino sartorial trailblazers in an evening celebrating their unique style.
For the second year in a row, the event took place at The Gallery at Greenbelt 5, situated in the heart of Makati City and widely recognised as a hotspot for luxury enthusiasts. The venue was graciously provided by co-presenter and lead partner Ayala Malls Greenbelt, while Shangri-la The Fort supplied free-flowing cocktails and gourmet canapes. The evening was made even more memorable with the presence of influential figures from various creative industries, including past honourees Kifu Augousti and LA Aguinaldo.
Six of the nine 2024 honourees graced the venue, spotted in a treasure trove of jewellery by gold partner Tiffany & Co. They each wore stunning pieces from the iconic House’s repertoire, including the HardWear, Icon and the Titan collection by Pharrell Williams. Nena’s Sanctuary and Joel’s Place creative force Christian Tantoco, fashion designer Carl Jan Cruz, and September issue cover star Heart Evangelista were not able to attend but were nonetheless recognised during the festivities. Stephanie Zubiri and Sam Thurman welcomed guests as the evening’s hosts, engaging in lively banter and snapping pictures with the honourees.
Read more: Asia’s Most Stylish 2024: Meet the Filipino fashion icons who made the cut
Hosts Sam Thurman and Stephanie Zubiri pose with Asia's Most Stylish 2024 honourees Tootsy Angara, James Reid, Trickie Lopa, Sarah Lahbati, Xandra Rocha, and Donny Pangilinan
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Tatler Philippines’ managing director, Irene Martel Francisco, warmly greeted the guests before this year’s honourees were introduced. “These are the style connoisseurs who express distinctive individuality. They are the tastemakers who are never afraid to push the envelope and show us what style means,” she gleamed.
Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Executive Director of Ayala Corporation and Senior Vice President of Ayala Land, welcomed guests and honourees in a video message. “We take great pride in being a space where not only Filipino fashion can thrive, but can sit side by side with global fashion houses,” she proudly acknowledged. “Greenbelt serves as a platform where talent is discovered, where inspiration flourishes, and where style is lived.”
Though Cruz was not able to make it to the festivities, his presence manifested elsewhere, as fellow honouree Trickie Lopa donned a teal-and-salmon gown from his ‘International Interbarangay 2023’ collection. Meanwhile, Xandra Rocha wore a custom piece by Rajo Laurel—an orange mini dress made from Indian silks she had collected from her travels. The television hostess and entrepreneur shared, “I said, ‘Rajo, let’s play! I want something very fun, feminine and flirty.’ This is what he came up with.”
Related: Arriving in September: Asia’s Most Stylish 2024 celebrates star power and glamour
Asia's Most Stylish 2024 honourees Tootsy Angara and Sarah Lahbati
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Fresh from his first international Fashion Week appearance was James Reid, dressed to the nines in an outfit by Bagasáo, a local independent brand. He stated, “I’ve been advocating for Filipino designers and representing local fashion on the global stage.” He calls this an honour and a matter of pride. He was accompanied by his partner, Issa Pressman, whom he credits as one of his major style inspirations.
Donny Pangilinan looked dapper in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, his favourite luxury brand. Two of his siblings, Hannah and Ella, accompanied him to the launch. He shared a cheeky anecdote about his childhood: how his two sisters would “judge” his outfits before leaving for an outing.
(Clockwise) Sheila Romero, Grace Baja, Jojie Dingcong, Rocio Olbes, Techie Hagedorn, Marga Nograles, Ching Cruz, Susan Joven, Irene Martel Francisco and Tina Cuevas
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Sarah Lahbati was a vision in an ensemble by Chynna Mamawal. It consisted of a form-fitting blazer over a black lace bodysuit, complemented by an impressive pair of Yves Saint Laurent stilettos. “For me, fashion has never just been about clothes, it’s a form of self-expression and a celebration of creativity,” she said.
Tootsy Angara looked timeless in a flattering pink cocktail dress embellished with bows, adorned. Thurman and Zubiri couldn’t help but compliment her youthful glow. When asked about her secret, she replied with pride, “I surround myself with people I love.”
As the festivities drew to a close, guests mingled and indulged in the evening’s creative energy. The sentiment of the night was clear: to the honourees, fashion is not merely about what you wear, but how it communicates values and individuality.
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
