Philippine Fashion Week 2014: Introducing 5 Filipina Models

While fashion weeks are mainly about showcasing the work of designers, it is also worth commending the models who sashayed in the runway. The way they project themselves contribute to the success of a show.

At the recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week, it was noticeable that most, if not all, of the models who walked at the designers’ shows were locals. Mayhap a patriotic way of promoting Filipino and Filipina faces. And why not? The country has produced names who have graced runway shows not just in the Philippines but also abroad.

Their ethnic beauty offers variation to the international modelling scene and are a fresh welcome in an industry long dominated by one ethnicity.

So to celebrate the Asian fashion, we also have to celebrate the models. Here are five born and bred Filipina models who caught our eye on the catwalk and helped represent this industry in the best way possible.

Charlene Almarvez

Signed with Ford (New York), Premier (London), Elite (Paris), and CalCarrie’s International Models (Philippines), Charlene Almarvez first appeared in the international scene during the 2010 Fall/Winter season where she walked for Diane von Furstenberg, Rad Hourani, Peter Som, Suno, among others. Since then, aside from runway shows, Charlene has graced various fashion magazines including V, Town & Country (US), and Glamour (UK, US and Italy version).

Charlene did shows for Bibhu Mohapatra and Lela Rose at the recent New York Fashion Week and starred in campaigns for Primark in London and Target in the United States.

When asked what is the most interesting feedback that she received about her Filipina look, Charlene mentioned that she gets complemented for her exotic beauty and skin.

She is scheduled to return in The Big Apple this November 5, so watch out for her!

Charo Ronquillo

Her international career took off when she won 3rd runner up at the Ford Supermodel World in 2006. She then walked in the Fall/Winter season of the same year at the New York Fashion Week. Charo has appeared in various magazines including Vogue India, Marie Claire (US and France), Teen Vogue, and Glamour (US). Charo also worked for Julien Fournié and Eric Tibusch at the Haute Couture Fall Winter 2011-2012 in Paris.

At the last New York Fashion Week, Charo appeared in shows for Lela Rose and Catherine Malandrino. Her latest advertising works for shops and brands include FreePeople, Nordstrom, Saks, Steve Madden, and Ralph Lauren.

She is represented by Ford (New York), Angels & Demons (Paris) and CalCarrie’s International Models (Philippines).

Charo is now back in New York.

Krystal Espiritu

With her long and narrow facial bone structure complemented by her fierce expression, Krystal’s presence in the runway is impressive.

She once walked at the Singapore’s Audi Fashion Festival. “Because I’m taller than the average Filipina, people think I’m from somewhere else. But I did a show abroad and the hairstylist told me she knew immediately that I’m Filipina because of my long jet black straight hair. That’s the weirdest feedback I’ve had so far.”, Krystal stated about her experience.

Krystal also shared that her biggest dream is to walk for Chanel, Gareth Pugh, Saint Lauren, Lanvin, Isabel Marant and at the Haute Couture shows in Paris.

Manuela Basilio

Manuela was a regular in runway shows and editorials in the Philippines before breaking into the international scene. She debuted at the recent Spring 2014 season of the New York Fashion Week, walking for designer brand Mark and Estel, and shows for Fashion Law Institute and V Files. She is represented by Wilhelmina in The Big Apple.

Manuela stated that her smaller built plus her look that can be mistaken as Indian, Hispanic or American African helped her to stand out during castings.

Manuela will be staying in Manila for a month before returning to New York. She is being managed by CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines.

Ria Bolivar

Ria celebrated her 10th year in the modeling industry last September 26. If that longevity in the business and the ability to maintain a look that is still in demand are basis for success, then without a doubt Ria is.

Her runway skills are exceptional. One of her most memorable shows was for renowned designer Michael Cinco, wherein she had to transform the dress on-the-spot, alone. That same scenario was done in Dubai, but with the presence of two different models. A proof of her expertise.

Ria has done campaigns for local clothing brands including Shapes and Plains and Prints.

Ria has been to Dubai, Monaco, Russia, Hong Kong and recently Canada to do shows. When asked on what feedback does she get with her Filipina look, Ria replied that they would say she is a chameleon and that she has a good chance of getting works in Europe.

Onin Lorente

Photos: Philippine Fashion Week

Additional Sources: Asian Models Blog, New York Mag and Fashion Spot.