A prelude to the week’s program, guests across art, culture, design, and diplomacy gather for a private viewing of the Vogue Threads photo exhibition.

On a Saturday afternoon in Makati, creatives gathered with industry leaders, diplomatic corps, and longtime partners of Vogue Philippines for a formal preview of the Vogue Threads Manila 2025 photo exhibition. Held a day ahead of the week-long showcase, which runs from September 21 to 27 at the RCBC Plaza, the occasion wove together representatives from the different groups that bring Vogue Philippines to life, making them the first to experience the magazine’s three-year journey in one space.

Amid preparations for the event, deputy editor Trickie Lopa shares that the exhibit isn’t just a retrospective, but something more akin to a proof of execution, a gathering that marks the growth of Vogue Philippines’ collaborative circles. 

“At its core, the event is about more than just looking back. It also amplifies the creative communities we work with and who we feature in the [September 2025] issue,” she says. “We have built a community, and we look forward to continued interactions with this community.”

Lightboxes depict Vogue Philippines stories that were captured in motion. Photographed by Gabriel Villareal

While the inaugural Vogue Threads was held on the spacious grounds of the Palais Galleria in Paris, and later at One Ayala in Manila, this year’s event is more intimate. With over 50 photographs and 11 videos that highlight craft, culture, and visual storytelling, this exhibition invites guests to dive deeper into the stories of Filipino visionaries and linger among the images at their own pace.

Conversations were abundant as guests trickled into the space, among them contributors Jon Santos and Jo Berry, whose portraits are featured near the front of the exhibit, and Islay Erika Bomogao. Speaking with the team, they share feeling pleasantly surprised. “Hindi ako na-expect that [my portrait] would be posted here already. Pagdating ako, nandito na siya [When I arrived, my portrait was already here]!” Jo says. “So I’m so happy. My papa will be so proud.” 

Designers and photographers also express happiness while walking through the room and viewing their pictures from the September 2025 Issue. “I actually did not know that [the exhibit] was this mind-blowing… Suddenly, wow, it’s an immersive display,” jewelry designer Farah Abu comments. Zacarias 1925 creative director Rita Nazareno echoes this, sharing, “I’m just so thrilled to, number one, have [Vogue] here in the Philippines to give a platform for a whole slew of creatives… I’m enjoying, I’m enjoying being a part of this community.”

Rita Nazareno. Photographed by Gabriel Villareal

Jo Berry. Photographed by Gabriel Villareal

As the room filled up with artists, models, directors, and more, the program began with a guided tour by associate fashion features editor Ticia Almazan. Guests were treated to canapés featuring bites of smoked tinapa, mussels, and maja blanca, as well as beverages by The Black Box. Outside, coffee was served courtesy of Frank and Dean. 

In front of the RCBC lounge inside the exhibition space, brand manager Marga Herbosa welcomed the crowd and offered a glimpse into the event’s conception.

“Vogue Threads was born out of a desire to bring Philippine culture and creativity to a global stage,” she says. “And while global recognition was a great achievement, it illuminated a more important truth: Influence is not just about expanding your reach but also about strengthening your roots. This realization sparked a desire for us to bring Vogue Threads back to the community that inspired it all.”

This year’s Vogue Threads features over 50 photographs and 11 videos that highlight craft, culture, and image-making. Photographed by Gabriel Villareal

Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief Bea Valdes then spoke about the foundational mindset of the magazine’s team, and how the images on display come from a deeply individual and profoundly collective place, forming a platform where identity is authored rather than imposed.

“With your help, we have slowly shifted mindsets from that of fashion solely as an industry, to the notion that fashion is an ecosystem, where each stakeholder, each member, is consciously twined to the next,” she remarks. “And at the heart of all our endeavors is a profound respect and gratitude to our community. Your support, your efforts, your guidance these past years have bolstered our resolve to celebrate the vibrant and vital Filipino perspective.”

The evening proceeded with socials, as guests such as Mark Nicdao and Neal Oshima enjoyed drinks at the bar; Marina Summers admired images at the center of the exhibit; Dinesh Monani, Gabbie Sarenas, and Esme Palaganas caught up with old friends; and Catriona Gray viewed the Aktor PH fashion film next to BJ Pascual.

Vogue Philippines editor-in-chief Bea Valdes. Photographed by Gabriel Villareal

The space opens with an introduction by features editor Audrey Carpio that reads, “Empathy gives an image its heart, optimism its light, and together they reveal not only what is beautiful, but what is true.” Photographed by Gabriel Villareal

“I love being able to experience photography and video in a space, and in terms of an exhibit,” Catriona shares, “because usually we see it either in a screen like on our phone, seldom it’s printed, and seldom it’s exhibited in like a way that you can interact with it and walk around it and see it from all these different angles.”

Archie Geotina, the visual artist behind the global Pearls Project, recalls getting goosebumps when he saw his and Yerg’s image of Ikit Agudo on one of the glass easels. “Getting that cover literally made me cry,” he shares. “It’s affirming, it’s a great validation that, you know, our voices are heard, and it makes me want to do more.”

Lead exhibition designer Miguel Rosales expresses joy at seeing the event come together with viewers. “I’m so happy with the response of people, I’m floored,” the art consultant says. “People are exploring and experiencing the space as we sort of envisioned it. They’re going to certain areas and pockets and specific exhibits that they gravitate towards, but then they get to explore the rest of it after, which is great, that’s how it was designed to be.”

As the evening winds down, the energy of those who gathered creates a buzz for the week to come. With masterclasses, portfolio reviews, and a Vogue Faces casting call scheduled across the event’s seven days, tonight’s preview not only marks the beginning of Vogue Threads, but also a new chapter for the magazine and its growing list of creative collaborators, who are woven together by discipline, dedication, and a collective dream.

By AYLLI CORTEZ. Photographs by GABRIEL VILLAREAL. Digital Associate Editor: Chelsea Sarabia. Producer: Bianca Zaragoza. Multimedia artists: Bea Lu, Myc Priestley.