Wearing the runway pieces from Kenzo, Heart Evangelista, Michelle Dee, Pia Wurtzbach, Sarah Lahbati, and Max Collins showcased how to make it in Paris
With the Eiffel Tower glinting like a diamond in the sky, these Filipino style mavens took over Paris Fashion Week with an aura that could make everyone blush. Thanks to the leader in luxury retail SSI Group, their attendance created a compulsion felt across the cobbled streets of the world’s fashion capital. Heart Evangelista, Michelle Dee, Pia Wurtzbach, Sarah Lahbati, and Max Collins turned heads and hearts as they donned Kenzo pieces that highlighted their styles while signaling a growing acceptance of Filipino talent to the fashion world.
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A Cultural Experience
Fashion Week is more than just an array of fabulous clothes that unfolds across the cobblestone streets of Paris. Most of the time, it’s the culture that surrounds it.
Wurtzbach sums up her experience: “Luckily, the locations of some of these fashion shows are in historical buildings all around Paris, so I do feel like I’m seeing some of the cultures while attending the shows. Honestly, I’ve never seen Paris during a leisurely trip, but as the shows are set against the beautiful backdrop of Paris, the most picturesque city in the world, I feel like I’m touring Paris.”
Collins coincides with this sentiment, noting, “I have had the privilege to experience a few fashion events during Fashion Week while also being able to visit some museums and cultural sites in Paris. I have seen the romanticism of Paris in the air, in the architecture, the art, the people. I can see that the fashion I exhibited over Fashion Week somewhat mimics that theatricality and refinement.”
For Dee, the essence of Fashion Week is all-encompassing: “It’s about immersing myself in the art, culture, and energy of Paris. I find it important to balance fashion with experience, letting the city’s energy influence my direction mixed in with my personal style.”
Lahbati was on a quest for inspiration: “I believe that fashion, art, and culture are deeply intertwined, each influencing and inspiring the other. To balance showcasing fashion with experiencing the vibrant culture of Paris, I approached the week with an open mind and heart.”
The Evolution of Their Fashion
As these style stars circulate trends in modern style, they embrace the opportunities presented to them however they can.
Wurtzbach reflects, “From a personal perspective, I keep evolving when I’m going to the shows because just when I thought I already knew or had a good grasp on the DNA of the brand, I’m always surprised that I have so much more to learn. I feel like I’m honing my eye and I definitely have much more to learn.”
Collins shares her views on inclusivity, stating, “One way I see the role of fashion evolving is by opening its doors to content creators like myself. It allows people who wouldn’t normally be involved in the fashion industry to experience it firsthand and share it with the world.”
Dee champions a thoughtful approach: “I believe fashion is moving toward a place of substance over flash, where sustainability and subtle luxury go hand-in-hand. At Paris Fashion Week, I see my role as bridging cultures, but also representing a fashion ethos that’s thoughtful, refined, and speaks to a sense of understated elegance.”
Lahbati adds a note of optimism about the future: “I hope to see more designers adopting sustainable practices and exploring slow fashion. This approach emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging consumers to invest in timeless pieces that last.”
Signature Styles
With all the stunning pieces at their disposal, each had favorites that spoke to their personality.
Collins showcased her penchant for eclecticism: “My favorite pieces are the Loewe black ‘Bow’ jacket, the Kenzo ‘Trucker’ jacket, and the Bottega Veneta small ‘Gemelli’ bag.” She loves to mix styles, adding, “From something more grunge to something more femme—something more androgynous to something more clean.”
Wurtzbach couldn’t resist a bodysuit: “I always love a body-fitting outfit. Whether it was for Bottega Veneta, Loewe, or Versace—the vibe changes when you put the clothes on.”
For Dee, her style is personal: “I’m drawn to pieces that feel like an extension of who I am—bold yet sophisticated, with a touch of playfulness.”
Lahbati, a devoted fan of Loewe, notes of the house, “The unique designs and thoughtful craftsmanship align perfectly with my fashion philosophy, which emphasizes individuality and self-expression.”
Words of Wisdom
For young Filipinas aspiring to leave their mark, Wurtzbach has sound advice: “Embrace challenges. Don’t try to resist them because a perfect journey is not possible. It’s the trips and mistakes that you make along the way that will make you better.”
Collins encourages young women to seize opportunities: “Take every chance you can get, because you don’t know where it might lead you.”
Lahbati emphasizes perseverance: “To young Filipinas looking to make their mark in their respective fields, my advice is to fearlessly pursue your dreams. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and embrace opportunities.”
Authenticity Amidst Expectations
When public scrutiny looms large, maintaining authenticity is key. Wurtzbach candidly shares, “I find it hard to put on a face. It’s impossible to sustain, and I would much rather people like me for me.”
Lahbati says it beautifully: “Maintaining a sense of authenticity in the face of public and media pressures is about staying true to who I am. Authenticity is empowering, and I believe that when you are genuine, it resonates with others.”
Collins reflects on individuality: “I try to focus on who I am as an individual before anything else. It’s easy to compare myself to others, but I try to show bits and pieces of myself so that the public may see me as my own individual person.”
These style stars become embodiments of the culture and creativity that fashion brings out. Paris Fashion Week may have come and gone, but the spirit of Filipino artistry will resonate long after the final curtain call. Their presence is an expression of identity—shared collectively, but standing strikingly on its own.
In the Philippines, Kenzo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., located at Greenbelt 3, and The Mall at NUSTAR Cebu. Visit www.ssilife.com.ph or follow @ssilifeph on Instagram for more information.
Photographed by MARTIN ROMERO (Heart Evangelista, Max Collins, and Sarah Lahbati), MAGIC LIWANAG (Pia Wurtzbach), and MIKE GELLA (Michelle Dee)
