In MEGA’s April 2024 issue, cover star Kathryn Bernardo sets sail with the tides of trends that mirror her path to self-love.
Seven years after her last MEGA cover, Kathryn Bernardo fronts our April 2024 cover with a raw beauty that reflects the untamed open sea. Rooted in this fashion editorial is the vision of Alexander McQueen’s 2003 oyster dress, which comes together in waves with contemporary trends such as that of Spring/Summer 2024’s Western style. Together with Filipino designers’ creations, we conjured an image that encapsulates the look and feel of discovery. This adventurous style is the return of bohemian fashion intertwined with shipwreck chic to tell the story of self-love—perfect for the comeback of our cover star.
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The Tides of Trends
MEGA confirms the return of the bohemian trend with Creative Chief Patrick Ty saying, “After severe tailoring, boho usually follows so we just forecasted what’s coming,” he shares. Indeed, Isabel Marant, Rabanne, and Chloe had boho-inspired collections for their 2024 presentations. With summer coming around, it’s time to carry on the wave of free-spirited fashion and welcome the carefree vibes of bohemian chic.
Bohemian fashion captures wanderlust. Layers of sheer cascade like waves, earthy tones and sun-kissed hues evoke the warmth of a summer sunset, while swaying silhouettes carry life into coastal living. It’s a nomadic spirit searching for the perfect beachside bonfire or a cozy hammock to call home—wherever that may be.
Shipwreck chic, on the other side of the island, sets sail with tattered fabrics and weathered textures. They shape a horizon of maritime adventure, conveying the romance of missed voyages, only for us to find ourselves again.
While bohemian fashion takes place with a relaxed expression, and shipwreck chic mirrors the messy and unbothered look of a wanderer, it is further combined with the burgeoning Spring/Summer 2024 Western trend that surrounds cowboy hats and macramé. With Kathryn Bernardo leading the charge, who needs a treasure map when you’ve got her wearing castaway couture?
Finding Treasure
Drawing inspiration from McQueen’s visionary oyster dress, MEGA searched for designers who can uncover pieces from their trove that embody the organic beauty and effortless approach of bohemian fashion, shipwreck chic, and Western influences. Flowing silhouettes, detailed sheer, and Western-inspired headpieces evoke bohemian urges, transporting Bernardo on a free-spirited adventure through a sandy editorial.
Among these designers are Bonita Penaranda, Neric Beltran, Cherry Veric, Rob Ortega, Agua Brazilian, Herwin Carzoda, and Rey Calajate. Each designer brings their unique vision to the mix, enriching the eclectic look that defines both trends. Whether they’re diving into bohemian waves, exploring forgotten shipwrecks, or sailing the rough waters of Western fashion, one thing’s for sure: fashion never sinks.
A Comeback to Self-Love
This adventurous style is a manifesto of self-love through bohemian fashion, shipwreck chic, and Western trends. With every frayed edge and distressed detail, it adopts quirks and owns its flaws. It finds beauty in the unpolished, strength in vulnerability, and confidence in authenticity. It’s a look about finding yourself.
She’s breaking out of her shell. Kathryn Bernardo changes character, one that looks more like herself than ever before: confident in her skin, beautiful in her essence, strong in her presence. Not needing a compass to tell her where to go, she forges toward empowerment. She reminds us that marks are not flaws, but cherished tokens for self-discovery. With these inspired looks, she raises our hemlines and sets sail on exploration, where every wave of confidence propels us forward and every imperfection becomes a treasure to self-love.
To learn more about the revival of the bohemian trend, check out MEGA’s April 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photographed by CHARISMA LICO. Creative Direction and Styling PATRICK TY. Fashion Direction KAT CRUZ-VILLANUEVA and RYUJI SHIOMITSU. Art Direction BRIE VENTURA. Production JONES PALTENG. Fashion Assistant BITHIA REYES. Sittings Editor PEEWEE REYES- ISIDRO. Photography Assistants ANTONIO BAYLON and ERWIN ARDA. Makeup JUSTINE DEL ROSARIO. Hair JOHN VALLE. Fashion AGUA BRAZILIAN. ALDO. BONITA PENARANDA. CHERRY VERIC. FERRAGAMO. HERWIN CARDOZA. REY CALAJATE. ROB ORTEGA. NERIC BELTRAN. Shot on location LIHIM RESORTS, EL NIDO. Special thanks to KRISELLE ROMAN and MICA CRUZ of AIRSWIFT; CORNY CAEDO, VINCENT FAJARDA, RAM ELUMBA of LIHIM RESORTS, EL NIDO, and LULU ROMERO
