The first ever MEGA Fashion Awards in 2001 set the standard for a burgeoning industry
The MEGA Fashion awards was truly revolutionary. Like many things that the late Sari V. Yap attempted—and executed flawlessly—the scale was always mind-bogglingly grand. As a pioneer, it had to set the standard for awards, and, in 2001, it did just that.
It was a different time—so different in fact, that many of its trends are back in vogue again. Hip-hugging, boot-cut, embellished jeans? Check. Going out tops? Check. Arched brows? Check. Juicy Tubes? Matte skin? Zig-zag parts? Check. Check. Check!
But beyond the trends and sizzling club wear scene, Philippines couture was also at a high point. Luminaries like Inno Sotto, Joe Salazar and Cesar Gaupo were shining as bright as the fine crystals that embedded their custom-made frocks, donned by Manila’s chicest. For many, they could only behold these creations through mediums such as MEGA, whose glossy photos and deft descriptions made each frock look even more heavenly. Back in the day, events like the MEGA Fashion Awards would rock the night of only a chosen few. The rest would read and sigh about it two months later. The internet was still in its early stages, and people looked to a few key figures for style inspiration and aspiration; one of them was MEGA.
The publication was already a force by then, an authority figure on fashion, beauty and culture. When it announced that it was going to give out awards to local industry, everyone was scrambling for an invite, waiting with bated breath for their nomination.
Held at the NBC Tent, the MEGA Fashion Awards 2001 was a veritable who’s who of the industry. 18 awards were given out that year, each one hotly contested. Not to say that people were more creative back then, but the scene was so small that everyone who rose above was ridiculously talented, intensely creative and wildly charismatic. No doubt, the MEGA Fashion Awards in 2001 heralded a long, golden season for the Philippine fashion scene. Its winners would go down in the history as true movers and shakers in a time when moving and shaking the world required more than just a camera phone and access to the internet.
Here are the winners of the MEGA Fashion Awards 2001:
Best Fashion Designer for Ready to Wear: Cesar Gaupo
The late great fashion designer was a high-fashion pioneer who also made waves in RTW, thanks to his decades-long collaboration with SM.
Best Fashion Designer for Bridal: Inno Sotto and Joe Salazar
Two pillars of the Philippine high fashion scene, this surprise double-win showed the amount of talent there was in the room. Inno Sotto of course, was the go-to for many high society brides, including Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo. Joe Salazar made his name as the go-to terno designer of Imelda Marcos and later on, made the unforgettable wedding gowns of Lucy Torres-Gomez and Jackie Ejercito-Lopez.
Best Fashion Designer for Evening Wear: Inno Sotto
There were many notable designers up for this award, but for the first ever MEGA Fashion Awards, it had to be Inno Sotto.
Best Fashion Designer for Club Wear: Cecile Zamora
Cecile Zamora has worn many hats, from style blogger to deejay to style icon. But as a designer, she helped usher in the legendary club scene that took over Manila’s nightlife.
Best Fashion Designer for Menswear: Marden Iglesias
Iglesias was a designer’s designer, beloved by his peers and by the finicky fashion crowd.
Most Promising Young Designer: Ignacio Loyola
Before he made his name in Dubai via Atelier Ignacio, he was crowned as the one to watch in the MFA debut. Known for his masterful manipulation of rubber bands as material for his garments, as well as his avanti-garde creations, Loyola’s designs were truly one of a kind.
Best Local Retailer: Bench
There was no denying that this local brand was shooting for the stars.
Best International Retailer: Mango
Shopping in Mango used to be hard work. People lined up, it was perpetually crowded as everyone just wanted something from this international brand.
Runway Model of the Year: Borgy Manotoc and Joan Bitagcol
Back when fashion shows were the norm, designers wanted these two—the good-looking scion of a political clan—and the too-cool-for-school Bitagcol to walk their runway.
Best Commercial Models: Paolo Relucio and Cristina Garcia
Paulo Relucio had the quintessential boy next door looks that made him catnip to Filipino viewers. On the other end, Cristina Garcia a stunner in the best sense, whose MEGA cover made it to the magazine’s 25 Most Memorable Covers during its 25th anniversary celebrations.
Most Fashionable Personalities: Diether Ocampo and Donita Rose
Donita Rose was everywhere then—even on Time Magazine. A true 90s and early-aughts icon thanks to her classic looks and kooky personality prominently displayed on MTV Asia where she reigned as queen for a long time. Everyone loved her. Everyone. And Diether? This good-looking actor managed to toe the line between showbiz and fashion cool.
Best Fashion Photographer: Jun de Leon
For its debut, MFA brought out the big guns. And there was no bigger one than the master himself, Jun de Leon, who not only photographed the showbiz’s biggest stars but also cut a charismatic figure int he scene.
Best Hairstylist: Henri Calayag
Mother Henri was the hairstylist that all the It Girls and their mothers went to. Many of them still do.
Best Makeup Artist: Patrick Rosas
Another icon in the local industry, Rosas has released several books and remains on the speed dial of many Manila’s most prolific beauties.
MEGA Style Icon of the Year: Maimai Cojuangco
The Cojuangco sisters held the 90s and early-2000s. They were beautiful, intelligent, warm and oh so stylish. Conversations often revolved around which sister was your favorite. That year, MEGA chose the gorgeous Maimai, who modeled for Italian ‘90s superbrand Benetton and later married the scion of the family that ran it.
Related: MEGA Celebrates 25 Iconic Years
