When it comes to the best, setting trends while staying true to the craft is crucial. For MEGA, being the best isn’t just about mastery; it’s about mastery with vision
What qualifies someone as the best in the industry? Is it a flawless portfolio of mind-blowing work, or the power to construct tomorrow while altering the present? MEGA maintains that being the best means testing limits, defying norms, and creating moments that have an enduring effect on fashion, beauty, and culture. The 2024 MEGA Fashion Awards honor those who have not only had an influence, but also continue to adapt, inspire, and create.
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The Best Hairstylist: Raymond Santiago
Stylist to the stars, Raymond Santiago is a trusted name behind some of the industry’s most iconic looks. Santiago’s versatility and artistic vision have gained him a following among celebrities such as Anne Curtis and Sarah Geronimo. His work has graced magazine covers and big films, resulting in him being a true standout in the industry.
The Best Makeup Artist: Mickey See
Mickey See’s impact on the world of makeup artistry is unparalleled. From Liza Soberano to Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel and Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, See has improved the appearances of the country’s most prominent figures. His creativity spans pageants and high fashion, making him an important figure in defining beauty trends.
The Best Stylist: Eldzs Mejia
Eldsz Mejia styled unforgettable red-carpet moments and transformed his clients into sartorial stars. With an eye for combining high fashion with a cool aesthetic, Mejia has styled some of the most iconic covers and looks. His MEGA covers with Heart Evangelista in February and Anne Curtis in May 2024 are fashion highlights.
The Best Photographer: Charisma Lico
Cha Lico’s distinctive style and keen eye for detail have solidified her as one of fashion’s top photographers. Her work often captures warmth and artistry, evident in MEGA’s April 2024 cover with Kathryn Bernardo. Lico’s ability to bring out her subjects’ inner radiance has made her a favorite in the industry.
The Best Event Photographer: MEETKESO
With a flair for capturing the energy and excitement of events, MEETKESO has become the go-to photographer for major happenings, recognized for his signature flash-style photography that brings moments to life.
The Best Model: Maria Isabela Galeria
You’ve seen her face plenty of times. Maria Isabela Galeria’s fierce runway presence and magnetic charisma make her a favorite among designers. From gracing MEGA covers to walking for the country’s top fashion labels, Galeria proves that modeling commands attention.
The Best Production Designer: Justine Arcega-Bumanlag
The magic behind fashion editorials lies in the details, and Justine -Bumanlag is a master at creating breathtaking sets. Her work, from Anne Curtis’ May 2024 cover to the MEGA Ball 2024: Fashion + Food, showcases her impeccable talent for upholding artistry and innovation to bring stories to life.
Best Cover: Kathryn Bernardo, April 2024
Kathryn Bernardo showed a new side to herself for MEGA’s April 2024 cover. Photographed by Cha Lico, the cover features Bernardo in a Herwin Cardoza creation across cool waters in Palawan, marking a bold new chapter in her career. The shoot’s warm aesthetic and stunning backdrop made this cover a fan favorite.
Best Celebrity Style: Nadine Lustre
Nadine Lustre’s approach to fashion has made her a style icon. From her crackled Ziv Rei Alexi dress at the MEGA Ball 2024 to her standout moments at Paris Fashion Week, Lustre continuously pushes the envelope, looking for courage with cutting-edge fashion choices.
The Best Menswear Designer: RJ Santos
RJ Santos is a master of modern menswear, where streetwear meets high fashion and sparks fly. His designs are like a sartorial remix—clean lines, edgy silhouettes, and just the right amount of playfulness. Santos rewrites the rulebook with each collection, turning even the most traditional pieces into something fresh and forward-thinking.
The Best Avant Garde Designer: Carl Jan Cruz
Carl Jan Cruz’s unconventional approach to fashion begins with art and wearability in harmony. His designs are personal and rooted in Filipino culture while remaining avant-garde and globally relevant. Cruz’s vision is one of fearless expression through deconstruction, consistently creating pieces that challenge traditional aesthetics.
The Best Womenswear Designer: Joey Samson
Joey Samson’s genius lies in his ability to reinvent classic silhouettes with a modern twist. His sharp tailoring and innovative designs have become a staple for women seeking bold yet refined pieces. Samson’s work strikes a perfect balance between structure and fluidity, masculine and femininity, making him one of the most sought-after names in Filipino womenswear.
The Best Bridal Designer: Michael Leyva
Michael Leyva’s bridal designs are astonishing. Leyva, noted for his intricate gowns and stunning construction, has emerged as the preferred designer for brides who want to make something of themselves. His art captures the essence of romance and elegance, turning each woman into a queen on her wedding day.
The Best Streetwear Designer: PROUDRACE
PROUDRACE has carved its own path in the streetwear scene by fusing raw, urban energy with high-fashion sensibilities. The brand’s designs uphold a bold aesthetic—edgy cuts, experimental silhouettes, and a touch of underground style.
The Best Pageantry Designer: Mark Bumgarner
Mark Bumgarner’s designs have graced the most prestigious pageants and worn by favorites like Michelle Marquez Dee, who he has worked with consistently and designed the Apo Whang-od-inspired gown for the finals. His ability to create pieces that capture both beauty and drama makes him a favorite among beauty queens.
The Best Accessory Designer: Neil Felipp x Kelvin Morales
The collaboration between Neil Felipp and Kelvin Morales is a perfect fusion of artistry and fashion. Their partnership shows how two creative minds can come together to produce something truly spectacular. The duo found a poignant connection through this childhood game, which held deep meaning for them as it symbolized their shared experiences of growing up and grappling with their identities.
The Best Runway Show: Ivarluski Aseron
Ivarluski Aseron’s show at the Red Charity Gala 2023 was a masterclass in combining contemporary techniques with classic forms. The Venetian Blinds method took center stage, demonstrating Aseron’s innovative approach to design.
The Best Video Editor: Chapters
Chapters’ ability to create compelling narratives sets them apart as the Best Video Editor. Their work reflects an understanding of the art of storytelling, making them an indispensable part of fashion’s creative process.
The Best Local Retail Brand: Bench
Bench has become identical to Filipino fashion, giving both economical and fashionable options while promoting local production. Their global expansion demonstrates the brand’s dedication to introducing Filipino fashion on the international scene.
The Best Fashion House: Rajo Laurel
House of Laurel represents the pinnacle of Filipino fashion, merging Rajo Laurel’s vision with ever-evolving innovation and craftsmanship. The fashion house consistently sets new standards, and transforms with true sincerity, as it becomes a family business.
The Best Global Beauty: Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis has become a global beauty icon, not just for her stunning looks but for her ability to shape beauty standards. She advocates for diversity and inclusivity, redefining what it means to be a global beauty in today’s world.
The winners of the MEGA Fashion Awards 2024 embody this spirit of innovation, creativity, and sheer determination. As we celebrate their successes, we also look forward to the next chapter of their journeys, knowing that they will continue to shape and define the industry for years to come.
To see the other winners of MEGA Fashion Awards 2024, click here.
Featured Image: Photographed by ED SIMON
Photographed by KIM SANTOS and EXCEL PANLAQUE. Art Direction by JONES PALTENG, ANDREW ENCAPAS, and BRIE VENTURA assisted by TROY NONATO.
MEGA Fashion Awards 2024 trophies are courtesy of JOSEPH RASTRULLO and PIRASO
Special thanks to NORDIC SPIRIT, HYUNDAI, YAMAHA MOTOR PHILIPPINES, BYS, GRAB, AVIA FINE JEWELRY, and GLUTALIPO