For MEGA’s March 2024 issue, 9 designers lend a hand in a cross-cultural fashion lookbook for Michelle Dee and Anntonia Porsild that makes the power female as empowered as ever
MEGA Magazine’s March 2024 cover stars, the unstoppable duo of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee and Miss Universe Thailand 2023 Anntonia Porsild, are turning up the heat on the pages with ensembles so searing, they might just cause a sizzle. It’s all happening just in time for the scorching start of summer—and it is hot. This scintillating theme is a celebration of the “Power Female”, lighting the way for Women’s History Month. What better way to celebrate than with a display dipped in gold and empowerment by Filipino talent?
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Glademir Echavarre
Glademir Echavarre drew inspiration from the cultures of Filipino and Thai to craft these mesmerizing golden plates. Guided by the concept of unity and harmony, Echavarre’s designs paid homage to both nations’ heritage with meticulous attention to detail. The looks symbolize prosperity and opulence, embracing the resplendent hues of gold.
For Michelle Dee’s ensemble, Echavarre took inspiration from the revered sarimanok, infusing the garment with intricate patterns reminiscent of the mythical bird’s majestic wings. An ode to the Philippines’ natural splendor, luminescent Kabibe pearls adorned the attire.
In tribute to Thailand’s esteemed Queen Sirikit, Anntonia Porsild’s ensemble echoed the graceful wings of birds, symbolizing ethereal beauty and reverence. Embellished with avian motifs and fluid lines, the ensemble seeped regal sensuality, while the same Kabibe pearls shimmered like stars against the fabric, celebrating the shared heritage of both nations.
Job Dacon
Job Dacon ingeniously crafted a printed bodysuit inspired by classical frescoes, reminiscent of ancient artistry. Serendipitous in its conception, the bodysuit transformed cathedral ceilings into wearable art, marrying architectural grandeur with shapewear finesse. The complex patterns and motifs captured classical artistry that elevates the bodysuit to magnificence.
Jaz Cerezo
Jaz Cerezo‘s swimsuit designs took inspiration from Shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage, and Madame Grès’ draping technique. Featuring high-cut tangas with low-cut necklines, the swimsuits exuded sensuality. Lurex fabric in gold and silver shimmered under the sun, while hand-braided crystallized serpents added mystique.
Leo Almodal
Leo Almodal‘s vision came to life in Michelle Dee’s sarimanok-inspired gown and Anntonia Porsild’s Queen Sirikit-inspired creation. Dee’s gown captured the mythical bird with its bountiful details and deep colors, while Porsild’s gown exuded regality, paying tribute to Thailand’s beloved queen mother. Each gown was a testament to Almodal’s craftsmanship, as it showcased the beauty of Filipino and Thai culture.
Carl Arcusa
Drawing inspiration from his previous collection, “Sa Kubo Ni Nanay Zeny”, Carl Arcusa looks to The Golden Tara and Bahay Kubo. Meticulously hand-sewn and crafted with care, these swimsuits feature local materials such as jute string, abaca fibers, Palawan barkcloth, and dyed abaca cloth. From the textiles themselves, each piece carries with them the symbol of local pride.
Louis Claparols
Louis Claparols brought Filipino heritage to the forefront with his patadyong-inspired creations. Using the traditional weave from Western Visayas, Claparols transformed the fabric into high-fashion attire fit for a queen. Dee and Porsild beamed in Claparols’ designs, proving that Filipino ingenuity has a place on the global stage.
Russell Villafuerte
Russell Villafuerte‘s innovative contribution takes the form of an Elizabethan-inspired bodysuit adorned with intricately beaded jewelry. Drawing inspiration from the opulence and grandeur of the 16th century, Villafuerte’s design reimagines a knight’s armor as a wearable masterpiece.
Fatima Beltran
Celebrating cultural exchange between the Philippines and Thailand, Fatima Beltran‘s swimwear couture collection features warrior women adorned in radiant gold hues, evoking gladiatorial prowess. Beltran channels Filipino heritage with rounded Filipiniana shoulders for Dee and channels the dignity of Queen Sirikit of Thailand for Porsild. Exquisite details of metal-plated Buddha head beads heighten the look, handcrafted with care and precision by Beltran’s talented team.
Samantha Martin
Rooted in her college thesis days at the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and released to the public during the Sinulid 2024 event, Samantha Martin‘s collection is inspired by the cleaning tools of the Philippines, the Walis Tambo and Tingting, where she pays tribute to the utility of these everyday objects. One particular piece from the “SaYsa” collection, which Michelle Dee wore, encapsulates Martin’s vision and dedication to her craft. The garment, inspired by the stiffness of the Walis Tambo stick, features braided manipulations that echo the weave lock design of the traditional tool.
MEGA Magazine’s March 2024 cover shoot was a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the enduring beauty of Filipino and Thai cultures. Through the visionary designs of Glademir Echavarre, Job Dacon, Jaz Cerezo, Leo Almodal, Carl Arcusa, Louis Claparols, Fatima Beltran, Russell Villafuerte, and Samantha Martin, pageantry giants Michelle Dee and Anntonia Porsild shone brightly as symbols of unity, embodying the spirit of empowered women.
Read more about how Michelle Dee and Anntonia Porsild built a genuine friendship in MEGA’s March 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Creative Direction PATRICK TY. Styling RYUJI SHIOMITSU. Beauty Direction AGOO AZCUNA-BENGZON. Art Direction BRIE VENTURA. Production JONES PALTENG. Sittings Editor PEEWEE REYES-ISIDRO. Makeup DAVE QUIAMBAO (Michelle) and GERY PENASO (Anntonia). Hair JECK AGUILAR (Michelle) and NELLY SEBOY (Anntonia). Nails EXTRAORDINAIL. Fashion Assistants BITHIA REYES, KURT ABONAL, and SHAIRA ABRAHAM. Photography Assistants MARK CATUNGA and BYRON DE GUZMAN. Hair Assistant ROMMEL HERMOSO. Shot on Location at NOBU HOTEL, CITY OF DREAMS MANILA. Special thanks to ROMINA GERVACIO of CITY OF DREAMS MANILA, CAPT. STANLEY NG and ALVIN MIRANDA of PHILIPPINE AIRLINES, JOSE GUILAS and JOY ANDRADE of HILTON HOTEL NEWPORT MANILA, MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES, and TPN GLOBAL
