The Waldorf Astoria — one of New York City’s, and possibly the world’s, most iconic hotels — is set to close indefinitely this year. It has housed celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra, royalty, and of course, our favorite ‘queen.’
In 2016, almost exactly a year ago to this date, PeopleAsia carved its very own place in the hotel’s 86 year long history when it shot Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach at the hotel’s famed Royal Suite on the 42nd floor a mere few days after she was crowned queen.
It was the beauty queen’s first ever photoshoot with a Philippine glossy magazine. PeopleAsia became the first ever magazine to feature Pia on its cover.
It took Pia three tries to get to where she is, joining Binibining Pilipinas for the first time in 2013, a second time in 2014 and finally making it in 2015.
“If it’s your destiny, it’s your destiny,” says this Filipino-German born beauty.
Take a look back at Pia’s stunning photos featured in PeopleAsia’s historical February – March 2016 issue in this gallery.
(Photography by FILBERT KUNG | Styling by VINCENT DABAO | Associate styling by ABBY EUSEBIO and TONETTE DABAO | Hair and makeup by MALEYNA LOMIBAO | Production coordinator: JOBERT OPULENCIA | Sittings editor: MONICA ARANETA TIOSEJO | Shot on location at the TOWERS of the WALDORF ASTORIA, NEW YORK | Special thanks to IMELDA ALVISO JONES, MARTIN LIMCHAYSENG and ERIC PE BENITO)
(Gown by JOSIE NATORI from her S/S 2016 collection | Jewelry from GIVENCHY)
(Gown by JOSIE NATORI from her S/S 2016 collection | Jewelry by KENNETH JAY LANE | Shoes from JANILYN)
(Gown by JOSIE NATORI from her S/S 2016 collection | Jewelry from GIVENCHY)
(Gown by JOSIE NATORI from her S/S 2016 collection | Jewelry from BEATRIZ ACCESSORIES)
(Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach for PeopleAsia)
