It’s been a year since Carolina Herrera opened its first boutique in the Philippines. To officially celebrate it, the brand decided to put the spotlight on Filipino tastemakers in the fields of design, culinary and performing arts, to name a few, whose eye for detail and love for all things creative and sophisticated are unparalleled.
These discerning Filipinos were honored recently in the “CH Carolina Herrera Insignia Exhibition” at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater—a visual project where the emphasis lies on identity, celebrating diversity as well as authenticity, while incorporating the unique essence of the House of Herrera.
But what is Insignia?
According to Oxford, it is a distinguishing badge or emblem of military rank, office, or membership to an organization. But for Carolina Herrera, insignia is what defines you—whether it’s a fragrance you’ve been using for years or a certain accessory you never leave home without. In a sea of ever-changing trends and fads, your insignia is what keeps you rooted.
The Insignia collection is about revisiting your wardrobe staples—the items that have crafted your style and shaped how you present yourself to the world—while discovering new pieces to compliment your existing look. For Carolina Herrera, it’s always been a crisp white shirt: classy, timeless and extremely versatile.
The CH Carolina Herrera Insignia Exhibition is unified by the White Shirt, one of the brand’s most recognized collections, and styled with pieces from the Insignia Collection, highlighting the distinctive features of the pieces themselves.
“We wanted to be able to really transform, evolve and move the white shirt to a different level,” says Pam Quinones, who, as creative director of the Insignia-related exhibit’s photo shoot, oversaw the entire special project.
Here are some of the portraits of the participants shot by Artu Nepomuceno, and featured recently at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater:
Heart Evangelista has grown up under the public eye, from a wide-eyed ingénue to one of the most sophisticated Filipino women today. Despite getting her start in show business, this celebrity wants to be known for her paintings. “The paintings can live forever,” Heart says, her eyes brightening while talking about her artworks.
Kenneth Cobonpue is as unassuming as they come. A renowned furniture designer both at home and abroad, his quiet demeanor belies his keen insight and passion for all things design. He defines his work as “timeless and meaningful.” His admirers appreciate his craftsmanship, which lends each of his piece its own voice.
Lovi Poe has graced billboards aplenty with her stunning looks and the ability to be both soft and sultry at the same time. The actress-slash-model-slash-singer has broken away from her famous family’s shadow and carved her own trail, becoming a tastemaker in her own right. “Being your authentic self is the most important thing,” she says when asked about what her trademark is.
Mari Jasmine is an internet darling known for her stylish snaps as well as her keen interest in advocating love of self and nature. She’s well aware of the cultural reach she has and wants to use it as a platform to help others. What kind of mark would she want to leave? Mari is quick to answer, “one that inspires people to live their best lives—whatever that may mean to them.”
The creative direction of Pam Quiñones behind the photo exhibit is a testament to just how influential she is even when the spotlight isn’t on her. A former fashion editor, she has become one of the most celebrated stylists in the metro. “I’m not conscious of the legacy I want to leave,” she admits, “but in the daily work we do for Qurator Studio, we always focus on just being the best styling studio there is.”
Sam Lee first appeared in our radar with her highly acclaimed film Baka Bukas. “What I really love about Carolina Herrera is that she makes women look and feel good in not necessarily overtly girly things,” the director says. Much like the designer, her work is all about reconfiguring how women are portrayed in media, encouraging them to embrace their strength, and creating a new brand of classic.
How about you? What’s your insignia?
Carolina Herrera is located at Greenbelt 5, Legazpi Street, Makati City.
