Seven years after the first MEGA Fashion Awards, the MFA was once again mounted and it remains the biggest one to date. This MFA blitzed its way through the local fashion scene like no other. If the 2001 MFA rocked the boat, the 2008 edition took us all for an ultra-exclusive cruise to the hottest destination. This MFA cemented MEGA’s status as an institution in the scene, as declared by none other than Tim Yap, who not only co-hosted the ceremony alongside Joey Mead King, but also won as Most Fashionable Male Personality.
In just a few short years the Philippine fashion scene skyrocketed to the stars. Fashion shows became the norm, fashion bloggers were on the rise, style was becoming a democracy and Filipinos weren’t just making waves in the global scene, they were creating a brave new world within the country itself. MEGA had also hit its stride, establishing a signature look and then effortlessly doing a complete 180 after it if it felt like it. The publication was creating powerful, unforgettable and thoroughly modern covers and editorials that would inspire generations of creatives after—including the current editorial and digital teams now.
Held at the Intercontinental Hotel, the MEGA Fashion Awards 2008 invite pointedly asked its guests to wear couture—not necessarily a rare request back in the day. Everyone who was there—from the winners to the guests, the performers and presenters and even the ones running it behind the scenes, were boldfaced names. Consider this: apart from Yap and Mead-King, Robby Carmona was running the show; guests included industry stalwarts like Mark Nicdao, Rajo Laurel, Amina Aranaz Alunan; society’s best like Tessa Prieto Valdez, Joanna Preysler, Mario Katigbak and Susan Joven, and showbiz’s top stars such as Anne Curtis, Dingdong Dantes and Iya Villania were all in attendance. Oh, and let’s not forget the all important It Girls: Celine Lopez, Hindy Weber Tantoco and Wendy Puyat were there, proving that it was indeed, the only place to be that night.
This time around, the MEGA Fashion Awards 2008 were chosen a little differently. While it had always been the MEGA team who chose the winners, this time they made things more exciting by opening up the nominations to online polls and in-magazine surveys.
The focus that year was on the current crop of creators—after all, there was no denying that once-small, very exclusive scene was now exploding. New exciting talents were sprouting up left and right, the internet had opened up the Philippines to the world and the world was now a few clicks away for even the most casual fan. Seek and ye shall find.
While people could now hear about it the next day, or indeed, even at the end of the night itself, thanks to conscientious bloggers, the post-event coverage was one of the most hotly awaited sections in the magazine. To make it in its pages was to make it in the scene.
Here are the winners of the 2008 MEGA Fashion Awards:
Best Fashion Designer For Ready To Wear: Louis Claparols
All the beautiful people wore Claparols’ works. Today, the prolific designer works as an instructor at SOFA Design Institute.
Best Fashion Designer For Bridal: Dennis Lustico
Now one of the purveyors of New Mood, Lustico’s neo-romantic creations cemented his stature as a popular women’s and wedding designer.
Best Fashion Designer for Evening Wear: Ivarluski Aseron
Everyone who was anyone turned to Aseron when they wanted something chic and modern for a big night out. His clean lines and focus on fit has kept him a favorite to this day.
Best Fashion Designer for Streetwear: Mich Dulce
Bold and colorful, Dulce was a creative force that kept the often straight-laced industry. Currently, Dulce is based in the UK and was featured in MEGA’s #NewPH list last year for her work in helping produce personal protective gear for COVID-19 frontliners.
Best Fashion Designer for Menswear: Joey Samson
Joey Samson is a luminary in the Philippine fashion scene, continually creating perfectly fitting, discreetly beautiful clothes for many high profile personalities, including MEGA EIC Peewee Reyes-Isidro.
Best Fashion Designer for Couture: Jojie Lloren
A generation knows Lloren for his role as a gentle yet straight-talking judge in many local fashion-centered reality shows. His cleanly constructed creations keep him top of mind for many fashion-minded folks.
Most Promising Young Designer: John Herrera
Years before his romantic creations were featured in Vogue, John Herrera was awarded as the one to watch in the 2008 MEGA Fashion Awards.
Best Local Retailer: Bench
With iconic fashion events and a roster of the country’s top stars, Bench remains a top fashion force in the Philippine industry.
Best International Retailer: Zara
Like the rest of the world, the Philippines fell hard for fast fashion giant Zara. These days it provides much-needed online retail therapy to many fashionistas, thanks to its Zara app.
Runway Model of the Year: Luke Jickain and Ria Bolivar
The local model industry had grown beyond its borders of mostly mestiza beauties from well to do families. The aw-shucks charm of Jickain and Bolivar’s distinct beauty made them favorites among designers young and old.
Best Commercial Models: John Avila and Kelly Misa
The hunky Avila and the lithe, girl next door Misa were the models of the moment—a moment that stretched on for several years.
Most Fashionable Personalities: Tim Yap and Anne Curtis
No doubt that Yap and Curtis remain at the forefront of Philippine fashion, thanks to their love for all things fashion. New mom Curtis has expanded her formidable influence to many businesses, including activewear Recesss and beauty brand Blk. Likewise, Yap has started many businesses in various industries and remains the social arbiter for the local social scene.
Best in Accessories Design: Bea Valdes
The stunning Bea Valdez’s bag designs were picked up by Vogue and numerous international retailers. Her MEGA cover remains a favorite to this day.
Best Fashion Photographer: Sara Black
The fashion photographer was part of an immensely talented generation. Also a new mom, the photographer is also a yoga instructor and advocate for mindful living.
Best Hairstylist: Henri Calayag
Seven years after his win in the 2001 MFA, Calayag was still awarded as the mane man.
Best Makeup Artist: Lala Flores
The statuesque makeup artist is known for her clean, soft approach to beauty. With her roster of faithful celebrity clients, including Angel Locsin, Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo, Flores remains a force in the beauty industry.
