While many of us are still wearing PJs and pambahay during our 2021 chapter (hello to fellow WFH peeps!) that surely didn’t stop us from talking about style. As we close 2021, we are running down some of our most-read fashion stories, from Filipino designers’ triumphs and international style sightings to scandals and controversies we hope were just left in the closet.
10. Hyun Bin wants you to tell him where he should go when he comes to Manila
Last July, homegrown clothing brand Bench welcomed a new superstar to its growing list of international ambassadors and that is Korean actor Hyun Bin. In this exclusive story, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle editor AA Patawaran got a one-on-one conversation with the “Crash Landing On You” star, from his physical regimen and acting preparation to what he would like to discover in the Philippines.
9. Rabiya Mateo to wear designs by Furne One and Rocky Gathercole at Miss Universe 2020
After not having a Miss Universe competition in the year 2020, Filipino pageant fans were dying to witness then delegate Rabiya Mateo on the stage of the 69th edition of the beauty contest. One of the stories that made the headlines was the announcement of designers creating her evening gowns and national costume, which are Dubai-based designer Furne One and the late Rocky Gathercole, respectively.
8. Byeon Woo-seok is new Global Benchsetter
K-fandom continued with Manila Bulletin’s exclusive story on “Record of Youth” star Byeon Woo-seok becoming a Global Benchsetter. “Woo-Seok has been handpicked to join this list for embodying the healthy and active lifestyle that the Bench Body and Bench Active lines are championing among the youth, but as with every other Globe Benchsetter, he has been chosen for his many other idol-worthy attributes,” editor AA wrote.
7. Harry Brant, son of supermodel Stephanie Seymour, dies at 24
Early in 2021, Harry Brant, the younger son of supermodel Stephanie Seymour and businessman Peter Brant, sadly passed away. In a statement to The New York Times, the family disclosed Harry died of an accidental overdose saying, “his life was cut short by this devastating disease. He was a creative, loving, and powerful soul that brought light into so many people’s hearts. He was truly a beautiful person inside and out.”
6. EXCLUSIVE! Furne One on Rabiya Mateo's Miss Universe gowns: 'Vibrant, energetic, and eclectic'
Furne One chatted with a Manila Bulletin Lifestyle about the pieces he was designing for Miss Universe Philippines 202 Rabiya Mateo. “We all want to showcase how Filipino fashion innovates and advances to global trends,” the designer said. “We are a powerhouse fashion capital, there are so many artists and talented designers in the country that are waiting to be explored and discovered. May this opportunity to showcase my design in the Miss Universe stage also help those who are starting in the fashion industry.”
5. Topshop and Topman to close down all stores in the Philippines
Following the announcement of its US stores closing down and looming bankruptcy reports, Arcadia Group (parent company of Topshop, Topman, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, among others) announced physical stores closure in other countries, the Philippines included.
4. WATCH: Rabiya Mateo goes live, cries after national costume show
There was a lot of drama that unfolded during the course of the Miss Universe 2020 pageant (a bigger one later). Among those is how displeased Filipinos were about Rocky Gathercole’s costume design, which ended up with Rabiya crying during an Instagram live.
3. Miss Universe 2021: Is Francis Libiran designing Beatrice Luigi Gomez’s evening gown?
Beauty contest fans were blessed to witness two Miss Universe pageants this year. Its 70th edition brought another designer-muse story courtesy of international fashion designer Francis Libiran and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez.
2. Hairstylist to the stars Chris Rodil passes away
The fashion and beauty industry lost many beloved brothers and sisters this 2021, one of which is talented celebrity hairstylist, Chris Rodil.
1. Michael Cinco to Miss Universe Canada handlers: 'Next time, don't use Filipino designers'
Top fashion tea of the year goes to this story about the “misunderstanding” between Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco and the team behind Miss Universe Canada 2020 Nova Stevens. Allegations about beauty contestant’s “supposed” evening gown arose after the competition, pushing the designer to release and lengthy post saying, “Next time, don’t use Filipino designers, use designers from your country and represent them on the world stage so you will be happy and not think that we are sabotaging your candidates.”