Paris is dubbed the epicenter of fashion. With its reputable image of heritage and elegance and its history with haute couture, being part of Paris Fashion Week is significant for fashion and beauty enthusiasts.
This year, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach set another milestone by becoming the first official representative of L’Oréal Paris Philippines to walk in the Le Défilé “Walk Your Worth” runway show, recently held in the City of Lights.
Le Défilé “Walk Your Worth” is the beauty brand’s annual celebration of empowerment and diversity, featuring a bevy of ambassadors walking the runway to convey messages of self-worth and beauty. Some A-list celebrities and models who walked in this year’s show included Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne.
In March 2024, L’Oréal Paris Philippines welcomed Pia as the face of its skincare line during the launch of its viral “Sayang? No, #ImWorthIt” campaign in line with International Women’s Month. Since then, Pia has become an ambassador for its makeup line in the Philippines and is now the first official representative to be part of the brand’s Paris Fashion Week runway show. In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Pia said that this opportunity is a dream come true.
“Being the first Philippine representative to walk in L’Oréal Paris’ annual Le Défilé ‘Walk Your Worth’ runway show feels like a beautiful culmination of my journey,” she says. “I remember attending the show last year, sitting front row at the Eiffel Tower, completely mesmerized. It was an invitation that came out of the blue, yet it felt so right. The energy was incredible—people from all walks of life coming together, proving that everyone has a place and a story to share. As I sat there, I wished and manifested for the day I could be up on that runway.”
As she walked with some of the brightest names in the fashion and beauty industry that night, Pia was proud to represent the Philippines on such a significant platform.
“The most memorable part of the Le Défilé experience was truly the sense of community and connection that enveloped me throughout the journey,” the “Queen of the Universe” author recalls. “Sharing this milestone with my husband, Jeremy, made it even more special. His unwavering support and encouragement gave me strength as I walked the runway. Representing the Philippines felt like carrying a piece of my home with me, and I could feel the pride of my fellow Filipinos cheering me on from afar.”
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Pia hopes to inspire others not to give up on their dreams, no matter where they come from or how tough life can be, as she too once dreamed of all these things.
“To now have that dream realized is surreal,” she muses. “I hope my journey inspires every Filipino to pursue their dreams, regardless of their age or background. This moment isn’t just for me. It’s a reminder that we all have the power to make our aspirations a reality.”
Meanwhile, L’Oréal Paris Philippines tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle that they are proud to have Pia as the brand’s official representative, as she embodies what the brand stands for.
“The 2024 L’Oréal Paris fashion show marks its seventh show since 2017, and it was the first for the Philippines to send an official representative for the country. Having Pia Wurtzbach grace the L’Oréal Paris Le Défilé runway is a moment of immense pride,” the brand says. “She perfectly embodies the L’Oréal Paris woman—confident, inspiring, and a force for positive change. Her journey, marked by dedication, resilience, and unwavering self-belief, resonates deeply with our brand values.”
Pia is not the only Filipino who walked in that show that night. Stephanie Valentine, a Canadian citizen with Filipino roots known online as Glamzilla, was also part of the show. The two ladies were proud to represent their Filipino heritage on that stage. They even posted a video on social media with the caption “Filipina girls can do it, too.” In 2021, Filipino-American trans woman model, actress, and activist Leyna Bloom also walked in the show. She congratulated Pia and Stephanie for exemplifying the beauty of a Filipina on the international stage.
“It reminded me that opportunities like this should be accessible to all,” Pia says. “Being part of the L’Oréal Paris family reinforced the idea that beauty is not just about appearances. It’s about embracing our unique stories and supporting each other in our journeys. That sense of belonging—that we are all worth it—combined with the thrill of the runway, created an unforgettable experience that will always hold a special place in my heart.”