Donning the Louis Vuitton Women’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection, these Filipina models are making power moves in fashion by being unapologetically themselves.
09.15.2024 by Pola Beronilla
Teodora Cordial, 26
@teodoracordial
Ruffle trim a-line knit dress, LOUIS VUITTON
Teodora Cordial, a full-time model, German teacher, and a loving mother to a toddler, is gracing the modeling industry with her stunning, curvy silhouette and genuine passion for empowering others. Wearing a flamboyant fur coat and body-hugging innerwear that follows her voluptuous figure, her movement goes beyond the flashes of the camera as she’s not only set on paving the way for more curvy models in the country but also advocating for mothers.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue modeling?
I moved to the Norges six years ago, and others have told me that I should try modeling, but I’ve not seen many curvy models here. It did feel like something I could pursue, so I wanted to be that representation.
How do you psych yourself before a runway show or photo shoot? What goes through your mind?
I try to channel my inner goddess and try to radiate the confidence that I feel from the inside to the outside, so others can feel that too.
Do you see yourself using modeling to reshape how people see what a “mom bod” is?
I think we need to normalize mom bods rather than hiding them. It would invite more women to celebrate their bodies and not limit themselves.
Has motherhood changed your perspective on life and modeling career?
Yes, because I now move with way more purpose than I used to. It changed something inside of me that I want to be more purposeful in my work, and also represent women postpartum.
While the conventional standards of beauty still linger, the conversations around it have shifted. How do you feel about the world valuing uniqueness and individuality more nowadays?
We are on the right track here in the Norge fashion industry because we are finally normalizing more body types and women in different stages of life. I am so honored and proud to be part of that movement.
What trends are you currently obsessed with?
I love kitten heels and low-waisted jeans right now.
Social media has been a good source of keeping up with trends. What does your Instagram explore feed look like right now?
It’s mostly about girly things, makeup, fashion—womanhood!
Can you share your beauty ritual?
I shower [laughs]. I love working out, it makes me feel good inside and reflects outside. I also love to wear perfume, when I smell good, I feel good.
Lastly, what does it mean to be a muse?
Someone who is unapologetically inspiring others by celebrating herself in her indifferences.
Chrysler Logica, 17
@lerrrryyyyyy
Knit & Resillé square beanie and technical gabardine wrap blazer, LOUIS VUITTON
Starting a modeling career at 15 years young is no easy feat, but for Chrysler Logica, it’s fate. Glowing with a slender build and radiant complexion, Chrysler exudes opulence with every gaze, mirroring the collection’s metallic garments and structured pieces. Despite being the youngest in the group, she harnesses a commanding presence with poise as she’s driven to find her place in the industry.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue modeling?
As a kid, I loved playing fashion games, and even up to now, I still play Dress to Impress on Roblox [laughs]. But I used to get bullied for being skinny and tall, and I somehow found modeling as an answer to what people felt were my flaws.
How do you psych yourself before a runway show or photo shoot? What goes through your mind?
I get very nervous and a lot of thoughts go through my mind, but I just really have to silence those voices and let my confidence come through.
You got signed under management in 2022, which makes you 15 at that time. How did that make you feel?
I felt overwhelmed because I knew nothing about the industry, like I didn’t know about the polaroids and stuff like that. Seeing the process on TikTok, I thought it was something I could easily do, but it turned out to be harder than I imagined [laughs]. But I’m learning and moving forward.
Being so young, do you feel intimidated? How do you deal with the pressure?
I always think that the other models have so many experiences already, meanwhile, I’m still getting my footing in the industry. I find it difficult to level with them, but I just try to work harder. I just think about my ultimate goal of buying a house someday. I grew up living in our aunt’s house, and I want to give my parents their own place, as I find my own place in this industry.
While the conventional standards of beauty still linger, the conversations around it have shifted. How do you feel about the world valuing uniqueness and individuality more nowadays?
It feels nice knowing that more people like me, who are non-caucasian looking with morena skin, are given more chances. It’s an encouraging experience.
What trends are you currently obsessed with?
I like anything that screams classy but edgy.
Social media has been a good source of keeping up with trends. What does your Instagram explore feed look like right now?
A lot of models that I love like Bella Hadid or Yasmin Wijnaldum.
Can you share your beauty ritual?
I’m still getting used to this, so just the basics right now, like facial wash, toners, and also putting Vaseline on my eyelashes because that’s what I’ve seen on others.
Lastly, what does it mean to be a muse?
To have the right attitude—someone who’s very respectful and grateful.
Queenie Salmon, 26
@queenietaooo
Tweed blazer, tweed crop top, tweed pencil skirt, GO-14 PM, and Westside flat high boot, LOUIS VUITTON Head mask, WILLAR MATTEO
A former collegiate volleyball player turned full-time fashion model, Queenie Salmon is fast becoming a top contender in the modeling industry. Ever appreciative of her roots, her rich morena complexion glows in every frame, which can be seen in the L’Officiel photo shoot where she wears a golden blazer and skirt combo from the Louis Vuitton Women’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection. Through her work, she sheds light on her cultural heritage and inspires others to embrace their unique identities.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue modeling?
Deciding to go full-time as a model happened during my senior year in college. At that time, I was still playing volleyball for my school, but I realized I wasn’t a formidable player in my sport, so I wanted to do something that I was passionate about.
How do you psych yourself before a runway show or photo shoot? What goes through your mind?
Before walking a runway, I research the designer. I also look into the models that I work with. Then of course, I have to know what kind of clothes I’m wearing, so I study a lot. I also do my practice walks during my vacant days—it’s really important that we models practice our craft beyond the camera.
While the conventional standards of beauty still linger, the conversations around it have shifted. How do you feel about the world valuing uniqueness and individuality more nowadays?
It’s really good that the industry has been progressing from its beauty standards to being one that’s inclusive and open. There’s a message being portrayed that the fashion industry isn’t just about being tall and skinny, but more of inclusivity and positivity. There’s a community that empowers everybody.
We’ve all got insecurities—how do you channel self-doubt into your strengths?
I do have a lot of insecurities, starting with my height—I’m really tall. But I feel like it’s also an advantage, so modeling helped me love my height.
How does it feel to be morena in today’s industry?
Being a morena in today’s industry is a blessing. When I was starting modeling, all the clients and castings that I went to would always be looking for caucasian models. Finally, people have started to appreciate the beauty of having brown skin. It’s more than just an appreciation of brown-skinned models, but an appreciation of our own identity as Filipinos.
What trends are you currently obsessed with?
I’m not on social media that much, so I don’t really follow trends a lot. My personal style is more of a capsule wardrobe. I wear anything that I want, anything that I feel comfortable in. I just follow my own style.
Social media has been a good source of keeping up with trends. What does your Instagram explore feed look like right now?
It’s more of cats, honestly [laughs]. I don’t have one yet, but I want to have one in the future.
Can you share your beauty ritual?
When it comes to the products I use, I always avoid using whitening products. I keep my skin moisturized and hydrated. I always try to drink water every day and keep a good energy. It’s not just about what you feed your body, but also what you feed your mind.
Lastly, what does it mean to be a muse?
It’s a privilege. Everybody wants to be a muse, but not everybody can be a muse. It takes someone else’s recognition for you to be a muse, you just claim it yourself. It also takes a lot of responsibility, you have to be mindful of how you project yourself. The most important thing is to be authentic because that’s what people most resonate with.
Ashanti Beltran, 17
@xhntee
3D pocket long technical parka, LOUIS VUITTON
Ashanti Beltran exudes a refined poise as she fronts the camera in fabrics that emphasize her statuesque frame, despite starting her modeling career just three months before the shoot. As she begins to carve out her career, Ashanti is quickly establishing herself as a dynamic force. Executing a sequence of bold poses for the camera, she embraces her imperfections and moves with a purpose for us to see the big picture.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue modeling?
I started modeling because my friend pushed me to model, telling me I had the face and body for it. But I only realized that I really wanted to pursue it when I started working. There were important people in my life who body-shamed me, so when I managed to do my first job, I felt vindicated.
How does it feel to pose for covers at 18 years old?
At first, I could not believe it. I thought they were joking! Cover? For L’Officiel? I didn’t think it would be for me. It’s super unbelievable, especially three months into my career.
How do you psych yourself before a runway show or photo shoot? What goes through your mind?
I just whisper to myself, “I hope I can make it. I can do this. I’m Ashanti!”
Having started only three months ago, do you feel the weight of having a career this young?
I don’t mind it as long as I’m happy. My only mindset is to continue and do it.
While the conventional standards of beauty still linger, the conversations around it have shifted. How do you feel about the world valuing uniqueness and individuality more nowadays?
Surprised, because those were my insecurities. Until now, I find it hard to believe that my face is beautiful, and my body is beautiful. I’m shocked that what I thought was ugly—they find beauty in it.
What trends are you currently obsessed with?
Big pants, small tops.
Social media has been a good source of keeping up with trends. What does your Instagram explore feed look like right now?
Right now, just other models, castings, and photo shoots. Also, memes!
Can you share your beauty ritual?
I use Paula’s Choice, CeraVe, and an essential oil to remove the makeup and dirt from my face.
Lastly, what does it mean to be a muse?
It’s about having versatility, discipline, and endurance. It requires the ability to convey emotions. You also need to adapt yourself to different shoots. It feels like being a character in different stories.
Justine Llarena, 27
@justinepllarena
Turtleneck pullover, peplum dress, Slim Trunk, LV Archlight 2.0 platform ankle boot, LOUIS VUITTON
Full-time model and content creator Justine Llarena is gifted with a sleek frame that creates a perfect canvas for sophisticated garments. These qualities manifest as she’s dressed in a monogram pleat from the Louis Vuitton Women’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection. She admits it’s her favorite, “I love them because they’re very architectural, and I love wearing sculptural pieces because I have a strong look and it supports it.” But beyond the clothes, Justine strikes poses with intent, aspiring to use her platform to be a role model to younger trans women in the industry. Making a significant impact by celebrating and normalizing gender diversity, she brings a powerful, fresh perspective to fashion.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue modeling?
In college, I wanted to pursue fashion design, but for some reason, the universe always led me to modeling. My upper batchmates would get me as a model, and when they were dressing me up, I felt this sense of empowerment.
How do you psych yourself before a runway show or photo shoot? What goes through your mind?
I’ve been doing it for five years now, and as much as possible I like to empty my mind because I’m a chronic overthinker [laughs].
Do you feel comfortable using your platform to become a role model for younger trans women who want to join the modeling industry?
Absolutely. Growing up, I didn’t have any trans representation I could look up to. I only knew about being trans in my senior year in college. Imagine the body dysphoria I felt. I had to deal with a lot of self-hate. So when I finally met some trans friends, I felt grateful to have met them because I wouldn’t still be here if it weren’t for them. I want to be there for them too.
Has transitioning changed your perspective on life and priorities?
It allowed me to love myself even further. When I see myself growing into the woman that I am, there’s a sense of enlightenment. Like I’m more loving towards other people. Estrogen, for some weird reason, makes me calm. I’m not the angry person I was before.
While the conventional standards of beauty still linger, the conversations around it have shifted. How do you feel about the world valuing uniqueness and individuality more nowadays?
Honestly, I feel empowered and feel so happy about that change. Now that we’re embracing it instead of hiding it, a lot of people get empowered too. They don’t need to change to fit a specific project or person.
What trends are you currently obsessed with?
I love bubble skirts, I swear. Skirts and boots have always been my style, but I love the voluminous bubble skirt because it balances out my broad shoulders.
Social media has been a good source of keeping up with trends. What does your Instagram explore feed look like right now?
Oh, it’s like a mixture of quotes, fashion, and lifestyle photos.
Can you share your beauty ritual?
Sunscreen everyday. Stay hydrated. You really need to double cleanse, so your skin is healthy and supple, especially with this job, [you have to deal] with layers and layers of makeup.
Lastly, what does it mean to be a muse?
Of course, you need to have good morals. For example, you’re going to be the image of the brand—your actions should align with the brand. I know nobody’s perfect, but you need to have those characteristics to represent it.
PHOTOGRAPHY BJ Pascual
CREATIVE DIRECTION Loris Peña
STYLING Yanna Lopez
PRODUCERS Loris Peña, Yanna Lopez, Knelle Rosario
MAKEUP (FOR TEO AND QUEENIE) Thazzia Falek, (FOR CHRYSLER, ASHANTI AND JUSTINE) Don De Jesus
HAIR (FOR TEO AND QUEENIE) Dale Mallari, (FOR CHRYSLER, ASHANTI, AND JUSTINE) Mong Amado
PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Justine Arcega Bumanlag
ASSISTANT PRODUCTION DESIGNER: Gabrielle Mantala
VIDEO DIRECTOR: MV Isip
VIDEO ASSISTANT: Denzel Joaquino
STYLING ASSISTANT: Tere Gabat
MAKEUP ASSISTANT: George Flores & Sky Daggi
PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANTS: Ruel Estrellis, Richard Detita, John Paul dela Cruz, Abel Santos, Iggy Estacio, and Jilmer Carlos
SETMEN: Jan Abal, John Amon, Jonel Navarro, Mario Taipen, Olderico Bondoc, Jr, Nick Narte
SPECIAL THANKS TO Luminary Models and The Audacity
