Meet Bea Valdes, Vogue Philippines' first editor-in-chief
Luxury accessory designer Bea Valdes has been named Vogue Philippines' first editor-in-chief, the publication announced on April 26, five months ahead of its September launch.
The lifestyle and fashion magazine was first announced to be arriving in the Philippines in January under Condé Nast and Mega Global Licensing Inc.
Joining Valdes in the editorial team are Pam Quiñones as fashion director, Trina Epilepsia Boutain as digital editor, and Rhoda Campos-Aldanese as the publisher of the title.
“My vision for Vogue Philippines is to lead the industry with purpose, leaning into our Filipino values of optimism, bayanihan [the spirit of helping others] and empathy through our stories. We celebrate craft and creativity, empowering our community and urging our Filipino culture forward," she said.
Meet Bea
Unlike other Vogue editors-in-chief, Valdes does not come from an editorial or styling background. Her roots are in designing accessories and jewelry inspired by Filipino craft and sustainable fashion. Her works have been featured in international media outfits such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, The New York Times, CNN, Financial Times, and Time.
The Manila-born and raised EIC comes from a family with a long history in fine jewelry that spans three generations. She honed her fascination with embroidery and embellishment from an early age.
Valdes studied creative writing and industrial design at the University of the Philippines and took up interior design at the Inchbald School of Design in London.
In 2010, the creative was recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Individuals and in 2021 was included in the list of Tatler Asia's Most Influential.
"I am humbled to join the pioneering team of Vogue Philippines, the 29th global edition. We hope to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, ideas and innovation and tell our Filipino stories, through the lens of fashion. Vogue is your invitation to be inspired," Valdes wrote on Instagram.