Kendall Jenner. Photo courtesy of L’Oréal.
This year, Jenner and Wurtzbach return for the eighth run of L’Oréal Paris for Le Défilé runway show, bringing together beauty, fashion, and feminism
“I mean, I think I have lots of experience in sisterhood,” says Kendall Jenner, in an exclusive interview with Vogue Philippines, hours before she walked for L’Oréal Paris Le Défilé’s eight runway show. Set at the Hôtel de Ville, the 29-year-old joined women from different backgrounds assembled for a night celebrating liberty, equality, and sisterhood.
On the theme of the show, Jenner, now on her third show with the global beauty brand, reflects on how sororité resonates with her: “Some of them are women I’ve looked up to for a long time, and everyone’s so inspiring. To be at the show and kind of reconvene once a year, it’s really fun.”
This year’s cast features ambassadors from across the world, including Jenner, Andie MacDowell, Eva Longoria, Aja Naomi King, Viola Davis, and, representing the Philippines, Vogue Philippines August 2024 cover star Pia Wurtzbach.
Beyond the runway, the brand ambassadors also talked about their relationship with L’Oréal Paris through campaigns that center on authenticity and self-expression. Since becoming a global ambassador in 2023, Jenner has been a part of initiatives spotlighting the Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara and Infallible Matte Resistance Lipstick and Fresh Wear Foundation, projects that echo the brand’s “I’m Worth It” message.
“I remember my first shoot. My first couple of days with them, we shot here in Paris and we shot the Panorama [Mascara] commercial,” recalls Jenner. “That was just kind of like really solidifying of, like, what our life together would be. It was a really good start.”
For this year’s Le Défilé, Jenner approaches the experience with grounded preparation by getting enough sleep and focusing on well-being. “I think a big thing I’ve been doing, especially in the last year or two, is, like, re-falling in love with myself,” says the model. “I like self-talk and I like talking to myself and reminding myself that I’m only human and that I’m just having a human experience and I’m doing my best.”
Meanwhile, Wurtzbach views the show through the lens of representation. “You know, I’m so excited that even after all these years, I get to say that I’m representing the Philippines at something,” she says of her second runway show with L’Oréal Paris. “To be one of the ambassadors from the Philippines to walk the show that’s gonna be seen everywhere in the world, ang saya.” [So fun.]
Since coming on board as a Philippine ambassador, the fashion content creator recalls how the “Sayang Ka” campaign, a localized take on the brand’s mantra, was one of her memorable moments with L’Oréal Paris.
According to the 36-year-old, the short film, which explores self-worth and empowerment,struck a chord with Filipino audiences. “Everybody has their story of, like, ‘sayang ka.’ Sayang ka because of this, sayang ka because of that. And now we’re breaking that, you know, that negative self-talk and saying, ‘You know what? No, I’m worth it! I deserve to be here and I deserve my spot here.’” [Everybody has their story of being told, ‘you’re a waste of potential.’]
Wurtzbach remains hopeful that more Filipinos will join future editions of Le Défilé, “Maybe I’m not gonna be the only Filipina at the show next time. Maybe there will be more of us. It’s a sign that the world sees us and we deserve a spot.”
For more information, visit L’Oréal Paris Philippines’ official website.
