Uniqlo local celebrity partner Jasmine Curtis-Smith wears the Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirt layered over a Linen Blend Camisole Dress. Photographed by Excel Panlaque
At the Vogue Dinner with UNIQLO, linen became a point of thoughtful exploration, with a parley on how comfort, effortless style, and mindful living intersect in modern style.
Is linen best suited for laidback weekends or refined occasions? According to Vogue Philippines fashion director Pam Quiñones and UNIQLO local celebrity partner Jasmine Curtis-Smith, its appeal lies in versatility. “[It’s] a passport to different moods,” says Quiñones, capturing the dinner’s atmosphere. “It has the ease of a coastal escape but also the confidence of a tailored ensemble.”
Held at Manila House, Vogue Philippines hosted an intimate dinner with UNIQLO to celebrate the launch of the brand’s 2025 Spring/Summer Linen Collection, aptly themed “Linen That Flows With You.” Guests, including Nadine Lustre, Christophe Bariou, Kyline Alcantara, Kobe Paras, Josh Boutwood, Abi Marquez, and Winnie Wong, explored the collection firsthand, viewing styled vignettes created by fashion editor David Milan.
The mannequins were dressed in key pieces from the collection highlighting three distinct textile variations: Premium Linen, made of 100 percent European Linen Flax; Linen Blend, a hybrid of linen and rayon; and Cotton Linen. Each ensemble featured softly draped silhouettes, offering a visual narrative of the textile’s adaptable character, especially relevant for climates like the Philippines.
A key moment of the evening was “The Premium Linen Standard, A Vogue Conversation with UNIQLO” a fireside chat led by associate fashion features editor Ticia Almazan, featuring Quiñones, Curtis-Smith, and UNIQLO’s Head of PR and Sustainability Reiny Vergara.
For Curtis-Smith, who moves between work and travel, dressing with ease is essential. “[It] works anywhere. It’s breathable, easy to pack, and always looks good.” The actress shares how she values streamlining her wardrobe, favoring simplicity or layering for different settings.
Quiñones, who shared her intentional approach to fashion, reflected on how her style has evolved from accumulation to curation. “True style is about conscious selection. You know, pieces that are timeless, hardworking, and deeply personal.”
The panel also explored its signature creases or the “kusot” look and how they embraced its effortless, lived-in charm. Vergara noted that the fabric’s natural texture is part of its appeal, particularly with UNIQLO’s naturally sourced textile: “Unlike other fabrics that require constant upkeep, linen embraces movement, evolving with the way you wear it.”
Quiñones drew a parallel between fashion and beauty, saying, “I think that’s also how Vogue views it: celebrating natural beauty. The idea that there’s elegance in simplicity and authenticity. Linen just works the same way.”
Beyond its style and functionality, Vergara brought the discussion back to craftsmanship and conscious consumption, sharing, “Beyond style and function, linen is also a sustainable choice.” Vergara explained that Premium Linen shirts are made from flax certified by the independent European Flax™ certification body, ensuring quality and traceability.
She adds: “An important part of the UNIQLO LifeWear philosophy is the production of responsibly sourced, environment-friendly pieces. When we make our Premium Linen, we ensure a meticulous level of quality control and a thoughtful manufacturing process.”
Vergara also expounded on how the lifestyle brand’s European Flax is primarily rain-fed except in special cases, uses fertilizers and pesticides responsibly through rotational cropping, and utilizes all parts of the plant to reduce waste.
Another facet that gave insight into how holistic the natural fabric was Quiñones sharing its deeper significance, referencing its ancient significance and natural energy properties. “Linen isn’t just good for the planet, it’s also good for you.” She also cited studies that link the natural fabric’s molecular vibrations to well-being where linen’s molecular structure vibrates at 5000MHz, while the human body vibrates at around 100MHz.”
With a history spanning over 10,000 years, the fashion director shares how linen serves as a bridge between past and present, rooted in ancient wisdom yet suited for modern life.
For more information, visit UNIQLO’s official website.
