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The Philippine fashion industry is entering a new chapter, and leading the movement are two fresh faces redefining what it means to represent Filipino beauty on the global stage.
Crowned as the grand winners of Elite Model Look Philippines 2025, Gelo Rivero and Lake Trystynne Cabrias are set to represent the country at the 41st Elite Model Look World Final in Rome, Italy, culminating in the official runway show on July 17. Their journey marks not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for Philippine modeling as a new generation steps confidently into the international spotlight.
New Era
Widely recognized as the world's most prestigious modeling competition, Elite Model Look has launched the careers of legendary supermodels including Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. In the Philippines, the competition has found renewed energy under Monarq Agency, whose vision extends beyond discovering beautiful faces—it seeks talents with genuine international potential.
Last year, they gathered aspiring models from across the country through nationwide castings and portfolio submissions before narrowing the search to an elite group of finalists. They underwent an intensive bootcamp focused on runway mastery, styling, personal branding, and professional development, preparing them for the realities of the global fashion industry.
Held at Bigger Pictures in Mandaluyong City and co-presented by Strokes Beauty Lab, the grand finale celebrated a new generation of Filipino models ready to compete on the world stage.
Among them, two names stood out.
Lake Cabrias: The New Face of Filipina Modeling
At only 19 years old, Lake Trystynne Cabrias represents a refreshing shift in today's fashion landscape.
Her beauty doesn't demand attention—it naturally commands it. With an understated confidence and remarkable instinct in front of the camera, Lake embodies the kind of elegance that international fashion increasingly celebrates: authentic and deeply expressive.
Her victory at Elite Model Look Philippines was further elevated when she earned the title of Face of Strokes Cosmetics, recognizing her strong commercial appeal alongside her editorial potential.
Gelo Rivero: From Basketball Courts to International Runways
Before fashion found him, Gelo Rivero spent years competing on basketball courts. His transition from basketball to modeling demonstrates how talent often emerges from unexpected places.
That athletic discipline remains evident today—not through sports, but through movement. Every pose reflects balance, precision, and awareness developed through years of competitive training.
Gelo became the first Filipino male model ever selected to represent the Philippines at the Elite Model Look World Final, opening doors for future generations of Filipino men pursuing international fashion careers.
Proud Moreno. Proud Morena.
Gelo and Lake embody the richness of Filipino features—warm brown skin, distinct character, and an authenticity that no trend can manufacture.
For years, global fashion has increasingly embraced individuality over uniformity, creating space for talents who proudly wear their heritage rather than conceal it. Gelo and Lake arrive at precisely the right moment, carrying with them the beauty of the Filipino moreno and morena identity.
Their success reflects a growing confidence within the local industry: Filipino beauty no longer seeks validation by imitating global standards—it contributes to defining them.
When In Rome
Following their national victory, Gelo and Lake traveled to Rome to join 50 finalists from around the world for the 41st Elite Model Look World Final.
The international program begins with a four-day model bootcamp, where participants train alongside Elite's global creative network before presenting themselves during the official runway showcase on July 17.
Throughout their preparation, the Philippine representatives have been guided by National Director Boggy Diaz, Producer Anton Patdu, and Social Media Director Timothy Duenas, whose collective mentorship has helped shape the country's newest international modeling ambassadors.
Regardless of the final results, Gelo Rivero and Lake Cabrias have already achieved something significant. They represent a new generation of Filipino models—fearless yet grounded, modern yet authentic, and proudly Filipino.
Photography: Timothy Duenas
Art direction and Styling: Anton Patdu
Hair and Makeup: Boggy Diaz
Ensembles: Chris Diaz and Rajo Laurel
