Photo photographer: Filbert Diego Kung
Makeup and Hair by : Joel Vera Sebastian
Styling by Janet Nepales
Janet pays tribute to fashion and designers with a gorgeous compilation of specially picked photos of red-carpet couture as well as her favorite quotes from her various interviews with the fashion designers and Hollywood celebrities she has interviewed in her many years as a Hollywood journalist. Her book is a first of its kind because it is the first time Filipino fashion designers are highlighted on the red carpet and raises awareness to what these designers can contribute on the global fashion stage. It features stunning spreads of fashion, including red carpet photos of top stars and celebrities, mostly taken by Hollywood photographer, Sthanlee B. Mirador. Photos by renowned fashion lensman, Filbert Diego Kung, are also highlighted in the book. “I appreciate the work, the creative genius, the artistry and the labor of love of these fashion designers,” she says.
The book is now available in the Philippines, Asia and the Middle East. Hoping to take her book globally, Janet is taking pre-orders right now for the U.S. and Canada. She is having a book launch on December 3rd in Los Angeles. You may contact Janet directly or pre-order the book on Facebook @FashionFilipinoHollywoodTheWorld. The book is $125 per copy plus $10 for shipping and handling.
FWM: What led you to your career as a journalist?
I was inspired in high school by my Journalism teacher, Lourdes N. Tacorda, when she chose me while I was still a junior to be her editor-in-chief of the school paper, The Capitol. She trained me and I loved it. In fact, I loved it so much that I decided to take Journalism in college when I went to the University of Santo Tomas, where I graduated cum laude from the College of Arts and Letters. It was also in college where I became the editor-in-chief of the college magazine, The Flame, and became the managing editor of the
university paper, The Varsitarian.
FWM: You have won the National Entertainment Journalism Awards, a U.S.- wide competition, and the Southern California Journalism Award. What does it take to be the best in the business?
It takes a lot of hard work, intense focus on your goals, a desire to continually improve oneself, and always trying to compete against oneself and nobody else.
FWM: You have interviewed Fashion Designers and Hollywood Celebrities. Who have you enjoyed the most?
I enjoy interviewing Filipino fashion designers because I learn about their rise, from their humble beginnings in their respective provinces and being where they are today as internationally recognized fashion designers. Among the celebrities, I always enjoyed interviewing the late Robin Williams because he was a one-man show while talking to him. He was super funny and very animated while I interviewed him. I truly miss him as a talent and
as a person.
Meryl Streep is always a joy to interview because she is so down-to-earth and you can see that she is just a normal person who also worries about her daughters, her husband, and her household. And of course, there is George Clooney who talks to you with undivided attention and gives you a very good, no-holds-barred interview.
FWM: You are launching your first coffee table book, a tribute to Filipino and Hollywood Fashion. Why is this so important to you?
It is important to me because this book is the first of its kind that showcases Filipino fashion designers who have made their mark on the international fashion global stage with their unique designs with Philippine influences.
This is my first book, my first coffee table book and I am happy with how it turned out with the amazing photos not only by my colleague and friend, photographer Sthanlee B. Mirador, and his photos on the red carpet but photos as well by fashion photographer Filbert Diego Kung.
My publisher, Bessie Badilla, also helped in deciding what photos to put in the book. I admire her fashion and photo aesthetics since she is also a former supermodel and beauty queen. She has the creative eye when it comes to fashion. She also taught herself how to do the book’s layout and design. I am proud of her work in this coffee table book!
FWM: Give us a glimpse into your book.
The book showcases 15 Filipino fashion designers and their outstanding creations that have been worn on the red carpet in top awards shows like the Golden Globes and Oscars, and in international film festivals like Cannes and Venice. Their creations are also worn by Hollywood A-listers from Lady Gaga to Jennifer Lopez, from Beyonce to Nicki Minaj, among others.
The limited hardbound edition book also highlights my favorite quotes culled from my many years o interviews with the Hollywood stars and their beautiful photos on the red carpet taken by top Los Angeles red carpet photographer, Sthanlee B. Mirador. And additional photos by ace fashion photographer, Filbert Diego Kung.
FWM: Tell us about the Filipino Fashion Designers you chose for your book. Do you have a few favorites?
Bessie Badilla and I chose the 15 Filipino fashion designers showcased in my book based on their creations, the celebrities who have worn them, and the amazing photos that they sent. I trusted Bessie’s fashion sense since she is a supermodel herself.
As for favorites, that is a tough question! All of them have something that I like in terms of style, and it really depends on my mood and what occasion I am attending. Some have creations that are perfect to wear on the red carpet or an awards show, while others have designs that are perfect to bring when I cover international film festivals and events.
The photos are by renowned fashion lensman, Filbert Diego Kung. Tell us about working with Filbert.
I love working with international fashion photographer Filbert Diego Kung because he captures something unique in a person that I do not see in other photographers. When I invited him to cover the Golden Globes, he was able to capture the human side of celebrities behind the scenes and not just the usual holding-the-trophy photos.
As for his fashion photos, they are shot in such an angle that is perfect for a spread. When I had him take my profile photos for the book, I learned how detailed he works – he has specific
instructions on your turning or tilting of your head, twisting your neck, the look you project with your eyes, turning of your body and other very detailed things that other photographers probably would just let go
and click away.
FWM: What excites you the most about your book?
I am excited to share my book with everyone because it is one of a kind, the first of its kind featuring Filipino fashion designers on the red carpet. I am excited to share the amazing photos and my interviews with the fashion designers and the Hollywood A-listers.
I was also the last journalist to interview internationally known Filipino fashion designer Rocky Gathercole who passed away two days after my interview. So, featuring him, his works and quotes is a tribute as well to him. I am proud to have him in my first coffee table book.
FWM: You are having a book launch on December 3rd in Los Angeles. Tell us more.
Yes, I am having a book launch on December 3rd in Los Angeles. My good friend, former Miss Philippines International Lisa Manibog Lew Brennan, who is now a multi-Emmy award winning producer, is helping me organize it together with Las Vegas-based Filipino fashion designer David Tupaz who is also featured in my book.
There will be a mini fashion show of some of the designers featured in my book, with each designer showcasing at least one gown each. There will be a video of some of their runway shows in Los Angeles, Paris, Dubai, Manila and more. It’s going to be an exciting, glamorous book launch with a few surprises!
FWM: Please share your social media.
My professional Facebook page is Janet Rodriguez Nepales. My twitter handle is @jrnepales and my Instagram account is @janetrnepales. For the book, one can go to @fashionfilipinohollywoodtheworld. That’s also where people can send a message to order
copies of the book.
