The Preview September 2024 cover was nine months in the making. Yes, you read that right.
As early as January, the team was already conceptualizing the shoot, leaving no detail unturned. "The September cover was supposed to be revealed at the Preview Ball, so the goal was for everything to be cohesive—the ball's theme, dress code, the styling, the concept of the cover," Preview Editor-in-Chief Marj Remos-Clemente shares in a special episode of The Making Of.
With authenticity as the theme, choosing a cover star for fashion month was surprisingly easy. "We just knew that it had to be Kathryn Bernardo. It was a no-brainer," Marj recounts. "She's always been the muse of her own masterpiece. She's always been in control of her narrative and that's why the concept really resonates with her."
LOOK: Behind-the-Scenes of Kathryn Bernardo's Preview September 2024 Cover
"The cover is set in a figure drawing class with Kathryn as both the muse and the maker.
On the cover, she serves both as the model and illustrator," Creative Director Bacs Arcebal explains.
While the team contacted the box office queen three months in advance, the production had to be expedited as it turns out Kath was already leaving to film the much-awaited Hello, Love, Again. Her schedule was already packed, so we had to make sure we were able to maximize the limited hours we had. This meant working with an efficient team, as we foresaw production would be challenging, especially since it was very set-heavy.
Helping make Preview's vision come to life was Rocket Sets. The set design team staged an art school that was very clean yet very much lived in. They turned TGIS Studio into the ideal venue for different art installations, allowing Kath to be both the muse and the maker.
"Being a muse for this film came naturally for Kathryn because it was natural for her to take on different characters," Associate Multimedia Director Jana Jodloman observed, noting how Kath expertly interacted with the camera—be it for photo, video, or even illustrator Jethro Ian's sketches.
Kath's makeup was kept to a minimum, in line with the theme of authenticity and coming as you are. But of course, that doesn't mean that her glam was basic. Her go-to makeup artist Justine Del Rosario kept her looking fresh the whole day, while hairstylist John Valle even flew to Bangkok to make sure that the long flowing locks peg was achieved.
Not a stranger to gracing Preview covers, Kath considers this a special one as she was dressed in custom looks by our BFFD 2024 honorees Martin Bautista, Proudrace, Gabbie Sarenas, Bagasáo, and Neric Beltran. "I'm very thankful because I was able to wear all their beautiful creations. And hopefully, I'll be able to give them justice through these photos," she said during our cover shoot.
And give justice she did! Behind the lens was photography duo Cenon at Mav, who made sure of this by being very precise in composing five layouts that each had a different set as a backdrop. (Fun fact: Kath is actually Mav's aunt!)
Since it was Kathryn's personal studio, we also had the chance to meet her dog Snowy and catch up with her mom, Min Bernardo. "Being her mother, I'm very proud, of course," she tells us with a smile.
It was a long day, and nutritious food bowls from Hey Bo fueled the team up, while a delicious selection of coffee and pastries from Amand made sure everyone was perked up throughout.
We were able to wrap as planned even though we were pressed for time, as everyone brought their A-game in making sure we get to convey the cover's message. To quote our Lifestyle Editor and cover story writer Katrina Maisie Cabral, "[Kathryn's] art and her life are a work in progress, and changes are still being made. It also reminds us that the case is similar for all of us, really, and how we're all artists in our own lives. And it's what Preview has been highlighting ever since."
Produced and Styled by the Preview Team
Photographers: Cenon at Mav
Creative Director: Bacs Arcebal
Editor-in-Chief: Marj Ramos-Clemente
Production: Reg Rodriguez
Fashion: Paulina Singh
Beauty Direction: Isha Fojas
Hair: John Valle
Makeup: Justine Del Rosario
Nails: Kathnails
Set and Production Design: Rocketsets
Illustrator: Jethro Ian Lacson
Story: Katrina Maisie Cabral
Video Direction: Jana Jodloman
Videographers: Greeko Junio and Teddy Garcia Jr.
BTS Photographer: Cha Remigio
Shoot Location: TGIS Studio
Special thanks to Amand Coffee Bar and HeyBo Philippines
Check out the Preview September 2024 Cover Story here.
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