The Black Carpet, Through the Lens of Karl King Aguña

If the GQ Philippines Grand Launch Dinner black carpet was a celebration of the four pillars that make up the magazine: Fashion, Grooming, Culture, and Sports, then Karl King Aguña’s photo vignette was where all four decided to meet, dressed exceptionally well, under dramatically good lighting.

Aguña, a FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary-born British photographer who also shot for the inaugural issue, took over the black carpet with a visual language that felt distinctly his own, with a style that is moody and atmospheric, but with just enough warmth to make every frame feel alive. The result was an exercise in catching people at their most considered, their most charismatic, and, naturally, their best dressed.

And what a cast. The vignette brought together a cross-section of the people shaping FilipinoFilipinoThe national language of the Philippines, widely used for communication, education, media, and culture.Go to Filipino Glossary culture in their respective corners, such as Jappy Gonzalez of H&F Retail Concepts, whose work has helped redefine the country’s luxury fashion landscape; basketball player and entrepreneur JC Intal; inaugural GQ Philippines cover star and actor Darren Criss; Anton and Daniela Medalla of BeFit and A.Kin Eyewear; actress and creative force Nadine Lustre; Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo alongside her partner and athlete turned creative Cole Micek; and fashion designer Kelvin Morales, among many others.

There were designers, athletes, actors, entrepreneurs, models, and tastemakers, all living proof that the modern GQ Man (and the people around him) refuse to fit neatly into one category.  In Aguña’s hands, consider this a photographic roll call of the night’s best dressed and brightest. 

Santino Rosales

Nadine Lustre

GQ Philippines cover star Darren Criss

Kelvin Morales

Bea Millan-Windorski

Ruru Madrid

Magui Ford

Eugine Reggio

Vogue Philippines Beauty and Wellness Editor Joyce Oreña

Pia Yanson

Justin Coveney and Justin Hernandez

Mark and Marilyn Gan

Condé Nast International VP of Strategic Content Initiatives Amy Mangino

Condé Nast Senior Media Licensing Manager Andrea Pinza

Condé Nast Senior Media Licensing Manager Alison Pascual

H&F Retail Concepts Founder Jappy Gonzalez