Hollywood multi-hyphenate Hailee Steinfeld graces the cover of Vogue Philippines’ March issue, marking her first ever Vogue cover appearance.
Dubbed as “The Wonder Years: The Fashion Issue”, the cover shoot showcases Steinfeld in a breathtaking metallic ocean blue and silver mini dress, paired with clear heels. The issue’s photoshoot took place in Los Angeles, capturing Steinfeld’s effortless elegance against a sleek and modern backdrop and environment.
Beyond the glitz and couture, the cover story delves into Steinfeld’s expansive career, spanning acclaimed projects like “Dickinson”, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”, “Hawkeye”, and the upcoming thriller “Sinners”.
She also discussed her passion project, Beau Society (BS), a newsletter she launched in August 2024 to foster meaningful conversations among women about ambition, self-discovery, and resilience.
Steinfeld noted the origin of its name, stating that ‘beau’ is what her family calls her: “No one in my family actually calls me Hailee; they call me Beau!”. Since then, BS has garnered 50,000 subscribers worldwide and have produced 30 newsletters so far.
Steinfeld last visited the Philippines in 2016 to promote her music and connect with her fans, an experience she described as incredibly special. She also expressed her desire to return and explore more of the country’s beauty and culture.
Embracing her Filipino roots
What makes this Vogue Philippines cover edition more special is Steinfeld’s connection to her Filipino heritage. In her interview with Vogue PH, she spoke about how she carries her roots with pride, crediting her values of resilience, kindness, and deep familial ties to her upbringing.
“I carry my Filipino heritage with so much pride. And I feel like [it’s] deeply rooted in the values that my parents have instilled in both my brother and I: resilience and kindness and a deep sense of family,” she shared with the magazine. Her maternal grandfather, Ricardo, is of Black and Filipino descent from Panglao, Bohol, a fact that further strengthens her connection to the vibrant Filipino Culture.
Fil-Am Stars in Global Pop Culture
Steinfeld’s Vogue Philippines cover adds to the growing visibility of Filipina-American artists in mainstream media. She follows in the footsteps of fellow Fil-Am superstar H.E.R., who also graced the magazine’s February 2023 cover. H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, has been vocal about her Filipino identity, often showcasing it through collaborations and appearances that highlights her roots.
Likewise, global pop sensation and singer-songwriter actress Olivia Rodrigo, another Fil-Am talent, continues to dominate charts while embracing her culture. In October 2024, the then 21-year-old popstar performed her GUTS World Tour in Manila at the Philippine Arena.
It was her first show in the country and considered as the biggest headlining of her career up to date. The proceeds from her GUTS-Manila concert were all donated to Jhpiego, a non-profit organization that provides healthcare for women and girls in the Philippines especially among its rural areas.
Other Filipina-American stars are also making waves in their respective fields such as Vanessa Hudgens, known for her High School Musical Disney trilogy fame, has openly expressed her love for her Filipino heritage. In 2023, Hudgens was granted the Global Tourism Ambassador Award by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the country aimed to continue promoting the country’s tourism and elevate its global status.
Another Fil-Am personality known to be proud of her Pinoy lineage is the singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger, frequently acknowledging it in interviews and online contents which references her Filipino roots.
Meanwhile, model and actress Liza Soberano, who recently ventured into Hollywood, continues to advocate for Filipina representation in the global entertainment industry.
The increasing presence of Fil-Am personalities in fashion, music, and entertainment is a testament to the rich and diverse narratives they bring to the global stage. Steinfeld’s Vogue Philippines feature is more than just a fashion moment – it’s a celebration of heritage, resilience, and representation.
As the industry continues to embrace diverse voices, the influence of (mixed-race) Filipina identity in pop culture is only set to grow stronger.
