Heart Evangelista named Global Fashion Influencer of the Year in Dubai
Heart Evangelista bagged the Global Fashion Influencer of the Year title at the 2025 EMIGALA Awards in Dubai.
The local star received her award on Thursday, April 24, where renowned Filipino designer Michael Cinco served as one of the presenters.
"It is such an honor to be standing here on this stage and sharing this moment with all of you magnificent people," she began her acceptance speech during the awards ceremony held at Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
She went on to reminisce about her acting career and the "most important role" she's played in her life.
"In many moments, I have played different characters in telenovelas and in cinemas in my beloved country," she said. "But there is nothing quite more satisfying, freeing, and liberating than to play my most important role, which is playing myself."
She underscored how receiving the award was her “testament” that “you just have to allow yourself to be.”
"Be confident with the kind of heart that you have, that no matter what happens, no matter where life takes you, that even if you do have insecurities and sometimes some downfalls, you have to believe that the sincerity of the heart will always win, and you will bloom," the actress-model said.
She also took a moment to give a special shoutout with Cinco in her speech.
“I wanna take this opportunity to actually show appreciation to the legend Michael Cinco. I just wanna say that you inspired many, not just in the global scene, but also most especially to our fellow Filipinos, maraming salamat,” she said.
At the event, Heart donned a Michael Leyva creation embellished with white pearls, which she matched with a custom ribbon necklace by local jewelry designer Janina Dizon.
Aside from Leyva, Heart's glam team as well as her husband, Senate President Chiz Escudero, were present at the event.
Prior to this, Heart emerged as the top celebrity during Paris Haute Couture Week 2025, having $3.8M in media impact value, per Launchmetrics. She has also been featured by international lifestyle and fashion magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Vogue.
