Kelsey Merritt may be a global citizen, but her heart is very much rooted in the Philippines.

PHOTOGRAPHY Danilo Hess / Ray Brown Represents
CREATIVE DIRECTION Loris Peña
STYLING Elise Sandvik at The Wall Group
A quick look at Kelsey Merritt's socials shows clearly that distance and time are no match for her restless soul. After a glorious summer traversing destinations as far-flung as Montana and as glamorous as Paris and the French Riviera, she didn’t take a minute to slow down. In a span of a month or so this autumn, she has perched on a balcony at the Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes in San Sebastian and then strolled along its legendary La Concha beach; partied in a New York bar for her “Dirty Thirty” birthday bash; and enjoyed New York Fashion Week and a Broadway show, too. Kelsey has recently signed with mega agency IMG, and has revealed that in her next career move, she has taken acting classes, a natural progression to a career in Tinseltown. As the first Filipina to walk in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show and to make it to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Kelsey has certainly come a long way from her small hometown in Pampanga.
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The wonder of it all is that in her journey from small town Kapampangan girl to global citizen with a reach of two million followers, Kelsey has managed to remain both a relatable personality and an enigmatic woman of style. The longest interview she has granted was on the podcast NotAlone with content creator Valeria Lipovetsky, and she discussed how moving from Pampanga and then studying at Ateneo de Manila University resulted in some culture shock over how she mispronounced words such as “sophomore”, which then led to more anecdotes about how her Filipino accent still popped up now and then when she moved to New York to model.
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What can be gleaned from that podcast and the few interviews she has done since her debut as a model was how irony and dualities abound in her life. Her big break was with Victoria’s Secret but when she was growing up, her mother was so strict that she wasn’t allowed to wear a bikini.
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Leather Jacket, Signature Charm, Straight Cut Jeans, In My Bag Alma BB, and Licorice Ankle Boots; all LOUIS VUITTON

Leather Jacket, Signature Charm, Straight Cut Jeans, In My Bag Alma BB; all LOUIS VUITTON

“Actually, that has stayed with me a bit, and I still don’t&nbsp;show too much skin (when it comes to fashion). I have always been drawn to timeless, classic looks.” This penchant for fashion that defies time is naturally echoed in the Louis Vuitton Cruise Collection looks that Kelsey models for our travel issue. For his 2026 Cruise Collection, Nicolas Ghesquiere samples themes from the majestic Middle Ages with the spirit of rock glam, a clash that merges the adventure and vintage allure of the jetset life. The details and silhouettes are intricate and romantic, but travel-ready and ageless.
Kelsey will soon return to the Philippines for a family wedding, the first in her immediate family. Her enduring bond with her mom and sisters proves that no matter how far one travels, the best destination will always be home.
What is your greatest joy when traveling? 
Traveling gives me the chance to step outside my everyday routine, disconnect, and see the world through different perspectives. I love learning about cultures and bringing little pieces of each place home with me. I keep a journal where I write down things that inspire me along the way, whether it’s an interior design detail, a memorable dish or recipe, or a beautiful architectural element. I love that these small discoveries become sources of inspiration in my everyday life, allowing me to carry a little piece of each place with me long after I’ve left.

Color Blossom Medallion Necklace, Yellow Gold, Onyx, Diamond; all LOUIS VUITTON

Ruffled Blouse, and earrings in Rose Gold, White Mother-of Pearl and Diamonds; all LOUIS VUITTON

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In what way has traveling helped you evolve, both in personal and professional ways? 
Traveling alone for work since I was 15 taught me independence from a young age. It taught me to trust myself, to easily adapt to new environments, and find my footing wherever I go. It’s taught me to be comfortable being on my own, and I think that ability to navigate the world independently has played a big role in shaping my confidence.
Professionally, modeling has opened doors I never could have imagined, taking me to places I might never have seen and connecting me with talented people from all over the world.
What is a place you fell in love with instantly, as though it were part of your soul?
Two cities have shaped me profoundly: New York and Paris. When I first arrived in New York at 18, I fell in love with it instantly. Coming from a small city in the Philippines and thrust into the Big Apple to work could have felt intimidating, but instead, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I was surrounded by so much energy, creativity, and possibility. New York encouraged me to dream bigger and helped shape the person I am today.
Paris, by contrast, evoked a quiet familiarity, as if my soul had known it in another life. I have always been drawn to beauty, and Paris treats it not as an indulgence but as a way of living, with art and history woven seamlessly into the fabric of daily life. Whether I’m admiring a painting or taking in the architecture, I find that art calms me. It grounds me, quiets the noise, and helps me be present.
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Jumpsuit with Blazer & Bermuda, Highline Bag; all LOUIS VUITTON

Could you share some practical approaches to travel, including packing tips, jet lag solutions, foods to avoid on flights, and handling delays?
For packing, my style is very classic so most of my pieces work together and it makes packing so much easier. I try to plan my looks ahead of time so I don’t overpack but I always leave room for a few extra ones just in case.
On long flights, hydration is everything. I drink lots of water, keep my skincare simple, and try to get as much rest as I can. I find that switching to the local schedule while I’m still on the plane has been the most effective way to overcome jetlag.
When it comes to delays, I’ve accepted that you can’t control everything and it has been a game changer. I no longer stress about things out of my control. Sometimes you just have to go with it and make the best of the situation.
How do you balance an organized itinerary with spontaneous discoveries?
I love having a flexible plan, especially when I’m traveling somewhere I’ve never been. I enjoy researching restaurants, discovering beautiful hotels, finding fun activities and experiences. But I also think the best trips leave room for spontaneity. Some of my favorite travel memories come from changing plans at the last minute. I don’t like overpacking my schedule. Planning too much in one day doesn’t sound fun for me. So I usually plan one organized activity a day and let the rest of the day unfold based on what I’m in the mood for.

Ruffled Blouse, Flying Skirt, 6AM Slingback Pump, and earrings in Rose Gold, White Mother-of-Pearl and Diamonds; all LOUIS VUITTON

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What are some dream destinations you have not explored? 
There are so many places I still haven’t been to! Egypt is at the top of my list, and I’d love to explore more of Africa.
How do you make a hotel room feel cozy and homey? 
The first thing I do is unpack and organize my things, because it helps me feel settled rather than like I’m living out of a suitcase. I set up my skincare and essentials, unpack my favorite pajamas, and sometimes I’ll bring a candle to make the room feel more like home. I also like bringing little comforts from my everyday routine, like my red light mask and face masks, so I can do my rituals even when I’m traveling.
Who are your favorite travel friends? What makes a good travel friend?
The best travel companion is someone who is adaptable, curious, and genuinely excited to experience things with you. A key factor is having shared interests, since traveling with people who enjoy the same things as you always ends up being the most fun.
How does the Louis Vuitton Cruise collection embody New York?
I love how New York allows you to experiment with your style and express different sides of yourself. It can be classic and timeless one moment, then completely unexpected the next. That sense of individuality and confidence is what I love about the city.
I think the Louis Vuitton Cruise collection captures that spirit beautifully. Cruise is about movement, discovery, and dressing for the life you want to live. The collection feels sophisticated but adventurous, with pieces that have a strong identity while still leaving room for personal expression. That is very New York.
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Jumpsuit with Blazer & BermudaIn My Bag Alma BB, Earrings, Yellow Gold, Onyx, and Diamonds; all LOUIS VUITTON

The Louis Vuitton Cruise 2027 show was the first ever presented at The Frick. Have you explored the museum on your own? What impressed you most?
What makes The Frick so special is the sense of history and intimacy. There is something beautiful about experiencing art in a setting that feels so personal, where the architecture, interiors, and collection all feel connected. It is a reminder that true luxury is not always about something being new or extravagant. Sometimes it is about craftsmanship, history, and the care that goes into preserving something meaningful.
I love when fashion engages with art and architecture in a way that creates a conversation between different worlds.
Do you have any holiday trips planned? What are your favorite holiday destinations, and how do you survive holiday travel?
I turned 30 in October, and I’ve always dreamed of bringing my friends from the US to the Philippines. They’ve been asking me to take them for years, and I always felt like it was such a special trip that I wanted to save it for a meaningful milestone. So my next big trip is actually to the Philippines in November! I’m so excited to share a piece of where I’m from with the people I love and introduce them to my country and my culture.
Is home a physical place or a state of mind? 
I think home is both. Having grown up in the Philippines and left my family and home at 21 to pursue my career in New York, I’ve learned that home isn’t necessarily fixed. It evolves with you through different stages of life. It’s the place you come from, and the one you create for yourself.

Jumpsuit with Blazer, Earrings, Yellow Gold, Onyx, and Diamonds; all LOUIS VUITTON

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PRODUCTION Erica Gosnell / Ray Brown Represents
MAKEUP&nbsp;Soo Park at The Wall Group using Victoria Beckham Beauty
HAIR&nbsp;Marty Harper at The Wall Group
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT&nbsp;Weston Bark
DP&nbsp;Dave Geffin
1ST LIGHTING ASSISTANT James Yarusinsky&nbsp;
DIGITAL TECH&nbsp;Tim Zwicky
SHOT IN LOCATION Attic Studios, New York
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Above and Beyond: Kelsey Merritt

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