Kiana Valenciano speaks up on being barred from LA Fashion Week

MANILA, Philippines — Recording star Kiana Valenciano, daughter of singer-actor Gary Valenciano and talent manager Angeli Valenciano, told Philstar.com about what really happened during the recent Los Angeles Fashion Week, where she and six other Filipinos were denied from modeling the works of designers Resty Lagare, Rocky Gathercole and Elie Madi.

"You know a lot of people are expecting that na-stress ako, na na-sad ako,” Kiana said.

On the contrary, she faced the issue with optimism.

“I think that all things happened for a reason,” she enthused during a recent launch by feminine pad brand Whisper.

While talking to reporters beside Nadine Lustre, Kiana narrated her experience: “What happened was we were on our way and we were told that the show was cancelled, nag-pull out ‘yung mga designers kasi ‘yung producer ayaw na magpalakad ng Filipina models.”

It can be recalled that Kiana, alongside former Miss Earth Jamie Herell and other Filipinas, were invited to fly all the way from Manila to Los Angeles to participate in LA Fashion Week. But they were denied access to the show.

READ: Kiana Valenciano, Pinay models barred from walking at LA fashion show

At first, netizens and fans of Kiana alleged that what happened was racial discrimination against the Filipina models. Later on, Erik Rosete, a fashion designer and LA Fashion Week executive producer, clarified in a statement that the ban had nothing to do with discrimination. It is rather due to a financial squabble with Jacob Meir, the one who reportedly invited the Filipina models.

READ: Non-inclusion of Filipinas in LA fashion show not about race, producer says 

Kiana admitted that she also has not yet fully understood what happened. “You know what, we still try to figure that out. I think that in the next few days, everyone will know what really happened.”

Despite being unable to walk the runway, Kiana assured that she still had “a great trip” to LA.

“I was able to meet the great fashion designers and we were able to shoot their roll, so masaya pa din!" — Videos by Kat Leandicho, Erwin Cagadas

WATCH: Kiana Valenciano on being barred from LA Fashion Week