Kelsey Merritt's success story has won her the admiration and adoration of many. Born in Pampanga, Philippines, she began modelling in her teens to fund her education. Her popularity quickly exploded in her home country, and Kelsey soon starred in commercials for major brands like Palmolive and San Miguel Light, as well as fronting magazine covers. After earning a degree in communications from a university in Manila, she moved to New York City, where her international modelling career took flight. Never forgetting her roots, Kelsey went on to bring pride to her country as the first Filipina model to walk the Victoria's Secret runway in 2018, and a year later, the first to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Now a style icon in her own right, Kelsey continues to make waves in the fashion world, modelling for brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Skims, while jet-setting across the globe for fashion events and runway shows. While she was in Madrid for the Carolina Herrera spring/summer 2026 show, Kelsey took ELLE Singapore behind-the-scenes and opened up about her style journey.
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Tell us about the look you were going for and how you arrived at the final look.
We considered everything from embellished gowns to chic minis, but the jumpsuit immediately felt right— powerful, feminine, and true to Carolina Herrera’s vision of modern womanhood. For dinner, I went with a timeless strapless black dress that let the iconic clutch shine. For the finishing touch, I used my favourite Good Girl Eau de Parfum fragrance!
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What is your relationship with fashion, and what do you want to convey through your sartorial choices?
Fashion has fascinated me since I was very young. It’s my favourite form of self-expression—an extension of who I am and how I want to be seen. Through my style, I feel that people can get to know me more intimately: My personality, my mood, and my creativity.
What do you love most about Carolina Herrera?
I love how Carolina Herrera celebrates femininity and romance with confidence. The designs are unapologetically beautiful, yet still convey strength and empowerment—which truly resonates with me.
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How was the event?
It was my first time in Madrid, which made the experience even more special. Beyond celebrating fashion, I loved discovering the city’s beauty—the energy, the architecture, and the culture. It was all so inspiring.
Favourite designer (dead or alive) and why?
Alive. Mr. Ralph Lauren has always been a true visionary, with a gift for storytelling through fashion. The cinematic way he sees life comes through in his collections, creating not just clothing but an entire world—timeless, aspirational, and distinctly American.
Favourite collection from this season and why?
The recent Khaite collection at NYFW truly stood out to me. It felt fresh and modern, yet carried a timeless elegance. It’s the kind of collection you can imagine wearing instantly; pieces that blend seamlessly into a wardrobe while still making a statement.