a woman to watch
Read as a more confident Rei Germar slays in the hottest style drops from H&M’s Tropical Essentials Autumn Collection.

A new breed of digital creatives is taking over. Leading on the list of names crowned worthy of viral renown is vlogger, YouTube star, and H&M ambassador, Rei Germar. From morning warmup to evening cool down, ZALORA spends a full day getting to know the woman that the internet can’t seem to stop watching.

holding your attention

From style to screens – Rei Germar has a way of locking in our full attention. With a siren-like presence, she marches onto the white sands of Virgin Beach Resort energized for the day’s shoot ahead. Posing in one of her favorite H&M swimsuits, it’s apparent Rei knows how to carry herself with confidence. “I’d describe my style as ever-evolving, comfortable, and sexy.” She dresses with intention, fully attuned to her body – not hiding behind clothes, but instead using them to express her power. “I used to be afraid that some styles won't fit me, but now I’m open to experimenting. I realized it’s confidence that makes an outfit.”

Joining H&M’s list of influential endorsers, Rei is seen rocking the brand’s Tropical Essentials Autumn Collection. A line of bold designs with flattering cuts selected by the vlogger herself – the pieces encourage women to actualize their full potential. “One of my favorites from the collection is the Brown Asymmetric Bodysuit. It hugs my figure perfectly. When it comes to swimwear, I think it’s very important to find the right cut that’s flattering for your body.” With prices as low as Php 899, the collection hits both marks in style and affordability. After all, women deserve the luxury of having new quality swimwear options that won't break their bank.

“It’s important to fully embrace who you are. That includes every version of yourself, even the ones you don’t fully resonate with. It’s a reminder that you are still in the process of growing & evolving, finding the truest version of you.”

“Are you getting my stretch marks? I want them to be seen.” Unfazed by her quote-unquote flaws, the vlogger now sports an H&M bikini number – sure of herself as ever. Rei views the expansive nature of her platform as an opportunity to inspire women struggling with insecurities. She has always advocated for body positivity and self love through her channels. “It’s important to fully embrace who you are. That includes every version of yourself, even the ones you don’t fully resonate with. It’s a reminder that you are still in the process of growing & evolving, finding the truest version of you.” She’s a creator that makes space for imperfections – celebrates them, even. No wonder she’s kept the internet's attention for so long.

“I love how H&M offers affordable options that don’t skimp on quality. It just makes it easier for people to live out their full style potential.”
built for all

Universality and affordability act as the DNA of H&M’s Tropical Essentials Autumn Collection. A line built to flatter all body types and ages, #HMforALL defies conventions through stylish pieces with low-cost. The brand has made the collection extra accessible through its incredibly low price points that allow anyone to craft their dream wardrobes. “I love how H&M offers affordable options that don’t skimp on quality. It just makes it easier for people to live out their full style potential.”

The collection’s range goes beyond swimwear and includes shorts, shirts, coverups, dresses, skirts – allowing for endless style possibilities. Rei makes her case for both swim and city, and has fun playing with the collection’s flexibility. “For the beach, I’ll style H&M’s one piece swimsuit with their oversized white polo and straw beach hat. And for the city, I’ll wear that very same swimsuit with high-waisted dark jeans and heels for extra height! All affordable, but still very much stylish.”

Like the collection, Rei’s platform welcomes all. Her videos have grown to become larger than life, starting a community that finds comfort in shared struggles and wins. The vlogger wishes for her audience to not only embrace themselves fully, but to uplift one another in the process as well. Her legacy as this generation’s woman to watch? An online space – built to celebrate everyone.

queen of content

It’s not even noon at the shoot yet, and Rei is already climbing trees and striking poses with such natural ease. For someone who has amassed over millions of followers through vlogging, you can see how she’s comfortable in front of cameras. However, the vlogger isn’t so comfortable with the label ‘influencer’. “I don’t like the word very much.” – Yet interestingly enough, she’s one of the most influential digital creators of her generation.

No one does content quite like Rei Germar. As she soldiers on through the shoot despite hiccups of unpredictable weather, her strong work ethic shines through. Over the years, Rei has turned her authenticity into a powerful form of currency. In a space that pushes creators to produce at lightning speed and satisfy the internet’s rabid consumption habits, it’s easy for one to lose themselves while trying to keep the community interested. But Rei has learned that a strong sense of self is the key to outlasting fleeting notoriety. “I try my best to share all parts of my life — both highs and lows. Just raw and real content that reminds people they’re not alone, because I’m doing life with them, as they have been with me.”

Beyond bearing the crown as queen of content, Rei is also a self-made business woman. She manages her businesses (yes – plural) and has been working on lots of exciting projects. But in the midst of it all, the vlogger is simply focused on creating genuine things she can be proud of. Stripped of the celebrity that comes with being such a watched public figure, Rei doesn’t desire to be seen – she desires to be understood. “I genuinely hope that people see me not only as ‘content’ to consume but as a person trying her best and learning along the way.”

keep pressing play

The sun has now set – both the day and Rei are winding down to a peaceful retreat. The content creator is a vision in her last layout, wearing an H&M black swim set with an oversized blazer, she still somehow finds her light despite the darkened skies above her. As the shoot wraps, Rei reminisces on what has been and looks towards what’s next. “My biggest takeaway from the year so far is that there are no shortcuts to healing. You have to push, cry, shout and fight through it. Life is so unpredictable, yet so magical at the same time. Just keep faith that things are happening as they should.”

The vlogger has always been a yes woman. Yes to chances, yes to life. With all the opportunities she has taken, and all that’s left to say yes to – her audience is promised to be a witness along the ride. It’s known that the internet can be unpredictable, but that to Rei is exciting. Her very own digital playground where the possibilities are endless, and in which she alone dictates her story. She’ll keep changing the game – and the world will keep pressing ‘play’.

Photography by Renzo Navarro
Creative Direction by Eugene David
Styling by Yanna Lopez
Makeup by Raffy So
Hair by Justine Ocampo
Words by Jana Bocobo
Video by Alivve
Produced by Bea Jocom
Shot on location at Virgin Beach Resort, Laiya, Batangas