Lehmann wearing a top by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini available in Assembly; cuff by Doro Barandino

Laura Victoria Lehmann, 24, is no stranger to fashion shoots with Inquirer Lifestyle.

“I love Inquirer shoots,” said the Miss World Philippines 2017 titleholder.

Since her days as a University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) courtside reporter for Ateneo, she has been a darling of Inquirer To be You’s collegiate sports section. She even agreed to be co-emcee at an Inquirer Lifestyle Face-Off fashion show featuring the top fashion design schools in the country.

Now she has a new endeavor and title, Miss World Philippines, and will vie for the Miss World 2017 title in Sanya, China, on Nov. 18.

It’s been over a month since her Miss World Philippines coronation, and Lehmann is having the ride of her life. The 5’8” beauty is approachable by nature, and active interaction has been her thing.

That she finds it difficult to turn down fans’ selfie requests is very telling of her personality.

“I really want to accommodate all of them,” she says, though “sometimes, it’s really impossible.”

She’s very decisive. Such was the case during her impromptu MRT ride at rush hour, one payday Friday evening, as she was caught between tight schedules.

No big deal

Social media relished her selfie inside the crowded train, hailing her as “down-to-earth” and “practical.”

“I just did what I had to do—it’s really no big deal when it was the only solution to get to my next event on time,” she explains.

After high school at International School Manila, Lehmann went to Ateneo de Manila University, where she is currently enrolled in a Psychology course.

She leads an active lifestyle, engaging in sports like football and baseball.

Three years ago, her first foray into beauty pageants opened new opportunities. She almost immediately landed gold as Ateneo’s basketball courtside reporter at UAAP.

More big breaks followed, including stints in hosting.

“I’m not your typical beauty queen—I was discovered at a party—and nothing in my background would have indicated or prepared me for the future,” she says.

Top and leggings by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini, available at Assembly; sandals from Aldo

Lehmann isn’t the typical Filipino beauty queen by today’s standards. She is not a social media junkie. Her Instagram contains only occasional posts. Her Facebook page has not been updated since she won her national title.

She believes in respecting the privacy of photo shoots, hence, she shares only teasers. She brings her crown and sash on media tours and shoots, but strictly observes protocol.

“There’s only one rule regarding the crown—fans can’t have their selfies wearing it,” she says.

Here’s more trivia about her: Blue is her favorite color. Dogs are her favorite pets, despite having a cat. Spotify is her favorite music app, and Miss World is her preferred pageant.

“I like Miss World,” she pointed out. “I like what they do—they give back.” —CONTRIBUTED