Lope Navo: A visionary behind the lens, gone too soon
Honoring the life and legacy of the renowned fashion photographer
The world has lost a brilliant artist. Renowned fashion and art photographer Lope De Vera Navo Jr. passed away leaving behind a legacy of breathtaking imagery and a life richly lived. His younger sister, Dona Navo, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook last March 21, 2025, writing:
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Lope De Vera Navo Jr., who left us due to nosocomial pneumonia with hypoxia. His departure has left an immense void in our hearts, but we take comfort in the love, kindness, and cherished memories he shared with us.”
Lope was more than just a photographer—he was a storyteller, a visionary, and a dreamer. A long-time collaborator of Garage, he had been part of our journey since the very beginning. His passion for life ran deep, and his experiences shaped his art in profound ways. He often spoke of his colorful adventures, especially his time in Brazil, which inspired many of his projects, including his celebrated coffee table books.
His contributions to the world of fashion and photography were immense. He shot for prestigious international campaigns and magazines, cementing his place as a renowned figure in the industry. His published works stand as a testament to his talent, with six photography books to his name: STARK (2009), RAW (2021), EXOTIKO! (2022), TWO MASSIVE DOGS (2023), THE BEEFCAKE (2023), and BRASILÂNDIA (2023). Even in his final months, he remained tirelessly creative, working on his first-ever art collage book, “Pop Art,” which was set for release in 2025.
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Lope Navo, but his work and spirit will forever be etched in the images he captured and the stories he told. As we reflect on our collaborations with this extraordinary artist, we honor his memory through the legacy he has left behind.
Garage Magazine cover starring Tony Labrusca and Marco Gumabao (July 2018)
Photography: Lope Navo
Stylists: Edlene Cabral, Yzza Hablado
Grooming for Tony: Ricci Chan
Hairstylist for Tony: Nantey West
Grooming for Marco: Omar Ermita
Digital cover, (November-December 2018)
Photographer: Lope Navo
Stylist: Yzza Hablado
Model: Philippe Magalona
Garage Black (September 2012)
Photography: Lope Navo
Fashion direction: Rey Ilagan
Hair and makeup artist: Anton Patdu
“On the Road” (May 2012)
Photography: Lope Navo
Styling: Adrianne Concepcion
Grooming: Eddie Mar Go Cabiltes
Model: Pablo Coelho
Garage Magazine cover, Enchong Dee (September 2012)
Photographer: Lope Navo
Styled by Rey Ilagan
“The Deep Blue Denim” (June-July 2018)
Photographer: Lope Navo
Stylist: Poy Villamonte
Model: Rob Acosta
Photography Lope Navo
Styled by Rey Ilagan
Grooming: Anton Patdu and Jake Galvez
Stylist’s Assistants Adrianne Concepcion & Eldzs Mejia
Garage Magazine cover, Joseph Marco (June 2012)
Photography: Lope Navo
Styling: Edlene Cabral
Grooming: Ricci Chan
Hair: Denden Perez
Garage Magazine cover, Sam Milby (August 2012)
Photographer: Lope Navo
Styling: Edlene Cabral
Grooming: Omar Ermita for Shu Uemura
Hair: Jopie Sanchez
Garage Magazine cover, Paulo Avelino (April 2012)
Photographer: Lope Navo
Styling Editor: Edlene Cabral
Styling (on female model): Eldzs Mejia
Style Associate: Adrian Concepcion
Grooming: Angie Cruz at Shu Uemura
Hair: Ogie Rayel at Kiehl’s stylist series
Rest in peace, Lope. You will be deeply missed.
