Here’s how Alexa made waves at the Star Magical Prom as the mermaid princess Ariel straight from her stylist, Patty Yap.
At the recent Star Magical Prom, Alexa Ilacad graced the event as The Little Mermaid’s Ariel. Bearing a resemblance to both the mermaid and even a sea goddess, the Pira-Pirasong Paraiso star took the fairytale royalty theme seriously. Having a polished look that warranted her Prom Queen title, the actress actually conceptualized the idea along with her stylist, Patty Yap. In an exclusive interview with MEGA, Patty tells us the story behind Alexa’s sea fairytale ensemble.
Related: EXCLUSIVE: Francine Diaz Goes For Simple Elegance at the Star Magical Prom
Flowing with creativity
In fairytales, the first half of the word is almost always present—the fairy. Initially, the plan for Alexa was to go as a hybrid of a fairy who floated on air and a mermaid under the sea. “[But] she told me, itodo na namin to Ariel,” Patty recalls.
The relationship of a wearer and a piece, especially in a formal event, shouldn’t be like oil and water—separate and distinct from one another. Especially for an occasion like prom, the dress and its carrier should move together like the wind and the waves. Yap, given Ilacad’s firm choice to embody Ariel, only knew one designer who could give justice to Alexa’s ideas and hers—Ehrran Montoya. “Siya ‘yung avant garde na designer who can achieve our vision without being costumey ‘yung design. Para lang tayong mag-Met Gala.”
With his maximalist interpretations of natural transformations such as a butterfly’s metamorphosis, as well as his strategic use of iridescent fabrics and beaded arrangements, Montoya translated their collective vision for the ivory carpet. Taking into consideration the original colorway of the character, the designer mentioned in his post that they had to find a fabric that reflected both lavender and green. Intricate appliqués of crystals, pearls, and dangling beads created the illusion of Alexa walking into the land after a dip into the sea. Achieving the silhouette of a mermaid, the bodice had a corseted lining, while the skirt mimicked the mythical creature’s tail. As Alexa stayed committed to her look, so did Ehrran with the design of her gown.
Trudging the waters of fashion
“Ang gusto ko kay Alexa, she knows what she wants,” Yap explains, talking about the Star Magic artist. “Very hands on, siya ‘yung nagsesend nung itsura ng damit, ‘yung pegs. Pati sa hairstyle and makeup. Very creative talaga.”
It goes without saying that embodying a specific look takes commitment despite the challenge. For this prom style especially, they had to be very particular with the hair and makeup to balance the whole ensemble. Comparing their relationship to those of sisters, Patty said that they are honest with each other when they are bouncing off ideas. “She knows how to listen. I am very particular, especially when it comes to the hair. For me, ‘pag hindi okay ‘yung hair mo, the whole styling, mawawala. Masisira.”
For the actress’ glam, makeup artist Jake Galvez and hairstylist Justine Ocampo stayed true to the mermaid theme without going over the top. Galvez used shimmer shades of pink on the lids and cheeks, while keeping the lips natural and healthy with a light peach shade. Meanwhile, Ocampo styled Alexa’s hair into a middle-parted mane in wet-like, natural beach waves.
Swimming into style
As an encouraging stylist, Patty knows the importance of confidence at occasions like the prom. “Alamin niyo ‘yung theme, alamin niyo ‘yung event. Also, be confident, kasi ikaw magdadala ng damit. Claim the outfit! Be confident!” she reminds.
Photos and Featured Image: PATTY YAP, EHRRAN MONTOYA, ALEXA ILACAD (via Instagram)
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Concept and Creative Direction ALEXA ILACAD. Set Design GINGER EVENT STYLING. Shoot Location LUCAS STUDIOS. Makeup JAKE GALVEZ. Hair JUSTINE OCAMPO. Gown EHRRAN MONTOYA. Styling PATTY YAP.
Special thanks to PATTY YAP
