The palpable chemistry between Barbie Forteza and David Licauco is evident on screen—and even when the cameras aren’t rolling, it’s apparent in their fashion choices. For the premiere of their new movie, the love team reveals they coordinated their looks
The night was teeming with romance at the That Kind of Love premiere. The beloved ‘BarDa’ love team makes its comeback on the silver screen—and the irresistible chemistry between the two, from their first pairing in Maria Clara, holds enough power to transform the movie into an instant Filipino rom-com classic. To take the romance up a notch, Barbie and David showed up together clad in delicate and sweet shades of pink for their movie premiere of Catherine O. Camarillo’s That Kind of Love. Walking down the red carpet together, BarDa showed charisma, chemistry, and romance—all perfectly packaged into their matching sartorial choices.
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The “Perfect” Premiere Night Look
For the leading man, he starts talking about his look by joking, “It’s inspired by the Jonas Brothers.” The boy band-inspired number was a bespoke suit in a light mauve shade, demonstrating the acute power that a tailored suit can wield. The pin-sharp trousers, the perfectly-cut lapels, and the jacket all perfectly complemented his frame, and the classy black tie made him the picture of confidence and poise.
Such a bold shade can be a whimsical choice, but for David, it’s modern and purposeful—he wanted to coordinate with Barbie.
In an exclusive interview with MEGA, Barbie tells David, “You look good, ah. First time kitang nakita in this color.” David, the ever-so-charming, responds, “Yes, kasi plan ko talagang maging matchy tayo.”
It does its job—light and enigmatic, the very specific rich mauve hue perfectly harmonized with Barbie’s satin ensemble.
The Sweet Lady Boss
The leading lady traded subtlety for an explicit fashion statement. Longtime stylist and ‘image architect’ Janra Raroque dressed the actress in a custom Joseph Palma gown. The blush pink satin dress featured a sweetheart neckline, a high-leg slit, and buttons at the bodice. Most notably, it was a deconstruction of a suit—with one side of the number showcasing a peaked lapel and the other side a dropped jacket sleeve. The award-winning actress accessorized with glimmering silver and pink jewelry to match the dress.
The coordinated shades referenced all the fluff and sweetness of the movie; Barbie and David paid sartorial tribute to the film by incorporating its themes into their looks—and also by embodying their characters.
Barbie plays Love Coach extraordinaire Mila Milagros, who dons fashionable workwear and tailored silhouettes in the film. The dusky shade of postmodern girlhood represents a feminine mystique—a girl with a full schedule, but she’ll execute them stylishly and competently. “Mila wears a lot of power suits,” Barbie tells MEGA. “But since it’s premiere night, I wanted to highlight her feminine side. We took inspiration from Anne Hathaway’s Gap Shirtdress for Bvlgari; we made my dress a deconstructed suit to embody Mila’s soft and delicate side, as well as ‘yung pagiging ‘Girl Boss’ niya.”
Barbie’s stylist, Janra, weighs in and adds, “The number is also inspired by Mila’s look in a key kilig moment from the film—she’s wearing a pink suit set in that scene shot in Korea.”
David, meanwhile, plays Mr. Adam de Dios—successful, rich, attractive, or in his own character’s words: perfect. “Lagi siyang naka-suit because he’s the CEO,” he shares. “And if you’re the CEO, you have to look professional.” Indeed, there’s nothing like a man in a suit that shows off his success and ability to make things happen.
More so than giving a nod to the film and the characters they play, coordinating their outfits reflects relationship harmony—an outward sign that a couple is a good fit’ on screen or off-screen. There is something irresistibly charming about matching fashion choices, even if it’s just a complementary color palette.
That Kind of Love will premiere in theaters on July 10, 2024.
Photos and Featured Image: JANRA RANROQUE, DAVID MILAN, SPARKLE GMA CENTER (Via Instagram)
