Held at The Peninsula Manila Hotel, here’s how these women interpreted the theme of art and fashion for this year’s MEGA Ball
There’s beauty when two forms of creativity collide at a grand occasion where we see how various artistic minds form distinct silhouettes that reflect their own craftsmanship. It’s also the product of ideologies and techniques blending with each other that never fails to take the conventional to new heights.
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This is an occurrence we continue to advocate as the country goes further into the creative landscape, which is what this year’s MEGA Ball is all about—celebrating and honoring the rich culture and heritage of the Philippines through art and fashion. As we look back on this year’s MEGA Ball, the time has come to list down the women who brought art to life with their beautiful ensembles.
Heart Evangelista
The style-setter definitely knew what she was doing by choosing to wear Schiaparelli for the MEGA Ball. The Italian fashion house specializes in creating haute couture pieces in their seasonal collections to continuously push art in the mainstream. We see this come to life with the relaxed silhouette of the black maxi dress Heart had on. The simplicity of the piece was elevated with statement detailings such as the hardware on the neckline and chain straps to the eye accessories like the earrings and ring.
Bea Alonzo
When an understated design is made, best expect that the wearer will truly shine, which is what happened with Bea Alonzo. Designed by Mark Bumgarner, she donned an all-black ensemble that had a sleek finish, but was elevated with subtle details. There was a contrast with the fabrics since the bodice had a velvet finish, while the skirt had a soft shine to it. Additionally, details such as the padded shoulders and folded drop waist gave her look a nice edge.
Camille Co
If you’re wondering how a Filipina princess would look, it’s best to fix your eyes on Camille Co’s look for the night. Made by Hamu, western elements were infused with her Filipiniana look that made it look chic and modern. The dainty barong was cropped and had ruffles with black edges to give more depth to her look. Her drop waist skirt mimicked the same ruffles on the barong and it also featured a tiered finish.
Vern Enciso
Think of Old Hollywood when you look at Vern Enciso’s look designed by Neric Beltran. It had all the classic characteristics to it, such as the clean silhouette decorated with white and gold hued embellishments from the neckline down to the hem. She then added a white cape that had a rather long train for a much needed dramatic detail.
Sheila Romero
A literal collaboration between art and fashion, designer Mark Bumgarner and MEGA emerging artist awardee Chelsea Theodossis worked together to create Sheila Romero’s look. There was definitely a play in texture amidst the sleek finish of the white fabric. The figure-hugging silhouette had a playful opening at the neckline to reveal the silver beaded bra of her ensemble. As for the sheer detailing seen on her skirt, this was added to showcase Chelsea’s artistry we see on her works, which was then incorporated through fashion.
Apples Aberin
Class and modernity combined in one—Apples Aberin arrived in a Dennis Lustico piece that had such elegance because the black and white ensemble was done with such sleek construction. The black dress had several panels seen on the bodice to accentuate her figure while a big bow was added to create an off-the-shoulder neckline. To complete the look, a thin white bow was then layered on top of the black bow for a playful detail.
Mandy Romero
It was all things extravagant as Mandy Romero arrived in strings and pearls from head to toe for the MEGA Ball. A rather bold move to some, but she has been showcasing her dauntless fashion countless of times—proving that she has no fear in wearing the unconventional. The piece by Alex Que had a serpentina silhouette and was embellished with strings of pearls in black, gray, and white hues to elevate it even more.
Arci Muñoz
The actress arrived at The Peninsula Manila wearing a black, gray, and white gown designed by Ehhran Montoya. This particular piece featured a meticulous construction seeing that the fabric was manipulated from neckline to hem in order to create movement on the design. To add a sultry detail to her look, the ensemble had a sheer finish on the corset and a high slit.
Korina Sanchez
Always one to go for the classics, it was refreshing to see Korina add modern detail to her piece by Puey Quiñones. Her pastel pink gown had a form-fitting silhouette that gave the spotlight to the pleating that decorated the bodice. It also followed her figure, but it definitely gave a much needed texture to her overall look.
Suzette Ayson
Suzette Ayson showed up decked out in a light cream ensemble designed by Joey Samson. Layering was definitely the key to this look since it had a silk organza jacket paired with an inner cotton tuxedo shirt. Meanwhile, the skirt had silk satin for the base and a flattened accordion pleats to add texture to the overall look.
Yanah Laurel
This piece displays fabric manipulation in its finest form. It is no surprise to know that the designer behind it is none other than Rajo Laurel since he has made himself familiar with the technicalities behind the design. The specific look features delicate draping from the neckline to the skirt. Meanwhile, the material used caused lighter hues to reflect underneath the light.
MEGA would like to thank its sponsors: Belo Medical Group, Jeep, ASUS, Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance, Lazada and LazBeauty Club, YOU Beauty, Yamaha Motor Philippines, Luxe Skin, Sereese Beauty, Barenbliss, Dear Face, Fairy Skin, Babe Formula, The Pretty You, and Grab Philippines.
Photography EXCEL PANLAQUE, MAGIC LIWANAG, and JAN MAYO
