As the euphoria of the ABS-CBN Ball 2019 has come to a settle, we shine the spotlight on the celebrities who took every conceivable style risk on the red carpet—one that saw a good pay-off, if we do say so ourselves.
We know the scene perfectly by now: Stars arrive at the Shangri-La at the Fort hotel, ready to turn heads in their jaw-dropping gowns and dapper suits. There isn’t any shortage of the fine, delicate, and pretty, but it is in the bold and confident few that we take a keen eye on, looking out for risk-takers who would pull off looks far from the typical style radar.
So, while the best-dressed list is already out, we recognize these brave celebrities for taking on the challenge of elevating the modern Filipiniana dress code to the next level. From statement shoulders to vibrant pop of colors, we rounded up our favorite risk-takers at this year’s ABS-CBN Ball.
Maris Racal
Our September 2019 cover star Maris Racal surely knows what’s the sets our fashion senses tingling. Upon arriving at the red carpet, she immediately stood out in a delectable neon orange Julianne Syjuco reclaimed tulle and organza mock gown that was all sorts of cheerful and age-appropriate.
Lucas Garcia
While Idol Philippines’ finalist Lucas Garcia may still be starting out in the showbiz industry, he has already established his unique sense of style. And honestly speaking, he easily worked the red carpet, sashaying in a colorful silky bougainvillea-inspired number by Marc Rancy.
Andrea Brillantes
Making a strong case for 2019’s Pantone color of the year, ABS-CBN ball first-timer Andrea Brillantes donned a beautiful Michael Leyva ball gown in the lovely shade of coral that had us all living. And if that’s not gorgeous enough for you, she complemented her look with stunning accents on her hair.
Maricar Reyes
Year after year, Maricar Reyes has always attended the ball looking trés chic.This year, she didn’t disappoint. Proving that she can ace both fashion and beauty, she wore an exquisite pastel green Francis Libiran gown that perfectly matched her of-the-moment pastel pink hair in her signature edgy cut.
Tim Yap
Tim Yap has always been known for his unique fashion choices. Never afraid to take risks, he showed that to us once more at the ball. Donning a beguiling barong-slash-terno by Chris Nick, he paid tribute to the local farmers and even the Madrigal Singers.
Yassi Pressman
While majority of the attendees chose to wear dresses in classic champagne or white tones, Yassi Pressman dutifully careened to the left-field of the pronged road. Easily setting herself apart from the sea of fail-safe looks, she stunned wearing a simple yet elegant lime green dress in an A-line silhouette by Anthony Ramirez.
Teacher Georcelle
What we really love about Teacher Georcelle is her bold sense of style. So, at the ball, she daringly wore a vibrant pink Jef Albea gown accentuated by a thigh-high slit, finishing off her look by matching with bright blue pumps and statement eyewear.
BJ Pascual
BJ Pascual has constantly been breaking the barriers and preconceived prejudices of toxic masculinity—slowly but surely, one heel at a time. Firing up social media with his impeccably striking look, the photographer and personality swathed himself in a sheer jacket and black trouser pairing by Ziggy Savella, which he also cinched with Eugene Tidalgo’s corset.
Vice Ganda
Vice Ganda is no stranger on the red carpet. In fact, he is notoriously known for making a grand entrance every year. And to achieve it this year once more, Neric Beltran and Paul Cabral teamed up creating a breathtaking gown punctuated by over-the-top statement sleeves. So, once Vice arrived, he effortlessly turned heads. Yes, that is how is how you show up to the ball, kids.
