Mond Gutierrez and Ashleigh Rye bring 70s glamour back as Halloween’s most-awaited event returns in full, glitzy swing
The Opulence Ball is back, and it’s groovier than ever. Manila’s most celebrated Halloween event—the brainchild of Mond Gutierrez and co-creator Ashleigh Rye—is set to capture the glitz and grit of the 1970s in its latest theme, “The Velvet Underground.” It’s Studio 54 meets rock ‘n’ roll with a hint of the outrageous, touching on indulgent style, free spirits, and unapologetic glamour.
RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Mond Gutierrez Reflects a Spectrum of Creative Identity
The Halloween event is no stranger to over-the-top themes. Since 2019, the event has drawn Manila’s social elite and creatives from all corners, with each year’s theme creating a buzz from conception to costume reveal. Kicking off with a Marie Antoinette-inspired “Let Them Eat Cake” extravaganza, the ball made its grand return last year post-pandemic with a folklore fantasy where guests embodied gods and goddesses.
This year, it’s a different kind of fantasy. Inspired by an era where everyone wanted to stand out, “The Velvet Underground” encourages guests to unleash their inner 70s icons—be it disco kings, glam rockers, or peaceful rebels of pure, unfiltered flash.
And no surprise, the teaser videos already have social media sparkling, with the likes of Solenn Heussaff, Catriona Gray, Isabelle Daza, and BJ Pascual decked out in full 70s flair, adding to the anticipation. The countdown to October 31st at the Manila Peninsula assures a conversion of the ballroom into a playground of kaleidoscopic lights, luxe velvet, and high-wattage personalities.
It’s a party that’s as much about scene-stealing costumes as it is about stepping into a different era, if only for a night. With top-tier sponsors like Ploom, Belo, Don Julio, and Jewelmer on board, guests can expect to be pampered from entry to exit.
The Opulence Ball is Manila’s “party of the year.” Look out for guests to be part of something both nostalgic and new, where velvet meets vinyl. It’s a night where Manila’s finest channel their inner disco kings and queens, dancing out in lavish sheen, sequins, and a little rock ‘n’ roll edge—because, at the Opulence Ball, too much is never enough.
Photos: THE OPULENCE BALL
