Daniel Tan
From a pearl-emblazoned dress by Rich Fortu to a sleek number designed by Chris Nick, the Vogue Philippines Gala was a site for riveting style moments.
On Aug. 29, Vogue Philippines held its first-ever gala to unveil its debut issue. At the launch of the latest edition of Vogue, the title’s 28th to be exact, attendees celebrated over delicious food, an immersive exhibit, and an evening of glam. Guests were asked to come in their best black and white ensembles and, as expected, the stark theme led to multiple interpretations and allowed guests to play with their looks. Whether it was a dress made out of pearls, a barely-there sheer creation, or a modern take on the Filipiniana, the night raked in stellar outfits, some of them even designed by the very local talent commemorated in the magazine’s pages—a celebration of Filipino fashion at its core.
Ornate designs took center stage. Entrepreneur Rissa Mananquil-Trillo was adorned in a standout, layered pearl-embellished dress by Rich Fortu, while actor Jericho Rosales wore a Jude Macasinag vest with running stitches and a raw finish. Nikki Huang wore a sleek, minimalist black ensemble designed by good friend Chris Nick, whose creations were also featured in the title’s debut issue cover story.
Our cover star, Chloe Magno, wore a form-fitting dress with suspended pearl-beadings by Anthony Ramirez. The meaningful dress was inspired by the anklet that the Vogue Philippines team gave Magno during the week-long cover shoot and a cherished macramé bag.
Other fashion showstoppers included designer and milliner Mich Dulce who arrived in Vivienne Westwood dress paired with an Olympia Le-Tan book clutch and her own hat and terno bolero. LA Aguinaldo wore an all-white set of clothes comprised of a floral sheer blouse, white trousers both by Neric Beltran, and the Louis Vuitton Paint Can Bag. Meanwhile, Anne Curtis wore a Carl Jan Cruz black number with quilting at her décolletage. Marga Valdes-Trinidad wore a breathtaking vintage INNO Sotto dress in monochromatic tones, with sheer and metallic details in tow.
The star-studded event highlighted the elaborate dressing that makes Filipino fashion what it is: a show of craftsmanship and dynamic style. Below are the fashion highlights that transformed the red carpet.
Anne Curtis-Smith in Carl Jan Cruz
Rissa Mananquil-Trillo in Rich Fortu
Chloe Magno in Anthony Ramirez
Mich Dulce in Mich Dulce
LA Aguinaldo in Neric Beltran
Nikki Huang in Chris Nick
Marga Valdes-Trinidad in vintage Inno Sotto
