Nadine Lustre. Photo by Mik Primacio
On the Vogue black carpet, paparazzi flashbulbs danced off of a dazzling array of stones and metals.
At the Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala, everyone had their own take on the black-and-white theme.
Most honored it with monochromatic black or white pieces that spoke for themselves, from the free-flowing, feminine silhouettes of Gabbi Garcia and Siobhan Moylan to the fluid, amorphous forms as seen on Liza Soberano, Bretman Rock, and artist Wawi Navarozza. There was another handful of guests, however, who approached black and white as a blank canvas for jewels, lustrous pearls, and striking metals.
Below, see the Anniversary Gala attendees who transformed their accessories into the focal points of their looks.
Meg Manzano
Stylist and creative director Meg Manzano topped a decadent silk one-shoulder gown with what her husband, photographer and Vogue Philippines constant collaborator Artu Nepomuceno, lovingly calls her “armor,” a piece by Valdes Designs that she actually wore on her wedding day. Timeless in its silhouette, it curved organically around her shoulders, patched sequins and trailing crystals catching and reflecting light about her.
Jo Ann Bitagcol
Model, photographer, and creative director Jo Ann Bitagcol was every bit cool wearing her own brand and a cap that beared the words “Batanes, Philippines,” the destination of the fashion editorial that covers Vogue Philippines’ September 2023 issue. She wore minimalistic gold chain earrings to match the gold filigree of her skirt, completing the look with a pearl necklace—the single pearl dangling from that dainty gold chain made the final touch.
Nadine Lustre
Actress and musician Nadine Lustre described her Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala look in only two words: “very me.” She wore a nearly-sheer ribbed corseted dress, bustier lined with black rhinestones. A statement necklace and minimal earrings would deliver an elegant balance, with diamonds and pink gemstones set in silver.
EJ Nacion
EJ Nacion, who wanted to strike a fine balance between feminine and masculine for the evening, wore Ushi Sato. It was made for Nacion a while back, but the time never felt right to wear it—that was, until the Anniversary Gala. With its daring cut-outs and power shoulders that take up space, the Ushi Sato piece could command attention on its own, but the gold accents, styled by Lyn Alumno, only imbued in it a certain air of regality. “I’m wearing gold kasi siyempre para sa Pilipinas (because, of course, tonight is for the Philippines),” Nacion said. “And it’s a shining moment for me.”
Vice Ganda
The inimitable Vice Ganda showed up to the Anniversary Gala to greet friends and fellow stars Bretman Rock and Bryanboy, and in captivating Schiaparelli jewelry, no less. Vice wore statement earrings and a necklace with Schiaparelli’s signature Eye motif framed within gilded brass, dangling teardrop pearls.
Tracey Dela Cruz
Model Tracey Dela Cruz channeled haute hoods in a glittering piece by Jaime Olinan. She pulled the look together with a diamond-and-pearl orb clutch, giving her look a lasting, mysterious affect.
Kathy Yap-Huang
Entrepreneur Kathy Yap-Huang is elegant in a black-and-white ensemble, white fabric draped around her neck nearly down to the floor. Her statuesque frame is complimented by a diamanté-encrusted headpiece, and she finishes her look off with silver hoop earrings.
Marion Branellec de Guzman
Marion Branellec donned a black bustier and skirt taken straight from her wardrobe. She topped off her look with a string of lustrous pearls. Moments before the Anniversary Gala, she got ready with Vogue Philippines to explain her look: “Of course, I chose Jewelmer pearls because pearls can be worn over and over and [will] always be fresh.”
Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey
Vogue Philippines’ Anniversary Gala was the first event that Miss Universe 2015 Pia Jauncey attended with her husband, Jeremy Jauncey—what is a special occasion if it isn’t marked by an equally special statement piece to go along with it? A Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace coiled around her neck, adorning the plunging neckline of her Mark Bumgarner black velvet gown.
