Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali. Photographed by Timothy Dueñas
From patent shoes to sculptural bags, these actors share how they made black their own with accessories from Pedro and Charles & Keith
At the Vogue Studios Philippines launch at Shooting Gallery in Makati, over 300 creatives came together to mark the expansion of Vogue Philippines’ media channels across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and even a podcast.
The evening also invited guests to interpret an all-black dress code. For actors Bianca Umali, Ruru Madrid, Kira Balinger, Kai Montinola, and beauty queen Krishnah Gavidez, their accessories from Pedro and Charles & Keith played a central role in how they expressed their styles, making a case for why an all-black ensemble can be one’s go-to.
Bianca Umali
In a Karl Nadales dress with the Pedro Studio Leather Slingback and shoulder bag, the 25-year-old approached black as a reflection of self. “My personal style through the years has evolved alongside how my character (as a person) has evolved in the years. I would define my fashion as where I have been, who I am now, and who I will be in the future.”
Ruru Madrid
“Before, parang takot talaga ako,” says the 27-year-old actor. “But through the years, I always challenged myself, you know, to think outside of the box but still be me.” The Green Bones actor carried a Pedro two-way leather clutch, pairing it with his Viktor Manila leather jacket and the Pedro Altitude Lightweight leather oxford shoes. “You can never go wrong with a black leather jacket and wearing all black. Any occasion, any event, it’s a vibe.”
Kira Balinger
In a black satin number, Balinger styled her look with the Augustine Eel-Effect shoulder bag from Charles and Keith featuring a structured silhouette with gold accents and pink Satin Bow Pointed-Toe Slingback Pumps. The Pinoy Big Brother alum shares that her look for the night makes her feel confident. She says, “It’s simple, but less is more.”
“I could definitely say that my style has evolved because it’s more mature now,” says the 25-year-old actress. “I feel very comfortable in wearing revealing clothes. That’s just who I am. That’s how I feel empowered. That’s how I express myself.”
Kai Montinola
The singer-actress contrasted her black mini dress with the Hazel Bow Elongated Trapeze shoulder bag and Lu Patent Leather Bow Blade-Heel slingback, both in white, from Charles & Keith. The 18-year-old shares that she likes to mix and match with a variety of styles.
“I feel the most fearless (with my style) when I wear a dress like this right now. Iba pa rin. I feel a different level of femininity in myself when I wear a dress.”
Krishna Gravidez
“When I was a teenager, I had an awkward phase. I didn’t know what style I wanted,” shares the Miss World Philippines 2025 titleholder. “But now, I feel that I am more confident and can wear whatever I want.”
Gravidez wore a black cape dress from Vietnamese label Cem and paired it with the Hazel Bow Elongated Trapeze shoulder bag and Satin Bow Pointed-Toe Slingback Pumps from Charles & Keith. The beauty queen shares that she hopes that when she enters any room, that it tells the story of power. “I’ve been wearing Charles and Keith for a few years now, and I feel like it’s very simple, but it speaks a lot about your stability. It speaks a lot about your power, especially as a woman.”
For more information, follow Pedro and Charles & Keith on Instagram.
