Star Magical Prom 2024: Our best-dressed celebrities

(From left) Alexa Ilacad, Xyriel Manabat, Belle Mariano, and Francine Diaz.

The Star Magical Prom 2024 theme of fairytales and magical creatures turned the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang on March 14 into a whimsical wonderland – a perfect backdrop for the talent agency to showcase its brightest young stars and emerging artists.

The star-spangled event had Star Magic’s talents looking like princes and princesses in their dramatic ballgowns and frock coats, complemented by intricate headpieces and sparkly accessories.

Here are INQUIRER.net’s 10 favorite looks of the night:

1. Alexa Ilacad

Alexa Ilacad. Image: Dookie Ducay via Instagram/@alexailacad

Alexa Ilacad was the rightful queen of the night in her body-hugging Ehrran Montoya gown inspired by Ariel of “The Little Mermaid.” The shimmering garb of lavender and green was reminiscent of a sea-goddess coming out  of the waves. Her dress features a corset bodice, bra-like top, and high slit skirt; the fabric adorned with “crystals, pearls, and dangling beads” – a fitting accent for a dreamy aura.

READ: Star Magical Prom 2024: Couples, rising stars all glammed up

Alexa Ilacad. Image: Dookie Ducay via Instagram/@alexailacad

The designer shared on his Instagram account that the gown was created to highlight Ariel’s “under the water” vibe without making it “look too costume-y.” This creation alone was an enchanting combination of Ilacad’s undeniable feminine energy and Montoya’s signature creativity.

2. Esynr Ranollo

Esnyr Ranollo. Image: Alan Segui via Instagram/@esnyrrr

Esnyr Ranollo. Image: Alan Segui via Instagram/@esnyrrr

Esnyr Ranollo will never hold back from being one of the most stylish stars of the night since last year’s prom – and 2024 was no exception. Ranollo was a sexy water nymph who came to life in his “non-gender conforming” customized number by Axel Que. The gown has ruffles from the sleeves, bodice, and skirt in vibrant shades of purple, magenta, dark blue, and blue-green. The dress, put together by a sheer top encrusted with gemstones, was one of the most show-stopping ensembles of the night, complimenting Ranollo’s colorful personality perfectly.

3. Criza Taa

Criza Taa. Image: Andrea Beldua via Instagram/@mscrizataa

Criza Taa. Image: Andrea Beldua via Instagram/@mscrizataa

Taa’s dreamy beauty is the perfect canvas for her white halter ballgown with silver sequins, fur trim, and a crystal-encrusted bodice by Mak Tumang. The “Zoomers” star emerged as one of the standouts in wearing a white gown, which is usually avoided for its tendency to be bridal. Her daring move, however, was a worthy risk as she exuded grace nothing short of ethereal.

READ: Star Magical Prom 2024: KDLex, FranSeth among biggest awardees

4. Andi Abaya

Andi Abaya. Image: Damari via Instagram/@iamandiabaya

Andi Abaya. Image: Damari via Instagram/@iamandiabaya

Abaya shed off her wholesome “Pinoy Big Brother” roots to embody a noblewoman in an elegant gown by Marian Zara. With its light green shade and body-hugging design, the dress seems to be a different take on fairytales, but she managed to make it completely work. Another highlight was her relaxed curls, floral appliqués, and flower-shaped sequins that added more dimension to her look.

5. Kaori Oinuma

Kaori Oinuma. Image: Ashots via Instagram/@kaori_oinuma

Kaori Oinuma. Image: Ashots via Instagram/@kaori_oinuma

As seen in her past role in “A Very Good Girl,” Kaori Oinuma proved that she’s one to break the rules and look devilishly good while doing so. The actress was a showstopper in a Vee Tan gown in solid red hue with bell sleeves taking on the form of a cape, matching red gloves, and a bodice and skirt bedecked in sequins, crystals, and gemstones. The dramatic look was put together by a red necklace and a chignon hairstyle that showed off her hime haircut with bangs.

6. Gabb Birkin

Gabb Birkin. Image: Instagram/@gabbbirkin_

Gabb Birkin. Image: Instagram/@gabbbirkin_

Gabb Birkin opted to veer away from the usual princess and fairy route and went on the form of a goddess in her nude off-shoulder gown covered in tulle. The bodice is adorned with flower appliqués and orange sequins without swallowing up the “Pinoy Big Brother” alum’s figure completely. Her look was harmonized by gold accessories and a gemstone- and pearl-adorned headpiece that resembles a crown.

7. Xyriel Manabat

Xyriel Manabat. Image: Hajie Alejandro via Instagram/@xyrielmanabat_

Xyriel Manabat. Image: Hajie Alejandro via Instagram/@xyrielmanabat_

Proving that no one would guess her next move, Xyriel Manabat was an enchanting princess in her floral halter gown by Russel May Cordero. Her garb resembled cherry blossoms falling off a tree. The dreamlike gown is a fresh take on a classic princess-like ensemble as it combines nude, baby pink, light blue, and light brown shades on the bodice, while a stream of cherry blossoms is sewn on the skirt. It was one of the most captivating looks of the night, and Manabat carried it with so much charm.

8. Dalia Verde

Dalia Verde. Image: Instagram/@daliavarde

Dalia Verde. Image: Instagram/@daliavarde via Nice Print Photography

Another star who went for a striking red was Dalia Verde. Clad in an enchanting ruby red ballgown by Mark Bumgarner, she successfully flaunted her fair complexion and jet-black locks in the best way possible. Going simple in a fairytale-themed event may be considered a kiss of death, but the use of a gown that mirrored red rose petals to all the more emphasize her eye-catching features proved grit and fearlessness on the part of Verde. She may be a new face in the industry but her look was a clear sign she has the makings of a fashion maven in the future.

9. Francine Diaz

Francine Diaz. Image: Nice Print Photography

Francine Diaz. Image: Nice Print Photography

Francine Diaz looked every inch Cinderella in her pale blue gown by Anthony Ramirez. She embodied chic with the garb’s square neckline, ruffled skirt, crystal blings, and loose bun amid wispy tendrils and blunt bangs that framed her face. The “Kadenang Ginto” star may have been known for pulling off understated looks in the past, but this display of an elegant, modern-day fairytale princess is proof of why she doesn’t need to do, wear, or brag too much to be exceptional.

10. Belle Mariano

Belle Mariano. Image: Niko Gonzales via Instagram/@belle_mariano

Belle Mariano. Image: Juan Leo via Instagram/@francislibiran8

Belle Mariano might’ve passed her Prom Queen crown to the reigning winner, but she proved that she will always be the belle of the ball in her Francis Libiran gown which is meant to be “bright as a ray of sunlight.” The gown may appear simple to outsiders, but the use of a bold color (almost to the point of being unforgiving) as its highlight, and not relying on intricate details is another demonstration of Mariano’s breathtaking aura taking centerstage. With long curly locks down, stylish rose clutch, and strappy heels, Mariano’s dazzling allure was definitely hard to miss.