Star Magical Prom 2023: Our 10 best-dressed celebrities
(From left) Karina Bautista, Andrea Brillantes, Shanaia Gomez, Vivoree Esclito. Images: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net, Instagram/@blythe, Instagram/@vivoree
The lavishness of England’s Regency era was the overall vibe of the first Star Magical Prom at Bellevue Hotel in Alabang last March 30, where ABS-CBN made an extravagant display of its up-and-coming stars.
The event was an ode to gilded glamor, inspired by the hit series “Bridgerton,” where the stars donned their most elegant ballgowns and brocade vests, as well as feather and gem-encrusted ensembles.
Take a look at our 10 favorite looks of the night.
1. Vivoree Esclito
Vivoree Esclito. Image: Instagram/@vivoree
The “diamond” of the night has got to be Vivoree Esclito in her elaborate garden-inspired gown by designer Ehrran Montoya. Esclito’s gown was nothing short of dramatic that had several flower cut-outs from the cap sleeves down to its nude-colored bodice. The custom gown, which features a classic sweetheart neckline, is decked out with floral beadwork and sequins, a mesh cape, a serpentine skirt, and a cape adorned with beads of different shades.
Vivoree Esclito. Image: Instagram/@vivoree
Montoya revealed on Instagram that the look is meant to resemble an oil painting, and was inspired by the “19th century’s ethereal gardens.” The dramatic look was finished with diamond accessories and the actress having her hair up, with locks of fringe framing her face.
Article continues after this advertisement2. Karina Bautista
Karina Bautista. Image: Jeff A. Sto. Tomas via Instagram/@karebautista_
Karina Bautista. Image: Jeff A. Sto. Tomas via Instagram/@karebautista_
With no trace of her wholesome image during her “Pinoy Big Brother” days, Bautista had the makings of a sultry goddess in her Vee Tan gown. The mermaid gown, with its scales-inspired, high slit skirt, and blue-green shade, is one of the most unique pieces of the night, as it complimented the emerging star’s budding femme fatale charms.
Article continues after this advertisement3. Andrea Brillantes
Andrea Brillantes. Image: Instagram/@meetkeso via @blythe
Andrea Brillantes. Image: Shaira Luna via Instagram/@blythe
Brillantes is known for her bold fashion choices, and her silver gem-encrusted column gown was no different. The Michael Leyva creation is an ode to Bridgerton’s slim silhouettes, although the blinding tasseled crystals add a much-needed modern twist. The actress looked like a vintage movie star, as the overall dramatic look was finished with a white cape and gloves, and a half pony adorned with gemstones.
4. BINI’s Mikha
Mikha Lim of BINI. Image: Jowie Guison via Instagram/@bini_mikha
While the members of BINI resemble spring flowers in bloom, Mikha took an unconventional route by going nude — along with the embellishments it desperately needs. Going nude in a colorful event can be seen as a death note by some fashion aficionados, but the P-pop idol’s gown is a crash course of how color can make a classic shade pop in all its elegant glory.
5. Shanaia Gomez
Shanaia Gomez. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Gomez seemed to be very satisfied with her Belle-inspired look during the ball, and it’s one that’s worth congratulating. Yellow is often viewed as a color of celebration yet it can be a shade that’s unforgivable if not done right. Even so, Gomez’s Maison Soriano gown brought the drama with its striking color, ballgown-inspired skirt, tulle sleeves, and half ponytail.
Shanaia Gomez. Image: Jeff A. Sto. Tomas via Instagram/@shanaiagomez
At the same time, the young star carried the gown with such effortless grace that it’s hard to believe that she’s wearing such a voluminous dress.
6. Esnyr Ranollo
Esnyr Ranollo. Image: Dave Gradacias via Instagram/@esnyrrr
Esnyr Ranollo is among the handful male celebrities who took the Bridgerton theme seriously, but with his flamboyant twist. The Tiktok star ditched the basic suit and tie, and replaced it with a Bridgerton-inspired ruffled shirt with a dramatic collar and an elaborate pantaloon in vibrant colors.
Esnyr Ranollo. Image: Dave Gradacias via Instagram/@esnyrrr
Ranollo added even more oomph to an already breathtaking look by donning silver earrings which added another layer of dimension.
7. Stefanie Draper
Stefanie Draper. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Stefanie Draper. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
The “Pinoy Big Brother” alum is another fashionista in the making as her floral gown seems to be an ode to the sea, adorned with several flower patches from its sweetheart neck down to its hem. The dress, while understated to some, is a prom-ready piece taken up a notch without straying to its usual flavor.
8. AC Bonifacio
AC Bonifacio. Image: Instagram/@acbonifacio
Another winning nude look of the night was AC Bonifacio, whose Russel May gown is such a unique take to the prom’s overarching theme. The beaded dress, which follows the trendy, yet underappreciated coordinates theme, is a vision of elegance, along with its puffed sleeves and the dancer’s updo.
AC Bonifacio. Image: Instagram/@acbonifacio
Since Bonifacio, along with Lim and Esclito, are examples of nude done really well, they are impressive acts that are hard to follow.
9. Ericka Pineda
Ericka Pineda. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Ericka Pineda. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
White has the risk of looking too bridal, but Ericka Pineda’s white gown takes a page from from Miss Universe Canada 2018 Marta Stepien’s look book, turning a vintage-inspired piece without looking too old or frumpy. The leaf-shaped beadwork and see-through gloves add an updated take into an overdone style, which is a huge level-up from the usual ballgown flair.
10. Jayda Avanzado
Jayda Avanzado. Image: Shaira Luna via Instagram/@jayda
Jayda Avanzado. Image: Shaira Luna via Instagram/@jayda
Jayda Avanzado showed that she has the makings of ABS-CBN’s next leading lady in her blue green Michael Leyva gown, which looks like something out of a fairytale. Despite the dress’ striking color, pleated skirt, sparkly bodice, and fabric flowers, the singer-actress does not appear to have been overwhelmed by all its drama, carrying it with such poise which makes the ensemble seem light and airy, making her look like an ethereal princess. EDV
