The Opulence Ball, the most anticipated Halloween Party in the metro, was indeed a night of creativity, self-expression, and style. Dubbed as The Velvet Underground, the ball’s theme was also about the disco culture of the 1970s, an era filled with hedonistic pursuits and individualistic expressions.
Founder and creative director Mond Gutierrez shared that he chose the concept as inspired by the Studio 54 fun his own parents experienced in New York in the ’70s. Together with creative director and event specialist Ashleigh Rye, they work together in bringing to life the country’s first-of-its-kind Halloween ball, that puts the spotlight on the Philippines as a premiere party destination with thriving entertainment, fashion, and creative scenes.
Aside from the bitchin’ party, we were astounded by the night’s red carpet sesh. We’ve ranked here our Top 5 Most Stylish from the night:
5. Maymay Entrata
Coming in on our Top 5 spot is Maymay Entrata.
Maymay looked immaculate in a white dress, a retro bridal take by Filipino fashion designer Neric Beltran. The couturier shared in an interview with Stylish on the red carpet that his design for Maymay was actually inspired by the ultimate ’70s muse Bianca Jagger.
A frequent party girl at the famous Studio 54, Bianca was known for donning thematic outfits for her night-outs. “One time she went to Studio 54 wearing a bridal dress while holding a dove,” Neric shared. The designer took that fashion moment from the era as the inspiration. Meanwhile, the actress interpreted her opulent look as her own vow to self-love.
4.Maris Racal
Strutting the red carpet in a custom-made silver fringed mini-dress by Filipina designer Russel May Cordero was actress Maris Racal, who was every bit the queen of the night with her flirty disco showgirl look.
In fact, Maris won “Best Dressed” at the ball as presented by Metro Magazine.
3.Janeena Chan
Influencer and host Janeena Chan wore a multi-colored retro look by Ushisato.
Janeena was also one-half of the “Best Couple” of the night as presented by The Manila Peninsula.
2.Chie Filomeno
Hollywood musician and actress Cher was undeniably the icon of the ’70s fashion. And she was the inspiration of Filipina actress Chie Filomeno for her look at the Opulence Ball. The fashionista was all game in showing the STYLISH team her own outfit reveal at the red carpet.
Her silver sheer gown, designed by Maison Soriano, was reminiscent of one of the stage looks of Cher during her outfit reveal segment of her famous TV variety from the ’70s called The Cher Show.
1.Belle Mariano
In a sparkling gold cutout dress by AJ Javier, actress Belle Mariano channeled her ’70s retro fashion star, securing the number one spot in our Most Stylish list for Opulence Ball 2024.
The Manila Peninsula Rigodon Ballroom was transformed into a truly opulent disco hall by design house Moss Manila, with immersive experience for the guests in the other rooms provided by Kiko Milano, Belo, Don Julio, Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Jewelmer, and Ploom.
“The Opulence Ball is more than just an event, it’s really an immersive experience for our guests, and this year we brought them back into the most opulent era from recent history, the 70s. It’s all about disco, fashion, music, self-expression, that era was all about being bold and being who you are. We want to elevate the experience for our guests with a brand-new theme, a brand new clear, creative brief for The Velvet Underground. Everyone looked so fabulous in their interpretation of 70s best.” Mond shared.
He added, “There’s so many things that goes on behind the scenes in creating The Opulence Ball, there’s so many moving parts – from our brand partners, all of our attendees, they all put so much effort into their looks, there’s so many things that goes on and so many people like artists, creatives who contribute their skills and talent to showcase the Philippines thriving fashion, creatives, design, and art scene.”
Other stars who stole the spotlight included Kylie Versoza, who won the Icons Only award as presented by Don Julio Tequila.
The Serving Face award was granted to Barbie Imperial as presented by Kiko Milano.
Ruffa Gutierrez won the Truly Unique award as presented by Ploom PH.
R’Bonney Gabriel was named as the Beauty of the Ball as presented by Belo Beauty.
Guests stayed on ‘till the early hours of the morning, partying and having a good time, livin’ it up to the opulent era of the 70s.
For more on this year’s Opulence Ball, follow @the_opulence_ball on Instagram.
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