We’re all mesmerized by the recent kairotic moment of Miss Universe 2015 titleholder Pia Wurztbach at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York. The Filipina fashion influencer is still considered a relatively new entrant in the global fashion scene as per glitterati, but her presence has been celebrated already internationally.
Pia dazzled in a classic red Carolina Herrera tube gown with puffy skirt, paired with elegant Bulgari jewelry– giving the international paps a good reason to snap the star away on the red carpet.
The award show was organized by one of the respected designer organizations in the USA: the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA). The event’s mission has always been to honor the most influential American designers per season. Founded in 1962, CFDA is a non-profit group committed to strengthen the impact of American fashion globally by uplifting their members who are fashion designers and style movers.
We’ve caught up with Bessie Besana, New York-based Filipino designer and one of Pia’s close style confidantes, about their selection process for the dress that Pia could stun in for the prestigious event. The couturier also talked about his close relationship with the former beauty queen that spans more than a decade.
Image Source: Pia Wurtzback Facebook page
“Pia and I have been friends for 12 years. Most of the time we do go on our ways, but whenever we get the chance to be in the same place, we will always make it to a point that we get together and enjoy the time we have. It’s always short, but is always fun. We talk about our future plans, dreams and aspirations,” Bessie told STYLISH.
That close friendship was indeed evident when Pia agreed to do her first-ever bridal fashion show with him during the Marry Me At Marriott fashion show in Manila, as Bessie shared with STYLISH in July this year.
For her CFDA prep in New York, Pia turned to Bessie for some styling help.
“I connected her with the Carolina Herrera team in New York. We visited the Carolina Herrera flagship store on the 75th and Madison, and was welcomed by the boutique director Giorgio at 8:30AM before the store even opened,” Bessie narrated.
“The team let Pia try on a couple of things such as a black slender velvet gown, and a blue dress with a classic Carolina bow.”
“But what won was the red dress because when she wore it, it felt like the classic signature silhouette of Carolina Herrera. And then we learned that the color was actually called Herrera red. From there on, we knew it was the dress,” the designer added.
Carolina Herrera is the namesake label of the Venezuelan-American socialite turned designer founded in 1980. The high fashion brand has been acclaimed for its ladylike, clean, wearable, and ever-sophisticated aesthetic.
“Carolina Herrera is one of those quintessential American brands. The clean lines, classic silhouettes reflects Pia’s fashion persona as well.”
Bessie also explained how being invited to the prestigious event was indeed a fashion milestone.
“To be invited to attend the CFDA Fashion Awards is a great milestone for a person working in the fashion industry. You meet some of the world’s biggest figures in fashion such as creative directors, designers, magazine editors and just about everyone,” he said.
Pia then in return welcomed the CFDA team to her hotel suite on the day of the event, as she prepped for the awards show. She gave a glimpse of her glam and styling for the night, as seen in a get-ready-with-me video shared by CFDA on its Instagram page.
Image Source: CFDA
Image Source: CFDA
Meanwhile, Pia further talked about her first-time CFDA Awards Show experience with Elle Singapore, sharing how she is still exploring and learning more about fashion.
“I’m not a fashion expert, but I’m always eager to learn. The CFDA Awards gave me insight into the grit behind the glamour—honourees sharing their stories of persistence and passion reminded me that even the biggest icons started from scratch,” she told Elle.
—————————————————————
Stylish Magazine is “your source of self-love, style & inspiration” first introduced in June 2020. Our television series format, Stylish TV, once ranked one of the Top 50 Most Watched Multicultural Shows in the USA, can be streamed on iWantTFC and be watched on TFC (The Filipino Channel) in more than 50 countries. Watch it online here.
Style Visionary Network is a lifestyle-business online platform where #WeCreateVisionaries. Also introduced in June 2020, Style Visionary Network is also the digital home channel of media brands Stylish Magazine and Stylish TV.