The theme for the first-ever Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala was “Refresh & Rewear,” and Kaila Estrada absolutely delivered. Chelsea Sarabia writes on the event for Vogue, “The limited color palette only became a gateway to creativity, as assemblages of texture were worked into familiar silhouettes.”
Photo from Vogue Philippines
Kaila wore a piecey, sheer off-white gown by ushisato with exquisite LVNA diamond jewelry. Her gown was the key to adhering to the theme of the party; the theme was focused on piecing together “something new” based on old collections and vintage looks, and this was a challenge to all for one of the biggest events of the year. However, Celeste Cortesi, Jessica Yang, and Kyline Alcantara strutted in brand-new reworks of the classic LBD, whereas Bretman Rock made an appearance in reworked Rajo Laurel—to step up to the challenge. Furthermore, local designers shone at the Vogue Gala, with Jude Macasinag and Andrea Tetangco making appearances on the black carpet, proving that Filipino style is at its best. Kaila was styled by TEAMRAINXEM, and her makeup was done simply and stunningly by @facesbygelo. Her hair flowed in subtle waves, caressing her bare shoulders as well as the neckline of her dress—the perfect silhouette, captured elegantly.
Photo from @kailaestrada
With a Roaring-Twenties themed afterparty, Kaila joined in on the fun. The focus was on a new kind of intimacy, with low lights to adorn the walls and velvet loveseats to rest upon. There was mingling at the bar and techno beats all around. Sarabia writes further, “...The first Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala retraced these paths taken, inviting guests into a realm where tradition melds with visions of the future.” Armchairs, sofas, side tables, and dining tables were envisioned as pictures of the past forwarded into the future. Moss green staples as well as deep mahogany were seen at the gala, and The Manila String Machine orchestra played lavish renditions of “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay and “Wonderwall” by Oasis—nods to the distant and not-so-distant past, as the entire event was a nod to recent success.
Photo from @facesbygelo
Editor-in-chief Bea Valdes stated in her speech, “Through our platforms, we hoped to reframe fashion’s relationship with nature, to reconsider our connections with each other, and to celebrate the way we see ourselves. We have also learned of fashion, not as a noun but as a word of action: to fashion, to create. We have used it as a catalyst to uncover that common human thread.” While fashion and fashionistas have always struggled to reinvent, fashion was put in focus, and fashion was present in every cut and form. Sensory experiences marked their territory on the venue, with the “Vogue Unbound” exhibition being presented in the Grand Ballroom of Bonifacio Hall, following a sumptuous dinner prepared by three renowned chefs: Margarita Forés, Joris Rycken, and Carlos Huerta, who likewise gave a nod to the beauty of Philippine-island cuisine by preparing dishes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Photo from @facesbygelo
With its more intimate and personal approach, the Anniversary Gala was an opportunity to chill out in style, and this is equally apparent when one envisions Kaila Estrada in her ensemble for the event—an absolutely minimalist and simplistic take on the Refresh & Rewear theme: classic white on neutrals, made scintillating by the gorgeous luminance of LVNA.