Curating our annual best dressed feature is never easy. The Philippine Tatler Ball is a known honeypot of high fashion and glamour. This year, some of our favourite muses appeared with statement tailoring, bold prints, and unexpected silhouettes—making our selection process more interesting. Browse through our slideshow to see the best looks from the 2016 Tatler Ball:
Vive la Femme!
Dainty accents such as ruffles and bows add an extra feminine touch to these blush pink and cream-coloured gowns.
Bonnae Gokson in Carlos Miele
Tamara Lamunière in Martin Bautista
Agnes Huibonhoa in Albert Andrada
Cristalle Belo-Pitt in Vania Romoff
Rissa Mananquil-Trillo in Rhett Eala
Reign Supreme
Amped up by unique fabric choices and textures, the princess cut takes on a modern vibe.
Isabelle Daza-Semblat in Boom Sason
Rocio Olbes-Ressano in Rajo Laurel
Jopet Reyes in Mix Supetran
Anne Curtis in Vania Romoff
Paloma Urquijo in Rajo Laurel
Emerald City
The colour of the year makes a strong statement with ball skirts and embellished bodices.
Linda Ley in Mark Bumgarner
Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi in Rajo Laurel
Malu Francisco in Ito Curata
Sarina Samson in Rhett Eala
An Eye for Detail
Intricate detailing on long gowns evokes elegance and glamour; for modern dresses with simpler lines, subtle unexpected details add a stylish statement.
Ching Cruz in Albert Andrada
Cris Albert in Inno Sotto
Audrey Puckett in Versace
Marivic Vasquez in Ito Curata
Vicky Zubiri in Dolce & Gabbana
Beruffled Beauty
Ruched here, flounced there; a bit of artful folding and asymmetry go a long way into creating structured yet flirtatious silhouettes.
Zelda Kienle in Rajo Laurel
Criselda Lontok in Criselda Lontok
Marilu Batchelor in Rajo Laurel
Christine Francisco in Mark Bumgarner
Sparkle On
Glamourous golds, bold bronzes, and bronzes, and striking metallics and pizzaz to any ensemble.
Bonnie Santos in Valentino
Anna Treier in BG Haute Couture
Audrey Tan-Zubiri in Cary Santiago
Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez
Brilliant Gems
Jewel tones are both striking and flattering in silks and satins—shine on!
Bea Soriano-Dee in Lanvin
Ina Ayala in Versace
Joy Onglatco in Inno Sotto
Frannie Jacinto in Maureen Disini
Mons Romulo in Inno Sotto
It’s in the Print
Eye-catching designs are not for the faint of heart. Be a showstopper in these style statements.
Tina Ocampo in Inno Sotto
Fe Rodriguez in a Prada blouse and Valentino gown
Sheila Marie Tiongco in Bo Parcon
Shoulder Off
The off-shoulder trend migrates to evening wear and takes on an elegant form in a bevy of styles and colours.
Sofia Elizalde in Inno Sotto
Caroline Taojo in Edgar Buyan
Diana Jean Lopez in Tadashi
Gina Mohnani in Ito Curata
Rita Peña in Vania Romoff
Black Me Up
Black brings to mind edgy sophistication. Add to the glamour with thigh-high slits, sleek silhouettes, and elegant accessories.
Kathy Yap-Huang in J Mendel
Aivee Teo in Inno Sotto
Shirley Hiranand in Versace
Small Laude in Balenciaga
Dare to Pair
Striking hues, unexpected pairings, and colour blocking create a unique ensemble only a daring few can carry well.
Kit Zobel in Ito Curata
Ria Prieto in Joey Samson
Duday Tuason in Rajo Laurel
Allana Montelibano in John Herrera