Here's Everything That Went Down at the Preview Ball 2023

All roads led to the Manila Marriott Hotel for the Preview Ball 2023 last night, September 8. The much-awaited event gathered the local fashion scene's movers and shakers in honor of the Preview Best Dressed, the inaugural Best Filipino Fashion Designers 2023 (BFFD), and the much-anticipated reveal of the September cover.

Below, we list down all our favorite moments from this year's fashionable fête. 

The Highlights of Preview Ball 2023

1. Tim Yap welcomed the stylish guests at the black carpet.

Ball attendees came in their most stylish creative formal outfits, and it was definitely a feast for the eyes seeing how celebrities, creatives, industry friends, and partners put their own spin to the all-white dress code. Livestream host Tim Yap set the tone for the night ahead with his wit and warmth as he welcomed guests on the black carpet.

2. Guests took photos at the interactive booths in the cocktail area. 

While the black carpet revelry was ongoing, guests were invited to check out various booths and exhibits while waiting for the main hall to open. Larger than life Preview covers were projected while the photos from our Best Dressed List 2023 shoot had its own mini pavilion.

Pockets of interactive spaces from our partners also kept everyone entertained as they showed off their best poses in a selection of prepared vignettes. Preview, of course, had its own photo area—the Preview Tree at the center of the courtyard designed by Moss Manila featured the exact cube built by Rocketsets for the September cover.

3. A sumptuous dinner prepared by Marriott's Executive Chef Meik Bramer was served at the elegantly styled main hall.  

Guests were then ushered inside the Grand Ballroom that was elegantly transformed by Moss Manila into a fantastical evening oasis. Illuminated by candlelight, the space felt dreamy yet intimately cozy with the walls swathed in white drapery. It was the perfect backdrop for a sit-down dinner prepared by "The Big Chef" himself, Meik Bramer. 

4. Preview's Editor-in-Chief, Marj Ramos-Clemente, talked about the history and evolution of the brand since its inception in 1995.

"I think we can all agree that, tonight, the Philippine fashion community is alive and thriving," Preview's Editor-in-Chief Marj Ramos-Clemente said in her welcoming remarks, drawing out cheers and applause from the audience. The Preview Ball boasted of a robust guestlist that represented various pillars of the fashion industry—designers, models, photographers, makeup artists, stylists, brands, writers, and more.

"Preview was the very first title in Summit Media—a homegrown brand that has been championing local talent since 1995. Twenty-eight years later, here we are, celebrating another milestone and laying the next brick on top of what the editors before us have built. Leah Puyat, Pauline Juan, Anna Canlas, Isha Valles—a legacy that set us up for the future," she shares in her speech. "Today, as the new generation embraces platforms beyond pages of magazines, Preview carries on and continues to uphold the values of Filipino artistry, innovation, and fashion that is for everyone." 

5. The Best Dressed List 2023 honorees were awarded onstage.

Every year, fashionistas look forward to the annual Best Dressed List for a dose of style inspiration. This year's arbiters of style who were in attendance—James Reid, Bianca Umali, Mimiyuuuh, Isabel Santos, Bella Racelis, Gabbie Mariano, and Chris Nick—were invited on stage to receive their trophy, as presented by Summit Media Chief Finance Officer Lorie Chavez and Head of Revenue Growth Florence Bienvenido. 

 

6. Marian Rivera became the honorary recipient of Preview's first-ever Style Icon award.

All eyes were on Marian Rivera as she gracefully sashayed to the stage to receive Preview's first-ever Style Icon award. It was a well-deserved laurel for the style maven, who graced the cover of Preview for the first time in January 2008.

Since then, Marian did a Barbie-themed cover shoot in June 2009 and fronted the magazine with not just one but four different bridal covers in January 2015. Last year, Preview ended 2022 on a high note with another breathtaking Marian Rivera cover, and it was the same year she also headlined the Best Dressed List.

 

7. There was a fashion showcase in honor of our inauguaral Best Filipino Fashion Designers grant.

The Best Filipino Fashion Designers for 2023 were honored during the program with a mini showcase featuring PMAP models Gabbie Abesamis for Randolf, Mika Reins for HA.MU, Queenie Tao for Novel, Raejell Roxas for Chris Nick, and Joanna Pojas for Cheetah Rivera.  

It was then followed by an awarding with Summit Media's Chief Executive Adviser Cindy Deng and Chief Operating Officer Howard Go.

 

8. We revealed the much-anticipated September cover featuring Julia Barretto.

Guests were treated to a performance by Fifth Wall dancers under the choreography of Madge Reyes, which ultimately transitioned into an editorial video that unveils Preview's ethereal September cover shot by photographers Cenon at Mav.

Cover star Julia Barretto, whose stunning look for the evening was inspired by the cover shoot, was then invited onstage.

 

9. Preview's Publisher, Kiko Galura, ended the program with a heartwarming speech.

After thanking everyone who helped mount the successful event, Preview's Publisher and Summit Media's Head of Product, Kiko Galura, said the closing remarks and raised a toast for the past, present, and future of Filipino fashion.

"As I watched all of us walk through the spaces we’ve built tonight, I couldn’t help but notice that beyond the color all of us are wearing, one other thing binds us all, one that knows no class, no gender, no age. It’s the collective creativity that runs through our veins. The fluid that fuels our ideas, designs, melodies, the moments, and ultimately the communities that we build," he shares.

10. The Preview Ball Afterparty has commenced.

What's a ball without a party? DJ Xtina Superstar dropped beats and had everyone on their feet after the program. Removed from their seats, guests were free to mingle and socialize and these intimate moments were captured by photographer Ricardo Yan.

It was definitely a night to remember!

The Preview Ball was in partnership with Pond's, TRESemmé, Vaseline, Dove, BYS, Avignon, and Conzace; with Manila Marriott Hotel as the official venue partner. 

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