Did You Know? Brent Manalo Had These Outfit Options for the Preview Ball 2025
In these exclusive images by Belg Belgica, stylist Ryuji Shiomitsu lets us in on how he curated the Gen Z star’s look for the event.
Published on Sep 10, 2025
At this year’s Preview Ball, Best Dressed 2025 honoree Brent Manalo walked the carpet in a streamlined Koko Gonzales look that distilled the “homegrown creative formal” dress code into something clean, sharp, and easy.
But that final look was just one of many possibilities that stylist Ryuji Shiomitsu had laid out for him. And thanks to these exclusive images, we get a rare glimpse at those alternative looks—outfits that reveal just how far his Preview Ball wardrobe could have gone.
These unseen images reveal a more experimental side to the Gen Z actor, one that allowed him to slip in and out of bold silhouettes before settling on the understated look he eventually wore.
“When curating the Preview Ball outfits for Brent, my initial idea was to tap designers we haven’t worked with yet, especially those with a strong Filipino aesthetic,” Ryuji explains. The lineup included Koko Gonzales, Lawrenbert Hingpit, Jor-el Espina, Adam Pereyra, and Jewelmer—names that naturally occurred to him upon learning about the dress code.
In this editorial lensed by Belg Belgica, have a look at the six unseen options Ryuji styled for Brent.
Brent Manalo's Outfit Options for the Preview Ball 2025
Boy next door, but Filipino
A printed knit vest layered over a crisp white shirt and paired with roomy leather trousers creates a modern twist on the relaxed “nice guy” style. The look is pushed into formalwear territory with the exposed collar and the silver hoop earring by Adam Pereyra.
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An easy classic
A sharp brown blazer layered over an embroidered shirt, paired with wide leather trousers, creates a casual take on suiting. The combination balances polish with ease, offering a look that feels both refined and relaxed.
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The showstopper
A voluminous shearling coat in an ombré fade, oversized to dramatic effect. The statement piece reinterprets classic outerwear while easily stealing the spotlight.
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Sleek in black
A fitted black leather jacket paired with matching trousers, anchored by subtle jewelry. Minimal but commanding, it gave Brent a rock star allure, like he had just stepped off a runway in Paris.
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A fringe moment
Swaying with his every move, Brent donned a black jacket exploding with a leather fringe. This look pushes the bounds of traditional formalwear with its boho and street-inspired cues.
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A sports-inflected look
An intricately embroidered zip-up bomber paired with relaxed trousers reinterprets traditional needlework, softened by silk white trousers.
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The final look
Each option carried its own personality. But when it was time to choose the final look, Brent and Ryuji gravitated toward something more sophisticated and quiet.
As among this year’s Best Dressed honorees for 2025, the model-actor ultimately appeared in a Koko Gonzales ensemble: a long-sleeve cotton barong-style jacket layered over cream trousers and white slip-ons. “We thought it would be best to go back to [Koko’s] clean aesthetic that always works best,” Ryuji says.
To complete the look, Ryuji turned to Adam Pereyra jewelry—crafted in collaboration with master goldsmith Ely Arcilla—and a luminous 22-inch golden South Sea pearl strand from Jewelmer. These details added a sense of Filipino artistry and touch of shimmer to the otherwise pared-back ensemble. “What I love about the look is that it’s a vest,” Ryuji notes. “We were able to incorporate modern street-style sensibilities into a rather traditional outfit.”
Which among the outfits is your favorite?
Produced by Team Brent Manalo
Photographed by Belg Belgica, assisted by Sarah El-Ali
Styled by Ryuji Shiomitsu
Grooming by Bhads Castor
Special thanks to Lawrenbert Hingpit, Ish Victoriano, Ma Lalaine Yap and FaMANALO
Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with headphones on, coffee in hand, and likely dressed in an oversized blazer and floor-grazing jeans.