Kelsey Merritt Steps Out in Vania Romoff’s Fresh Spin on the LBD
The Filipina designer infused the look with her signature touch of romance.
Published on Sep 25, 2025
Since Coco Chanel introduced it in the 1920s, the little black dress has remained one of fashion’s most enduring symbols. From Audrey Hepburn’s iconic Givenchy dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) to countless runway reinterpretations through the decades, the LBD has proven itself timeless precisely because it evolves while staying essential.
That enduring appeal continues in Vania Romoff’s fresh interpretation of the wardrobe staple. While vacationing in Italy, Fil-Am model Kelsey Merritt donned an ensemble that featured a scalloped bodice, cinched by a drop waist silhouette, and a voluminous tulip-shaped skirt.
“We created this look as a fresh take on the little black dress,” Vania told Preview. “A strapless bodice with a drop waist and an exaggerated tulip silhouette just felt like a fresh direction.”
Kelsey Merritt Dons a Little Black Dress by Vania Romoff
The gown was anchored on contrasts—softness at the top, structure at the bottom. “We used beautiful chantilly lace on the bodice with its scalloped edges framing the neckline beautifully,” Vania explained. The delicate lace introduced a sense of romance, while the sculptural tulip skirt anchored the look with volume and shape.
To complete the look, Kelsey carried a slim black clutch and barely-there black sandals, a subtle boost of height to allow the gown’s statuesque frame to be front and center. Jewelry was kept pared back—just a pair of earrings and a ring in gold hardware—for a touch of shimmer without overwhelming the textures of the dress.
True to her signature "quiet luxury" aesthetic, Kelsey kept her glam understated— a fresh, bronzey base matched with sharply defined eyes and a rosy nude lip. Her hair was parted cleanly and swept into a sleek bun, letting the strapless neckline remain in focus.
“Working with Kelsey has always been easy. It helps that we’ve worked together in the past and she trusts me to take creative control and execute my vision,” Vania shared.
She added, “Kelsey has a very distinct style that’s quite refined and with mostly a classic and understated direction. We’ve always just messaged each other over text and it’s always been an effortless process.”
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.