Michelle Dee Dons a Denim Evening Gown at the Preview Ball 2026

Michelle Dee certainly knows how to make an arrival.

With confidence as her strongest accessory, the newly minted Proudrace muse graced the Preview Ball 2026 at Marriott Manila in Newport World Resorts in a sultry denim ensemble, conceived by stylist Ryuji Shiomitsu and designer Rik Rasos as a reinterpretation of the traditional evening gown.

In an interview, Ryuji shared that the concept began with a simple proposition: reimagine a material as mundane as denim and translate it into something suited for eveningwear. The proposition appealed to Rik, who then explored what a Proudrace evening gown might look like.

With further adjustments from young designer Rye Martin during the fittings, the custom piece was deconstructed and reconstructed until its proportions were perfected.

In keeping with the evening’s “deconstructed creative formal” dress code, Ryuji interpreted the theme by disrupting the gown’s sleek, streamlined silhouette with controlled cut-outs and a variation of denim washes.

“We employed a very controlled, body-conscious silhouette and disrupted it through unexpected cut-out openings, displaced panels, contrasting fabrics, and elements that feel almost as if they have been pulled apart and reassembled,” he explained.

The ensemble strikes a balance between structure and fluidity. Given denim’s inherent weight and rigidity, its softer side emerges through panels in varying fabrications and torso-baring cuts along the sides. While the silhouette appears asymmetric at first glance, its strongest details lie in the precision of the mixed-denim construction, which lightly traces Michelle’s frame.

“There’s also an element of athleticism in the way the silhouette follows the body and exposes the shoulders and sides,” Ryuji added.

The Preview Ball 2026 is co-presented by Birch Tree Adult Boost and Dove, in partnership with IQOS*, GCash, and Belo Medical Group, with Event Sponsors Stanley, HONOR Magic V6, and Penshoppe, Giveaway Sponsor Colgate, and venue partner Marriott Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts.

*Government Warning: This product is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise smoke or use nicotine products.