How Guests Interpreted the "Deconstructed" Dress Code at the Preview Ball 2026
There was a spectrum of takes on this year's theme.
Published on Sep 15, 2026
This year’s Preview Ball was an homage to the depth and building blocks of fashion. As in previous years, the annual celebration brought together figures from the entertainment, fashion, and creative industries, many of whom have played a part in Preview’s growth, both past and present.
For 2026, Preview turned its attention to the grit and hard work behind Philippine fashion: the people who have helped shape the industry into what it is today, as well as those laying the groundwork for what it may become in the generations ahead. As Preview Editor-in-Chief Marj Ramos-Clemente articulated during her opening speech at the ball, “the work takes a village.”
With this philosophy in mind, the Preview Ball 2026 called for a dress code of “deconstructed creative formal.”
Guests were encouraged to move beyond conventional black-tie dressing by exploring the unfinished qualities and raw construction of a garment, then translating those elements into a ball-ready look. Some focused on texture and fabric, while others reworked familiar silhouettes or played with the tension between contrasting materials. Across the room, the dress code invited attendees to interpret deconstruction through the lens of personal style.
Ahead, get a closer look at the sartorial trends that emerged at the Preview Ball 2026.
The Fashion Trends That Dominated Preview Ball 2026
Distressed and Intentionally Undone
Several guests embraced details that deliberately exposed the work behind a finished piece. Frayed edges, raw hems, exposed seams, and other signs of unfinished construction gave ensembles a more tactile quality.
Mimiyuuuh in Karl Nadale.
Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey in Rick Owens and Bvlgari.
Anne Curtis in Ziv Rei Alexi and Tiffany & Co.
Designer Jaggy Glarino wears his own design. PHOTOS: PAUL VINCENT PAREDES II
Ice Neo in Ron Roxas. PHOTO: KURT VILLAGRACIA
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Layers of Gauzy Fabrics
Lightweight fabrics were employed to create varying degrees of depth across a look. Diaphanous textiles brought a sense of romance and softness, allowing otherwise formal silhouettes to feel less rigid.
Kylie Verzosa in Renz Reyes.
Atasha Muhlach in Kelvin Morales.
Maronne Cruz in Yana Kalaw.
Preview EIC Marj Ramos Clemente in Vania Romoff. PHOTOS: PAUL VINCENT PAREDES II
Shar Cabigas in Ziv Rei Alexi. PHOTO: PAU GUEVARRA
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Reinterpreted Suiting
There were no boring black suits at this year’s Preview Ball.
Traditional tailoring was reframed through altered proportions, intentionally undone construction, and styling that moved away from the conventional suit formula. Jackets appeared with loosened structures and proportions that disrupted the clean lines of formal suiting.
Donny Pangilinan in Jerome Lorico. PHOTO: NICE PRINT PHOTO
Jarren Garcia wears a suit by his stylist, Ryan Viloria. PHOTO: KURT VILLAGRACIA
Alden Richards in Koko Gonzales. PHOTO: RR BARRETTO
Jolina Magdangal in Proudrace. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/MARIAJOLINA_IG
Josh Ford in Bang Pineda. PHOTO: KURT VILLAGRACIA
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A Puzzle of Textiles
Some looks approached deconstruction through the combination of multiple fabrics within a single outfit. Different textures, weights, finishes, and patterns came together like individual components of a larger garment.
Trixie Waasdorp in HA.MU.PHOTO: TROY ANG
Michelle Dee in Proudrace.
Abraham Guardian in HA.MU. PHOTOS: PAUL VINCENT PAREDES II
Janeena Chan in Marian Zara. PHOTO: RR BARRETTO
Nicolo Perez and RJ Santos in nicolò. PHOTO: KURT VILLAGRACIA
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Fringe-maxxing
In keeping with the deconstructed brief, fringe also offered a way to break up an otherwise streamlined silhouette. The tactile element appeared generously as both a decorative detail and a structural element across several looks.
Kianna Dy in Iñigo Villegas. PHOTO: PAUL VINCENT PAREDES II
Marian Rivera in Clio Peppiatt and Bvlgari. PHOTO: KURT VILLAGRACIA
Bubbles Paraiso in Iñigo Villegas. PHOTO: TROY ANG
Cyndi Fernandez Beltran in Kill Joy Studios and Loewe. PHOTO: RR BARRETTO
Jasmine Curtis-Smith in Iñigo Villegas. PHOTO: PAUL VINCENT PAREDES II
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Touches of Contrast
Elsewhere, the deconstructed theme was interpreted in subtler ways. Guests incorporated contrasting textures, exposed stitching, and opposing colors into their ensembles. Against a palette of muted hues, these understated accents remained in keeping with the dress code while keeping silhouettes sharp and familiar.
Michael Sager in Bagasao and Bvlgari. PHOTO: KURT VILLAGRACIA
Gabbie Mariano in Le Ngok and ANTONINA.
BFFD 2026 honoree Vania Romoff wears her own design.
Brent Manalo in Bagasao and Tiffany & Co. PHOTOS: PAUL VINCENT PAREDES II
Daryl Chang in Randolf. PHOTO: KURT VILLAGRACIA
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Pau is Preview’s go-to fashion girl. On most days, you’ll find her with coffee in hand, and dressed in an oversized blazer with floor-grazing jeans.
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