The Preview Best Dressed List 2025

At face value, Brent Manalo has all of the makings of a cool guy. He possesses a natural swagger that makes it seem like he parted hallways during his schooling years. There’d be coos and murmurs with every stride he took, with onlookers taking mental notes of his outfits. True to the popular kid archetype, he’s often donning oversized jackets with a commanding shape to them, paired with baggy jeans that seal in that too-cool-for-you vibe.

The actor and content creator recently captured the nation’s fancy during the most recent season of reality TV show Pinoy Big Brother, where he emerged as one-half of the Big Winner duo. Prior to his podium finish, Brent already had a reputation as someone with a sense of style worth emulating, which his fellow housemates made sure he was aware of. “The housemates would say that [I was a bit] intimidating because I always looked so presentable or put together,” he shares. David Licauco, who entered the house for a short period during the season, also admitted to Brent that he was one of his style pegs. “It was flattering. It was also humbling,” Brent says of it.

“Viktor. I haven't really been updated [with new brands or designers] since I've been on PBB for four months, but it's the first brand I've worn since I've been out. They have new and really nice stuff. The cuts, the way they use fabrics. Kudos to Viktor.”

Michelle Dee rewrote the beauty pageant rulebook when she walked the Miss Universe 2023 stage in a sheer evening gown with coverage coming from jewels tinged black—a color you would never imagine seeing on the coveted stage. Breaking free from expectations and conformity, the Mark Bumgarner creation was an ode to Apo Whang-Od, the last and oldest mambabatok of the Kalinga ethnic group.

“I am not your average pageant queen,” she tells Preview. “I really wanted to represent who I was.” Truthfully so, her authentic self radiated through every inch of the competition as she traveled the world with a wardrobe of 100% Filipino-made clothing. “I always go back to my roots, especially because I know the quality is there. And some people just need to be brave enough to show their pride.”

That pure intentionality and love for storytelling, regardless of what others may think, continues to reflect in her style today. “I see fashion as art, just like any artist,” the actress, performer, and entrepreneur shared, “There's always something moving about it. What is the message I’m trying to get through?”

She reviews this thought process even on laid-back, leisurely days since the desire to tell inspiring narratives is firmly planted in her heart. She states, “I've always believed that when you're a public figure, whatever you do is a platform in itself, and if there's an avenue to advocate for whatever is important for you, then you just do it because it's something you're passionate about. And to be labeled Best Dressed—it's a cherry on top.”

MMD was naturally destined to cultivate a sartorial eye, but the confidence it requires did not come easily. “I have such an iconic mother who, growing up, really taught me to be true to who I am, never apologize for who I was meant to be. But when you're in an industry as competitive, and sometimes very toxic, you can't help but be afraid to be who you are.”

She earnestly stated that it was by embracing her own authenticity and diversity—from coming out as bisexual, to owning her androgyny—that she truly attained success. There are no apologies necessary to anybody when it comes to this; “The only thing that I owe to them is to continue to be who I am, so that they can be inspired to be who they are, too.”

Being surrounded by a solid support system, Michelle has a clear understanding that, “if there's one thing we have that a lot of other countries don't, it’s our bayanihan spirit.” With that, she expressed her hopes to combat brain drain by channeling that characteristic embedded in each Filipino soul. “I hope that we don't look elsewhere for opportunities,” she said. “Hopefully, we can reward creatives fairly, and then we can work together to really make it globally. It's the bayanihan spirit that can make that happen as fast as we want it to happen.” 

“Never compromise comfort. Yes, may tiis-ganda moments tayo, but at the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with what you're wearing—even if it can make you physically uncomfortable. If you believe in what you're wearing enough, then you can power through anything.”

Jasmine Curtis-Smith has always been happy doing her own thing, which applies to how she’s developed her fashion sense. While much of her sartorial upbringing was influenced by her big sis Anne Curtis—who she says, “has literally everything in her closet”—she’s defined her personal style the same way she has her acting career. “I feel like I have not much to prove in terms of my style anymore,” she declares with confidence. “This is Jasmine's brand.”

There was a time when the actress would get uneasy over a red carpet walk, in fear of being either under- or overdressed. The only way she’s conquered the anxiety is by sticking to what feels true to her. She is, after all, representing no one else but herself in any appearance she makes. “Being Best Dressed means I've showcased what I’m made of in terms of my style and how I carry it. I’ve shown my personality through it as well,” she expresses. There’s no pretense or sugar-coating to the Jasmine we see today, whether she’s in a plain white tee or an awe-inspiring evening gown. “I don’t hesitate to show who I am through how I dress,” she says. 

The brands she aligns herself with reflect how she’s let go of any pressure to look a certain way. On a daily basis, she keeps things clean and concise, which is why you’d find a bevy of basics in her closet—and the word “basic” isn’t something she’s ashamed of, either, by the way. “I've always stuck to basic pieces that could be styled to look elegant or flattering [based on] how I want to present myself for the day. It's definitely still an experiment, I think,” the actress states. 

Much like the craft she’s fully dedicated herself to, Jasmine sees no need to box herself into any genre when it comes to how she dresses. From her perspective, being part of the creative industry means perpetually being in a state of change. “I’m constantly evolving,” she continues. “It’s about coming as you are, really.”

As an advocate for Filipino talent in any and every field, she has great hope that all facets of the creative industry get their well-deserved moments in the spotlight. “Fashion was one of the first platforms that reached international shores and tastes, and I feel that having our textiles and designs become well-known is a big win,” she states. “So why wait for the international scene to recognize our works before we do, right?”

“A white tee. Because it goes with anything and everything. You can layer it. You can wear it on its own. You can cut it up. You can put on accessories. You can keep it as plain as you want or as stylized as you want.”

Versex personifies le je ne sais quoi, whatever le je ne sais quoi may equate to. With a name derived from the maximalism of Versace and the perpetual state of being “very sexy,” the drag artist sees fashion as the very nucleus of her craft. It’s in this regard that being labelled as Best Dressed is the highest honor to her. “Mas na-validate ako rito kaysa nung nag-Drag Race ako,” the reality show alumni admits. “I’m a fashion girl.”

Before there was Versex, there was Andre Trinidad, born and raised in the nitty-grittiness of Sta. Ana, Manila. The two are intertwined beings, and when it comes to style, they share the same approach (and closet). “Yung drag ko, identity na siya for me. Hindi na siya ibang persona,” she explains. “Andre and Versex are one. At this point, vessel na lang ako.”

Molded by her coming-of-age, Versex has embraced what she dubs as the “grit factor.” It’s streetwear to the nth degree, characterized by pants that hang dangerously low, oversized distressed tees, and blinding silver jewelry. It provides a vignette of the culture cultivated in the streets, which Versex highlights through her outfit and performance choices. Additional references in her mental catalog include the likes of French art director Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Korean-American designer Yoon Ahn, and, of course, bad girl Riri.

There’s a grittiness to their style that she continually seeks in today’s sartorial scene. “I think everyone is too polished. Pasabog kapag nakikita ko ang grit sa isang tao. It's not too perfect, it's not overdone,” she illustrates.

In her perspective, such grittiness is not only present in the Filipino style DNA—it’s the very foundation of it. “Culturally ambiguous ‘yung Philippine fashion ngayon,” Versex states, noting how our history of colonization has varied our references. “It’s everything and anything,” she adds. 

However, she also caveats that homegrown fashion is not merely a hodgepodge of other cultures; it’s uniquely an entity of its own. As a fashion design graduate herself, she emphasizes how important it is to honor our own aesthetics before looking outward for inspiration. “Mas i-cultivate natin yung sariling atin. For me, ang next level of innovation is actually looking back and reinventing what we’ve been doing before,” she explains. “We have to always go back to our roots.”

“A full glam. For me, kailangan pasabog yung base—meaning hair, makeup, and body—in order for an outfit to work. Kapag naka-full glam ka, buong-buo yung outfit. Lalabas yung confidence.”

Dom Canlas views fashion with a sixth sense. The founder and curator of his very own brand—aptly named The Sixth Sense—the Cagayan De Oro native has trained his eye to see the potential in different pieces of clothing. It’s one thing to be able to wear garments according to his personal style, but it’s another to create and edit them for others. In honing this skill, Dom has developed a deep appreciation for the intricacies of design. 

On a personal level, it took some time for him to discover what aligns with his tastes. “It was a lot of trial and error,” he candidly shares, “and some really, really bad outfits.” He regards this era of experimentation with some grace, acknowledging how it eventually led him to realize what actually works for him. No stranger to the wonders of the Internet, it involved a lot of scrolling and bookmarking. “You have an eye that you just hone as you go, especially when you're always online. You browse through different catalogs, runway scans, and the like,” he details.

Simply describing his sense of style as “clean and refined,” Dom subscribes to several Japanese aesthetics when building his outfits. Within his wardrobe are recurring characters Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake, which he claims has pieces that can easily assimilate into any Filipino’s lifestyle. “I feel like there are definitely similarities, especially in terms of fabrics and silhouettes. The use of linen and having relaxed cuts [feels familiar to us],” he shares. 

Filipino fashion, in his words, has a certain warmth to it, and places an emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship. “These are practices that are very prominent in a lot of different provinces here in the Philippines. I just hope that it becomes more accessible and we can promote it even more,” Dom states.

As someone who’s amassed a considerable following for his reels (he regularly accrues tens of thousands of views and likes), Dom recognizes how instrumental social media has been in democratizing fashion. On his end, he makes certain that there’s a literal voice behind the pieces he features, making each one feel more personable and accessible. In the process, he’s become more authoritative over his own sense of style. “[I’ve learned] to stay in my own lane and to not be swayed by the opinions of others,” he says. “You know what they say: you do you. I’m just having fun, and I’m really investing in a uniform that works.”

“Definitely skinny jeans. I feel like there's so much unnecessary hate towards them. And if I'm being completely honest, I think it's way harder to pull off than wide or relaxed cuts because you really need to have a specific body type or persona to be able to rock it. When done right, I love seeing it on other people.”

The construction industry often paints images of men and engineers dressed in rugged jeans and rubber shoes. Among them, Filipinas like Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran stand tall in stilettos and unapologetically shine in gold jewelry. 

“A lot of people underestimate fashion as very superficial, but I don't think it is. It defines who you are the moment you walk in,” the interior designer and Moss Design House co-founder shared. “I couldn't stress more about using it to command presence and to just show who you are as a person.” More than filling spaces, she takes them up. Fashion is a statement, and Cyndi’s says, “I mean business.”

For somebody who embraces her femininity as much as her, being in construction forms a contrast. It’s a juxtaposition of soft and hard elements, striking enough to make you stop and stare. Still, there’s a sense of belonging so innate and natural, and an amount of self-assurance filled to the brim that it can’t be ignored. Her style mirrors this, serving as a reflection of who she truly is. “Much like what I do with interior design, it's always a mix of highs and lows. There’s rigidness, and then all of a sudden, there's fluidity.”

Browsing through Cyndi’s sartorial selections makes it easy to tell just how much she values structure, sophistication, and sexiness. Her timeless taste has set a concrete foundation for her intuitive approach to fashion, saying, “Until now, I still experiment with my looks. I wear pieces that are from 10 to 20 years ago, and then I pair them with something that's new.” Beyond her enviable collections and designer pieces, it is this outlook and openness to learn more about herself that asserts the fact that she will never go out of style. “Someone who's Best Dressed really owns her personality. She lives and breathes not just fashion, but design in general. It's a lifestyle.”

Through the lens of technique, construction, and fabric exploration, Cyndi believes Filipino fashion has evolved tremendously, and this creative growth would best be accompanied by sufficient platforms and support. “Even in my field, in interior design, there's just so much talent that doesn't get the opportunity to be really exposed on a global stage.” The fashion industry is currently constructing the bridge that fills the gap, and while it may be taking a while, it will all be worth it.

Establishing a presence in a world you’re not always welcomed in is nothing new for Cyndi, which makes her more confident to say there's no reason to give up. Entering a space and making it your own will never be an act that is too much. For her, “too much” is “when it doesn’t feel like me anymore, when it feels like I’m pretending to be somebody else.” Much like her place in the industry, her clothing of choice, and her in all her gorgeous glory, Filipino fashion deserves to belong. This call will never be too much. If anything, it is only right.

“Victoria Beckham's. I've always loved her style. I think there's so much power in it. She's just so cool, effortless, and chic. I remember seeing a photo of her where she was carrying a really worn-out Birkin, and she was picking up her kid. She was just in a gray shirt, white trousers, and a stiletto, and I was like, I just want to be like her.”

Fresh out of college with a psychology degree, Shar Cabigas was working a stable 9-to-5 until things just stopped clicking for her. Something that has always sparked joy within her was fashion, particularly when she adorned herself with jewelry. While others may view it as an afterthought, the act of accessorizing is a vital step in curating any Shar Cabigas outfit. “It could really make your outfit come to life and make it more interesting,” she tells Preview. “It could even help define your personal style.”

Such was the case for the Suki Jewelry co-founder and creative director. Once she wed her husband, whose family owns a jewelry factory, it felt like a natural step to create pieces that she herself would wear on a daily basis. “But at the same time, these are pieces that will literally stand the test of time,” she notes, highlighting how each Suki Jewelry piece is envisioned to be worn from one generation to the next.

While she states that her fashion sense is on the minimal side, she also advocates for the unexpected, which could come by way of texture, color, or form. “I’m drawn to soft silhouettes, subtle surprises, and a quiet kind of sensuality. It’s intentional but a little unpredictable,” she articulates. 

Aside from being a jewelry business owner, she’s also picked up being a mom of two boys in recent years, which has influenced how she tackles her day-to-day wardrobe decisions. Rather than toning things down, motherhood guided her in becoming more intuitive and creative with her looks. “It gave me the confidence to just simply trust my body,” she says. “Back then, I would be extra conscious of being in a bikini, but when I became a mom, I didn’t care anymore. I've learned to wear whatever I want to wear and express myself however I want to express myself.”

In this regard, fashion has always been an act of liberation for Shar. What began as a creative outlet evolved into something a bit more personal and lived-in, much like the jewelry she habitually attaches to her body. While she’s adapted to dress for certain schedules or agendas (“I can’t run after a baby in four-inch heels!” she illustrates with a chuckle), she’s also remained firm in never, ever sacrificing her sense of style. “It’s less about following rules,” Shar says, “and more about dressing in a way that feels honest.”

“Inigo, Roko Arceo of Maligaya Clothing, Martin Bautista, Kelvin Morales, and Viña Romero are all exciting to watch. Each one brings a distinct point of view and such beautiful craftsmanship. I’ve also been eyeing a Nicolo top in handwoven piña! 

And I have to say, Suki Jewelry just launched a new collection I’m really proud of. It hits that sweet spot between high and low, dressed-up and undone. Effortless, but with impact.”

“Are you sure you're asking me or one of my clients?” was John Lozano’s initial reaction when Preview revealed to him that he made this year’s list. “It's nice that Preview is really celebrating the creatives and the people behind all the celebrities,” he shared. After all, being Best Dressed is not about “being flamboyant” or “wearing the latest things.” For John, it’s about “knowing who you are, what you like, what works, and what fits the occasion you're in, whether it be at work or at an event. If these are the characteristics of the Best Dressed, then I guess I fit the bill.”

Before he became a coveted stylist and a prominent marketing figure, John was once a college student trying to break into the fashion scene. An invitation to the Preview Ball was part of his vision, and this served as a factor that shaped his personal style through the years. Today, he prides himself as a hodgepodge of all sartorial senses. “When you master the art of styling, you're no longer bound by trends. You're bound by what feels good, what looks good. All rules just go out the window.” This particular philosophy of setting yourself free from norms and expectations trickles down into his view of the country’s fashion identity.

“Instead of dwelling on the past, embracing the future might be an even better idea,” he said, “and if that means we would sometimes lose the fabric, the technique or the talked-about culture, then it's fine. Maybe the Filipino identity lies in being modern, new, and fresh.” It was a fearless take that could not have been said with more certainty—a kind of bravery that only someone with more than 20 years in the industry could have.

Being Filipino is not about using a particular fabric or innovating traditional attire, creating endless iterations of already existing designs. “If you're a designer who works with leather or denim, does it mean you're not Filipino? If you don't incorporate the terno sleeves, does it mean you're not Filipino? That mentality has to change, and the sooner we accept that this is where the future of fashion is headed, then we would be destined for greatness.”

Roots and history, tradition and culture—all of these are important and necessary to keep our feet on the ground, but we can keep our heads in the clouds at the same time, too. “There's nothing wrong with accepting the fact that we're getting more global as the days go by,” John stated. “It's when you forget your past that it all goes wrong. You can remember the past and embrace the future, but they don't have to merge together.”

Through his platform, John pushes for Filipino designers to aim higher, cultivating an open environment where change is not only encouraged but welcomed. “For me, if you have the capacity to do something and to make change, then why won't you do it? And if nobody's thinking of doing it, and if I can, then I will.” Along with this shift in fashion comes a shift in mindset. “Whatever we put out in the world, even if it's not technically Filipino-looking, it's made by a Filipino. That is our true identity.”

“Short shorts for men. It's actually sort of coming back now, but it's not as mainstream yet. I remember there was a time it was all about short shorts, at least for me. If I can bring that back, I would just because. You know naman how hot it is here, and it would be great if it were in style. I also have short legs, so they can elongate me. And who wouldn't want to see more men's legs in this country?”

Enchong Dee enters the room with his shoulders back, his chest out, and his head held high. Quiet confidence permeates every space he touches. Anyone could tell he has found his voice in its entirety, and he has reached the point of being unquestionably sure about who he is. You will never hear that voice screaming, but you will notice that it is humbly amplified by the idea that there is no one like him, the same way there is no one like you. “I didn’t realize how freeing it is to dress up for yourself,” the host and actor shared.

At the onset of his career, Enchong was what could be described as a walking mannequin. Detailing the experience, he said, “Before, it was just like, ‘Okay, I’m the designer. I’m going to design the clothes for you. You wear it, walk the red carpet, and that’s it.’” As the years went by, he evolved, and so did his approach to fashion. Having grown to be more collaborative, he acknowledged that “It’s not one-size-fits-all. Designers really appreciate it when you have your own opinions and suggestions towards the things that you wear.”

Individuality sits at the heart of Enchong’s style. “I can’t just compare myself with others. You really have to embrace your personality,” he said as he listed every factor, from his body type to his skin tone, that is taken into account whenever he pieces an outfit together. “One tweak can change everything,” he stressed, showing that these technical strategies, and the guts it takes to execute them, come from years of trying and getting to know oneself.

Fashion’s virtue is found in modifications. It transforms weaknesses into strengths, insecurities into assets, and diffidence into confidence. “We might not have the height—some people do have it—but it doesn't mean that if you're small, you have to look small.”

Driven by purpose, for Enchong, owning the title of being Best Dressed is synonymous to living up to the responsibility that comes with it. It’s a duty to bring justice to every thought, skill, and care that designers pour into each of their creations. “It’s not that we’re competing with other countries,” he said, “but that we’re presenting our country properly and with so much dignity.”

Enchong’s style philosophy is to find the most beautiful part of a person and to direct all efforts towards accentuating that. This view reflects in the way he sees the Philippines, too. Just like its people, it may not be perfect, but it does have components worth honing. “I hope the government will give more support to our young Filipino designers,” he expressed, equipped with the belief that adequate investment in emerging creatives is capable of propelling the country onward and upward.

“Timothée Chalamet’s. I think he's one of those actors who are not afraid to try on different looks. Then you realize he's not the tallest actor, he's not a buff or muscular actor, but he knows how to carry the clothes that he gets to wear.”

As the Queen of the Dance Floor, as showbiz purveyors would dub her, Maja Salvador graces the stage with ease, poise, and impeccable talent. She basks in the spotlight, and she matches the beat of the music with the sound of her heart. On other days, she transforms into a Revenge Drama Queen, breathing life into characters who were bound to become iconic in the history of Philippine television. Regardless of which crown she puts on for the day, she is always dressed to the nines.

Having been in the public eye for more than two decades now, Maja has received a plethora of titles, all of which she never truly aimed for. They just came naturally, and op’s Best Dressed is one she can now add to the list. Maja was strolling the streets of Paris on a hectic Europe trip with her family when she got the message. It was her first excursion as a wife and mother wherein no extra help was around, which left her feeling “haggard na haggard.”

In a state of disbelief, she immediately reached out to her stylist and collaborator, Cath Sobrevega, who was quick to congratulate her. “Ako? Is this real? Legit ba?” She shared that she even opened her Instagram feed to view her recent posts, trying to get a grasp of what the basis was. All of this to say, Maja doesn’t try, and she doesn’t really need to.

“Anong nakita sa akin ng Preview to message me na isa nga talaga ako sa mga Best Dressed?” This was one of the questions she asked rhetorically, which she also found the answer to. “Ang ibig sabihin na lang sa akin niyan is, nakikita niyo ako nang totoo. Nagiging totoo lang ako sa sarili ko, na hindi ko kailangan maging artista always.” Maja is no stranger to pressure. In fact, she’s gone through it all. With the time she has spent in the industry, Maja knows the expectations all too well.

“Kailangan maganda ka lagi. Kailangan, ‘pag binihisan ka, maganda yung damit sa’yo,” but she steered these to her advantage, developing a sartorial approach of wearing what she wants, what makes her feel happy and confident, and what allows her to continue blossoming. To be proclaimed Best Dressed at a point in her life where she simply dons what resonates with her, free from societal pressures, is what made her say, “Thank you dahil nakita niyo yung new Maja.”

Someone who understands the impact of storytelling, Maja credits personal narratives as the focal point of Filipino design in today’s sartorial sphere. “Ang Pinoy, laging binibigay yung puso. All of their designs come from sa heart nila, sa experiences nila sa life. There's also a story sa mga ginagawa nilang damit.” This inherent inclination to use fashion as a medium to convey a message is one that will never die down. “Tayong mga Pinoy, hindi tayo tumitigil. Laging gusto natin na maging proud ang mga kababayan natin sa atin. Ganun tayo,” the award-winning actress shared. 

Maja could be wearing an exuberant dress, a chic blazer-and-trousers ensemble, or a plain tank top paired with jeans, and she would still enter a room with command—one worthy of attention, love, and respect. The new Maja has unwavering confidence, and she knows with no doubt that her best accessory is her presence.

“Statement shoes. I'm a shoe addict. Alam yan ng lahat ng friends, family, and supporters ko.”