As the highly anticipated State of the Nation Address (SONA) approached, the nation's leaders gathered to address the country's progress and outline future plans. While the focus is primarily on governance, it also becomes an occasion where fashion meets the world of politics.
One person who steals the sartorial spotlight year after year is none other than Heart Evangelista—and SONA 2023 proved to be no exception.
All of Heart Evangelista's Looks at the SONA 2023
In an exclusive interview with Preview, Iza Sim, Heart's stylist, shared their creative process behind the making of the style icon's two looks for SONA 2023. "We opted for something fresh yet creative," she explained, underlining the "artistic approach that starts from the materials down to the overall look" that they took into mind while collaborating with Filipino fashion designers.
Look #1: Opening of the Second Regular Session of the 19th Congress
For the opening ceremonies in the morning, Heart made a headline-worthy appearance in her signature all-white look, breaking away from the norm and opting for a jumpsuit by esteemed Filipino designer Ivarluski Aseron rather than the conventional dress silhouette.
The wife of Sen. Chiz Escudero was clad in a modern terno that featured breathtaking banig-style butterfly sleeves. A true homage to Filipino craftsmanship, this intricate detail extended to the upper part of the bodice, while the rest of the ensemble incorporated a semi-sheer fabric in a diagonal windowpane check print. Overall, it was a visual symphony that echoed the traditional banig technique seen on the sleeves, creating a mesmerizing play of patterns and textures.
"The full 'banig' terno jumpsuit is made of lasercut strips of fabric woven together to form the banig detail," Ivar shared to Preview, explaining the meticulous technique that was employed in the making of Heart's outfit. "It’s a combination of organza and gazar to give it a translucent look. The jumpsuit was lined with embroidered organza to give it added texture but doesn’t lose its translucency."
Accessorizing her ethereal white SONA 'fit, Heart's stylist Iza Sim chose the perfect statement-making clutch: a feathered pouch by London-based brand L'alingi. Crafted in satin, the luxe mini bag is trimmed with ostrich feathers and boasts of a gold top handle bedecked with crystal embellisments.
Ostrich Feather Pouch Clutch Bag, $739 (approx. P40,500), L'ALINGI, Harrods
Completing the style icon's chic ensemble, Heart's beauty look featured a monochromatic rosy mauve glam by makeup artist Memay Francisco and her signature fluttery lashes by NEW Lounge, teamed with a perfectly blow-dried bob by hairstylist Bles Galvan and an elegant curation of diamond ear candies.
Look #2: State of the Nation Address 2023
Later in the afternoon, at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his second State of the Nation Address, the fashion darling was still a sight to behold in her second look.
Pulling out all the stops for her next appearance, Heart—who also topped Preview's best dressed list for SONA 2023—left onlookers in awe clad in a show-stopping number by Michael Leyva.
The terno, a quintessential symbol of Filipino fashion, was reimagined with a contemporary twist, accentuating Heart's figure with a sleek and elegant column gown silhouette. The modern Filipiniana look was a true testament to the designer's exceptional craftsmanship, which also boasted of delicate lace cutout patches that were meticulously hand-sewn. "The [dress] took three months to make with all the pearls and beadwork details," Iza revealed.
The designer also shared the look on his Instagram, highlighting how the design is about "keeping it classy [and] timeless," Michael wrote.
Complementing her stunning gown, Heart accessorized with a cream-hued Hermès Mini Kelly bag and a pair of white platform heels by Giuseppe Zanotti for a graceful stride down the red carpet.
You look stunning as always, Heart!
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