What does it take to become a viral internet sensation? There's no one better to ask than Sassa Gurl. Ever since she leaped out of our TikTok screens, the back-to-back Preview Pride cover star has made her mark in Pinoy pop culture. It's almost impossible to scroll through social media and not encounter a meme or soundbite of hers.
Sassa's creativity and humor translates to the choices she makes for her red carpet appearances. Whatever the assigned motif is, she'll take it, twist it, and put it on its head. The results are sartorial moments that become phenomena in and of themselves. Ahead, we run down five times she made a statement for some of the country's biggest events.
Sassa Gurl's Most Unique and Viral Red Carpet Looks
1. "Kumot Kutur" at the Preview Ball 2022
The Preview Ball made its post-pandemic comeback in August 2022, and in attendance was the internet star. Her interpretation of the creative formal theme was an homage to all queer kids playing dress-up. The ensemble, made by local designer Arwin Meriales, was crafted out of floral blankets that have become staples in every Filipino household. This look even inadvertently launched a trend of kumot-inspired pieces.
2. Live seller realness at the GMA Sparkle Spell 2022
Dressing things down a month or so later, Sassa turned up to the inaugural Sparkle Spell Halloween party as a "live seller." How witty! Key elements of the OOTD were her ringlight, a tote bag full of merchandise, and her long-lasting "hotdog" blush.
3. A tribute to the Babaylan at the Unkabogaball 2022
Hosted by Vice Ganda, the 2022 Unkabogaball was a gathering of the country's best and brightest queer personalities. For a night celebrating Philippine history, the TikToker paid tribute to the Babaylan, shaman from the country's pre-colonial era that were believed to represent "the third gender." Designed by Roman Sebastian, Sassa's look symbolized the long-standing presence of queerness in the Philippines.
4. "Naputikan" eleganza at the Preview Ball 2o23
All-white looks are tricky to pull off, so we were looking forward to how our guests would bring their own flavor to the dress code at the 2023 Preview Ball. Sassa seems to have gotten caught in the rain on the way to the event, since her Lilah Roche ensemble was splattered with "mud." Kidding aside, this is an interpretation we could only expect from someone with her brand of creativity. Even her glam, done by Aries Night, perfectly matched with the look!
5. A "condolence costume" for the GMA Sparkle Spell 2023
Most recently, Sassa had everyone rolling on the floor when she showed up to this year's edition of the Sparkle Spell as, what else, but a funeral wreath. In an interview with Preview, she quips that she didn't spend a dime on the East of Eden creation since it was "donated by a congressman." As Kelsey Merritt commented, this was simply "iconic!"
Can't get enough of Sassa Gurl? Click play on the video below as she reveals how to do her signature "hotdog blush":
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