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At the beginning of their career, the Nation’s Girl Group, BINI, was defined by a hyper-feminine Y2K aesthetic that matched their youthful, bubblegum pop sound. But at the recent Filipino Music Awards (FMA), the members’ attire took a sophisticated turn. Stepping out in IÑIGO for the red carpet and then conquering the stage in Marian Zara, BINI’s high-fashion appearance rightfully secured them the title of MEGA’s Best Dressed.
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And the creative force behind this win? None other than their long-time stylist and visual director, Ica Villanueva.
The Red Carpet
Styling eight distinct ladies while maintaining visual alignment is a challenge most stylists hope to never face. Yet, it is precisely where Villanueva’s genius shines. At the FMA, BINI’s appearance in Iñigo Villegas’ designs still left room for every member’s preferences to shine.
“Each girl has something they want to highlight, and I always take that into consideration,” Villanueva notes. “In conceptualizing a look, I ensure that it’s cohesive, curated, and accustomed to each and everyone’s personality.”
It’s a tricky balance to master—one that Villanueva has honed to ensure that the group never looks like they are wearing a uniform. More than anything, her approach only amplifies the P-pop group’s impact as this generation’s fashion icons.
The Stage
Being one of the highly-anticipated performers of the night called for a second look made by Marian Zara. If the red carpet was about elegance, the performance stage was a homage to Filipino heritage.
The commitment to Philippine designers is, for Villanueva, a non-negotiable part of BINI’s visual branding. “Fabric-wise, we consider ourselves lucky to be in a country where there are different textiles from our diverse culture to choose from,” Villanueva shares. In this sense, the group’s ensembles speak to a larger vision where P-Pop’s global success directly elevates local craftsmanship.
“What’s fun about styling a P-Pop girl group is that the limit almost doesn’t exist. Since the very beginning up until today, they’re all very supportive in exploring new styles that best represent each of their songs.”
—ICA VILLANUEVA ON STYLING BINI
For the stylist and visual director, BINI’s fashion at the FMA essentially reflects the Filipinas of today. “I think a true modern Filipina is someone who is empowered, strong-willed, and most of all, not afraid to try things that are out of their comfort zones,” Villanueva asserts. “That’s what BINI aims to achieve. These binibinis know exactly what they can bring to the table and that’s power.”
Through the lens of Ica Villanueva, BINI’s artistic journey comes into focus. Beyond being named as one of MEGA’s Best Dressed at the Filipino Music Awards is something far more intimate. As they mature, their influence stretches further, but they always carry the Philippines with them. And in doing so, BINI shows that style, much like music, speaks volumes about who we are, where we come from, and where we’re bound to go.
Photographed by PAUI GUEVARRA
