The Trends that Defined the Women of the VMAN Ball

The rules of black tie formalwear were rewritten by these five spectacular women.

By Anya Oxyn November 28, 2025

While the evening celebrated male talent, the women of the inaugural VMAN Ball were far from being peripheral. In beauty and in presence, they were unignorable. And in their orbit, the black tie tradition was deftly twisted with a potent dose of nuance and attitude.

Second-Skin Shimmer

Nadine Lustre transformed into a deity of light in her sequined Anthony Ramirez gown. The cream-colored column hugged her frame like a second skin.

The Unapologetic Hue

In a sea of black, Sarah Lahbati wielded red as her ultimate power accessory. Her crimson Mark Bumgarner gown commanded the room without saying a word.

Liquid Draping

To say that Jessica Yang looked mercurial in her silver dress would be an understatement. The artful draping of her piece appeared as if it had been poured directly onto her form.

Subversive Distress

Jach Manere did subversion best. Her asymmetrical, distressed look brought an anti-glamour appeal that made her stand out from the formality.

Short and Sultry

And because a mini can be monumental, Renee Hartshorne’s pairing of satin and lace was both sultry and refined—a sophisticated composition that certainly turned heads.

Photographed by MIKE GELLA

Anya Oxyn

Senior Fashion Writer

Formerly a stylist who immersed herself intimately within the Philippine fashion circuit for over three years, Anya has refined her transformative, hands-on experience into an insightful voice for MEGA Asia as a Senior Fashion Writer.

Her editorial pursuit possesses three facets: her time as an essayist during her education at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, her extensive experience in digital media and strategic storytelling, and her belief that fashion has a beating heart deeply intertwined with art, culture, society, and humanity itself that is worth uncovering.

Anya’s versatile pen spans a dynamic range of subjects, including emerging local designers, global luxury houses, beauty trends, film and television fashion analysis, cultural op-eds, major events, and beyond.

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