Amid a sea of vibrant spring florals at the ABS-CBN Ball, veteran actress Dolly De Leon stood out in angelic white, floating down the red carpet with ethereal grace. While others embraced the spring theme with vibrant bursts of color and floral motifs, she took a subtler route.
“This year’s theme was the perfect starting point in creating her look—something to make her shine in a way that felt empowering and effortless,” shared stylist Leanne Ledesma. And shine she did, embodying a graceful power.
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A Conversation Rooted in Confidence
De Leon’s final look was born from a thoughtful exchange. “It was a conversation about how we wanted Dolly to feel confident,” Ledesma noted. She credited designer Jun Escario for his understanding of the veteran actress, emphasizing how crucial a creative connection is. “More than anything, it’s the connection that makes the process a lot more seamless.”
Dedicated to realizing De Leon’s vision, Escario flew in from Cebu to personally oversee the look, making sure that the actress was as confident as she is graceful—and she was.
Where Restraint Meets Tension
“We had a hard but sweet time choosing the perfect look,” the stylist admitted. “But we fell in love with a particular sketch where masculine and feminine elements mixed—ever so slightly.” The final gown embodied this duality that De Leon effortlessly carried: fluid yet structured, delicate yet commanding.
The white gown featured a sheer, softly draped bodice adorned with delicate beadwork. Its asymmetrical draping over her shoulders added movement and airiness. The liquid-like top beautifully contrasts the structured skirt, which opened into feminine slit. De Leon’s ensemble is a beautiful balance of masculinity and femininity, of restraint and tension. Paired with the Tiffany Lock collection, the jewels tied the ensemble together, perfectly capturing the balance of spring.
Photographed by MAKIE CRUZ
