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Nadine Lustre’s look at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 was a true testament to Filipino artistry and spring’s spirit of renewal. The dress, made by Rajo Laurel, was crafted from bisque Italian liquid satin and illusion tulle, its flowing, rhythmic design captured the essence of nature’s ebb and flow. Styled with soft waves reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance, her hair added a touch of classic glamour that perfectly complemented the dress. Nadine’s look was both grounded and ethereal, a harmonious blend of personal meaning and modern flair, cementing her status as a true fashion force.
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The Nautilus: A Piece Born from Nature and Intention
Rajo Laurel’s creative process behind designing the “Nautilus” dress for Nadine Lustre was deeply personal and rooted in a strong connection with the actress’s personality and values. “Each piece that we do in my atelier is a very personal and special process,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of understanding his client’s essence. For Nadine, the inspiration came from her love of the ocean and mother nature.
“With Nadine’s gowns, it was really a process that began in my mind of what she loves the most,” Laurel explains. This led him to begin the design with a focus on nature and renewal, aligning with the theme of the ABS-CBN Ball. “We were informed that the theme would be ‘spring.’ However, I did not want to follow a typical ‘floral’ narrative,” he tells MEGA. Instead, the designer looked at spring as a symbol of hope and renewal. He adds, “The Nautilus was a starting point of inspiration. My research led me to understand the symbolism of this ancient being. After the first meeting where we thoughtfully and thoroughly discussed silhouette, technique, colouring and fabrication, once we all agreed on the specifics, it really just flowed.”
The “rhythm and mysticism” of the dress, as Laurel describes it, were born from a rare sense of ease and spirituality during the creation process. “As I was cutting and draping the gown, I felt this ease of spirit. A sense of lightness, and it felt like I was breathing life into the dress. This rarely happens but when it does, it is magical,” he tells MEGA, reflecting on the “sense of spirituality in the process as you see what you only imagined taking shape and form.” Laurel’s intention was to create something meaningful, powerful, and beautiful, making sure that Nadine would shine at the ball after her long absence since 2019.
Crafting the One-of-a-Kind Piece
Laurel also reveals the influence of music in his creative process, particularly his choice to listen to Vivaldi while working on the dress. “I cannot work without music. It is an essential part of my process,” he states, underscoring its importance in his design work. Without music, he finds himself “humming or singing,” as it is vital to his connection with the fabric and the overall creation. “The music makes me feel the fabric better, it makes me see the soul of what I am creating,” he shares, emphasizing how integral this element is in shaping the final outcome of the ensemble.
Collaboration was another key element in bringing the dress to life, with Nadine’s stylist, Lyn Alumno, playing a pivotal role in the design process. “I love Lyn and I have had the good fortune of working with her closely in my collections,” Laurel says, acknowledging the value of having another perspective in the dialogue of design. “A stylist is essential as she provides another insight and perspective to the dialogue of design.” Furthermore, Lyn’s close relationship with Nadine proved invaluable in shaping the gown. “It also deeply helped that Lyn is very close to Nadine. In a way, their relationship guided me in how to make the dress better,” Laurel explains. “She communicated clearly what Nadine wanted and how Nadine truly is.”
This project marked a significant shift in Laurel’s collaboration with Nadine, as it was the first time he created a piece specifically for her. “It was the first time that I created a piece for Nadine from scratch,” he reveals. While he had previously worked with Nadine through his “archival” pieces, this gown was especially personal and meaningful. “This entire project was truly special,” he adds, highlighting the unique connection they shared throughout the process.
The Audrey Hepburn-Inspired Look
Meanwhile, Nadine Lustre’s show-stopping look at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 took notes from the iconic Audrey Hepburn style. “Audrey Hepburn was exactly the peg we were going for,” hairstylist Paul Nebres says, highlighting how this classic style perfectly matched Nadine’s natural charm. “Nadine already had bangs, which I wanted to play with so that her natural character did not get lost in the style. As the hairstylist, it’s always important to honor a client’s personality, even if it is my job to glam them up to the next level.” For Nebres, Hepburn’s clean, refined style felt like the ideal choice for such a high-profile event. “Hepburn’s clean, classic look lent itself well for a glamorous comeback event like the ABS-CBN Ball.” Confident in Nadine’s ability to own the look, Nebres adds, “I knew Nadine would pull off the look like no other. She is Madame President after all!” he laughs.
Bangs, Balance, and Beauty
Of course, no Hepburn-inspired look is complete without bangs—and Nebres admits they can be tricky. “Everyone knows bangs are difficult. We all want them but they’re so hard to maintain without looking dull and flat.” His go-to product to keep bangs in top form? Shine spray. “A shine spray is essential and should be in everyone’s basic hairkit. It breathes life into bangs and keeps them looking sleek and stylish all night long,” he reveals.
Working with Nadine is always a special experience for Nebres, thanks to the trust she places in her team. “She gives us the freedom to be creative with our choices. Of course, after a decade of working so closely with her, there’s a strong connection that helps us mutually understand each other and be in sync,” he shares. “But her strong personality always shines through. Nadine is very open in sharing her thoughts and opinions on what she likes or what makes her feel confident.”
When it came to the overall look for the evening, like Laurel, Nebres emphasized the importance of collaboration. “We always collaborate to ensure our hair, makeup, and dress work in perfect harmony.” For this event, his goal was clear: balance. “We wanted a timeless look that would not do a disservice to the statement dress made by Rajo.” Nebres was determined to ensure the hair complemented—not competed with—the dress. “It was an absolute must here that we balance the need to ensure her look was red carpet-worthy to pair well with Rajo’s masterpiece, without being overpowering either and taking attention away from the dress.”
Photographed by ALEXIS DAVE CO. Creative direction by NADINE LUSTRE. Set design by ROCKET DESIGN STUDIO. Art direction by VINCE CANLAPAN. Styled by LYN ALUMNO, assisted by MJ ALMERO and JJ ESLEYER. Makeup by JELLY EUGENIO. Hair by PAUL NEBRES. Nails by ELI NAILS. Lighting by APUTURE PHILIPPINES. Grips by PRIME PRODUCTIONS PH.
Photos and Featured Image: RAJO LAUREL, PAUL NEBRES (via Instagram)
