Celebrity events are some of the most dazzling nights in fashion and beauty—where creativity, glamour, and personal style take center stage. A-listers grace the red carpet in bold interpretations of the night’s theme, hoping to leave a lasting impression. But when it comes to color, it’s not always a win. The right shade can make a look unforgettable; the wrong one? It can throw everything off—even in designer couture.
We dive into this all-too-familiar red carpet dilemma with certified image and color consultant, Ingrid Nieto-Pagulayan a.k.a. @missingridnieto on Instagram, as we break down one of the most star-studded nights of the year—the 2025 ABS-CBN Ball, which embraced a “Spring Formal” dress code. From how color theory comes into play behind the scenes to which celebs truly shined in their chosen hues, Ingrid takes us through it all. If you ever find yourself needing to choose the perfect color for a big event, consider this your cheat sheet.
The Consultant Is In
Choosing an outfit for an ordinary day can already be a challenge—so imagine the effort that goes into perfecting a look for something as grand as the ABS-CBN Ball. To help us navigate the world of color and styling, we turned to internationally-trained Nieto-Pagulayan, who specializes in helping clients discover the shades that suit them best.
When it comes to choosing colors for a big event, she breaks it down into three main factors: “If the color enhances or complements your skin and features, your color contrast level, and particular body parts or features that you want to highlight or maybe play down.”
Styling also plays a key role in making color work for you. According to Nieto-Pagulayan, bold and pale hues require very different approaches to pull off properly. “When wearing bold colors, pick a focal point,” she advises. “Because having too many focal points and wearing too many bright colors all together, if not done tastefully, will make you look clownish.”
To better picture her style tip, it’s best to look at how Anne Curtis managed to balance out the bold red hue of her Nicole Felicia Couture dress. Since the silhouette is as grand as the color, her makeup had a pared-down finish with its use of brown shades, while her hair was done in a tight, sleek bun. A daring ensemble yet cohesive in the best way possible.
Pale and neutral tones, on the other hand, are all about finding the right level of softness for your coloring. “There are times that you want a softer, more subdued look, but you don’t want to look sickly and washed out,” she explains. “What appears ‘pale’ for someone with a light color direction may not read the same on someone with a medium one—so it’s important to know what works for you.”
To tell if a color isn’t quite working, the key is to pay attention to how it looks against your complexion. If a shade makes you look dull, tired, or even a little washed out—or if it feels overpowering—it’s likely not the one for you. As Nieto puts it, “You want to be in colors that make you look elegantly put-together, vibrant, and fresh.” Another helpful indicator? “If you feel like you have to alter your look just to make the color work—like change your hair color, wear heavy makeup, or tone down your features,” she says, “it’s probably a sign that another shade would suit you better.”
Color Stories From the Red Carpet
Now that we’ve covered the key insights, it’s time to let the gowns from the 2025 ABS-CBN Ball take center stage. Let’s take a closer look at the standout color moments—both the hits and the ones that could’ve used a little extra magic—plus expert commentary from our very own color analyst.
Color Us Impressed
These stars flaunted spot-on shades that we can definitely consider as tone-perfect triumphs.
Heart Evangelista in Schiaparelli
Always a stunner, the fashion darling nailed it in a blue showstopper from luxury label Schiaparelli, which she actually wore to two events that night: first, at the launch of Ultherapy Prime, for which she’s the ambassadress, then second, to the ABS-CBN Ball.
Nieto-Pagulayan notes that this look is simpler compared to Heart’s usual formal outfits but emphasizes that “Heart knows how to play with texture, color, visual weight, and focal points.” “First off, the electric blue is definitely in her color palette. Secondly, the velvet material that was used has a sheen that reflects light, but it isn’t too eye-catching, shocking, or revolting. Yes, it captured attention, but instead of looking away, you linger because there’s an ease that you feel as you appreciate the details.” She goes on, “If this electric blue were used in a shinier fabric like satin, the effect wouldn’t be the same.”
As for the finishing touches? “The extra-large statement earrings in a similar color were enough to punctuate the look, and worked extremely well with her red hair and clean, glamorous makeup.”
Nadine Lustre in Rajo Laurel
Another true fashion force, Nadine turned heads in an ethereal “Nautilus” dress of satin and tulle, which she paired with an Audrey Hepburn-inspired beauty look. “Part sea relic, part celestial drapery. Entirely @rajolaurel,” Nadine captioned her post, offering a closer look at the sculptural creation through a dreamy photoshoot.
“Nadine definitely slayed this look,” says Nieto-Pagulayan, noting the soft, pearlescent tone as “a great color choice.” “The design is elegant and memorable,” she adds—and it’s Nadine’s confidence that truly turned the dress into a moment.
Chie Filomeno in Mark Bumgarner
Always one to mix the classics with a bit of spice, Chie Filomeno made a statement in a burnt orange Mark Bumgarner gown, featuring softly draped tulle across the bodice—an excellent example of how to gracefully use a striking shade. “The straight lines of her corset were beautifully balanced by the airiness of the fabric,” notes Nieto-Pagulayan.
With such a strong color choice, it made perfect sense to soften the overall look through subtle styling as seen on her makeup and hair. As Nieto-Pagulayan put it, “The updo of loose curls completed the look.”
Elisse Joson in Julianne Syjuco
Delicate and dreamy—these are the words we would describe Elisse Joson’s look. Dressed in a soft yellow pastel—a notoriously tricky shade to wear—Joson pulled it off effortlessly, with the color complementing her skin tone beautifully.
“We don’t see the color overpowering her, nor does it make her dull,” Nieto-Pagulayan shares. “It is the right color intensity because you still get to appreciate her beauty while not ignoring the dainty details of the dress.”
MayMay Entrata in Michael Cinco
Not surprisingly, MayMay Entrata made it onto Nieto-Pagulayan’s best-dressed list—and for good reason. Her Michael Cinco gown was a standout, not just for its design but for how perfectly the color worked with her natural features.
“The chocolate monochromatic scheme served her very well because it enhanced her skin, hair, and features,” she shares, tying it back to her earlier tip about choosing colors that elevate your appearance.
And the result? “It’s visual harmony—pleasant to look at, not confusing, and not too many things going on.”
Bela Padilla in Vania Romoff
Yellow-green and olive shades can be some of the hardest hues to pull off as “some versions can look too murky,” explains Nieto-Pagulayan. But Bela Padilla made it work in a Verdun green Vania Romoff gown that flattered her fair skin tone elegantly.
The details also played a key role in bringing the look together. “The lace accents elevated the dress, and her long, loose waves added just the right touch of softness,” says Nieto-Pagulayan.
Angel Aquino in Maison Soriano
One of the boldest hues of the night goes to Angel Aquino. She stood out in a deep emerald Maison Soriano gown that featured a clean yet flowy silhouette, with pleats at the neckline that added subtle movement and structure.
While the shade might not be the most traditional choice for a spring-themed event, it was a standout in Nieto-Pagulayan’s book. “She carried both the color and design so well,” she shared, calling it one of Angel’s best looks in the green category.
Unexpected Hue Moments
These stars turned heads on the red carpet, but a slightly different shade might’ve made all the difference.
Kathryn Bernardo in Anthony Ramirez
It was the look that took social media by storm—and rightfully so. Kathryn’s hair and makeup were expertly done, striking a perfect balance between alluring and ethereal, highlighted by that bold red lip.
However, color consultant Nieto-Pagulayan pointed out that the shade of her Anthony Ramirez gown may not have been the right match for the actress. “While Kathryn [typically shines] in warmer color directions—and while this color [had potential]—it, unfortunately, didn’t support her features because of its similarity in value to her skin tone,” she explains.
To visualize this, take a look at the black-and-white version of her photo below. You’ll notice how the dress almost blends into her skin—lacking the contrast that should’ve separated her from the dress.
Belle Mariano in Francis Libiran
At first glance, Belle Mariano’s dress instantly conveyed the theme of spring, with every element of the season thoughtfully incorporated into the Francis Libiran design. The detail didn’t go unnoticed by Nieto-Pagulayan. “Libiran did a great job of playing with textures that capture the visuals of spring: pretty flowers, the glint of a pond, and the fresh spring air,” she says.
But in terms of color execution, she comments, “It would have been more impactful if she went for warm and clean colors instead of these cooler pastels.”
Lovi Poe in Marc Rancy
Another example of a color too close to one’s skin tone is Lovi Poe’s Marc Rancy piece, which featured a plunging neckline and ruffles on the lower half—a flattering silhouette, to say the least. However, as shown in both the color and black-and-white comparisons, the shade blends into the star’s complexion. “While the color is in her palette, it still lacks contrast,” says Nieto-Pagulayan.
BINI Stacey in Michael Cinco
We do have to consider that the P-Pop girl group followed a uniform color palette for the night, all while wearing Cherry Blossom-themed gowns designed by Michael Cinco himself. Cohesiveness was clearly the priority, and ideally, each member would have worn a shade of Sakura that best suited her. However, the color chosen for BINI’s Stacey left her skin looking a bit dull.
Nieto-Pagulayan commends the group, saying, “It was nice, though, that their gowns were in different styles, so it still shows that while they’re in one group, they still have their personalities.”
Ivana Alawi in Di Petsa
While we love a Grecian-inspired look, it can fall flat when the color and design don’t work in perfect harmony with the wearer. In the case of Ivana Alawi’s Di Petsa ensemble, Nieto-Pagulayan noted, “This is definitely not her color. The fabric and design of the gown were also not the best for her shape.”
That said, her makeup beautifully highlighted her features, and her hair color was flattering against her skin tone. Still, the contrast between her hair and the light pink gown created slightly competing focal points, making the overall look feel a bit less cohesive.
Barbie Imperial in Mak Tumang
Lighting is another key factor to consider, and Barbie Imperial’s Mak Tumang gown is a perfect example. In the controlled setup of her photoshoot, the look came together beautifully. As Nieto-Pagulayan points out, “With the right lighting—as seen in the photo shoot—the gown works well with her skin and even with her hair.”
But once Imperial stepped onto the red carpet, the game changed. Under harsher lighting, the dress took on a lighter, brighter hue—and as the color consultant notes, “it appears to wash her out.”
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM INSTAGRAM.COM/ANNECURTISSMITH, /IAMHEARTE, /NADINE, /CHIEFILOMENO, /ELISSEJOSON, /MAYMAY, /BELA, /IAMANGELAQUINO, /BERNARDOKATH, /BELLE_MARIANO, /LOVEPOE, /BINI_PH, /IVANAALAWI, /MSBARBIEIMPERIAL, /STARMAGICPHILS.
