(SPOT.ph) Life imitates art. This was no truer than at the Preview Ball on August 31 where the dress code was art itself. Expect painterly swathes, full-on color, eye-melting pattern clashes, and sculptural statements from the attendees who were there to celebrate Summit Media's 27 year old flagship title.
Also read: Summit Media Celebrates 25 Years
Speaking of art, there were installations that doubled as lounges and photo backdrops by artists represented by Mono8. Vee Lazo's reflective works—we know the fashion set just loves a shiny surface to take that mirror shot—were just as heavily snapped as her tactile welcome rug. A projection by Annie Pacaña also got its recognition by way of Instagram stories and (gasp) Tiktoks, as did Pepe Delfin's geometric oeuvre.
Just as papped, if not more so—the cameras were out that night, okay?—were Preview's Top 50 Most Influential. Among them were Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, Kylie Versoza, James Reid, Mimiyuuuh, and Alodia Gosengfiao all in artsy getups. We even got to chat with Camille Prats on her stunning all black piece.
@spot.ph Camille Prats Yambao as a classic Black Rose at the Preview Ball 2022 #Spotted #CamillePrats #CamillePratsYambao #PreviewBall2022 #PreviewBall ♬ original sound - spot.ph
And to go with the visul feast, the party was catered by K. by Cunanan who laid out a six-course dinner. The drinks were also kept flowing the entire night to ensure that the party lasted in the best of ways. The absence of Mariah in the playlist was noticed but not particularly missed—a sign of things to come.
What change did the Preview Ball mark?
What really made an impression was Editor in Chief Marj Ramos-Clemente's vision for the storied fashion title. Inclusivity should be the norm by now, but none a statement has been more evident than this declaration in the Preview Manifesto—in both its words and its casting slash own hiring policy. And it's not as though they simply plucked it because it's a trendy thought. It's a sentiment that Preview's editorial leadership has grappled and grown with. This writer would know having been Ramos-Clemente's personal friend since her editorial assistant days, which she also talks about in her heartfelt speech.
If Summit Media's President Lisa Gokongwei-Cheng's presence—she was notably early and highly visible—is anything to go by, Ramos-Clemente has her full support. This declaration that Preview is ready to officially shuck its former shell is not necessarily a bad thing. Reinvention is the nature of fashion, after all. Preview will always champion Filipino talent but the new Preview celebrates its readers and more accurately reflects them back in the stories it tells. This is one party we are all invited to, with Preview holding the door wide open for all of us.