A stylish look at the Met’s glorious history
On her 28th birthday, Jan. 6, 2022, Catriona Gray treated everyone to a feast of fashion, arts, and culture as she launched a featurette, taking viewers on a retrospective and stylish view of the newly opened Manila Metropolitan Theatre.
Together with a team of creatives, led by creative director Vince Uy and stylist Danae Vernisse Dipon, the former Miss Universe winner brought high fashion into the halls of the Manila City landmark through the beautiful creations of Filipino fashion and accessories designers.
“So excited to create a vision with an amazing group of creatives within the iconic Metropolitan Theatre,” she said in a post. “As my second (going on third) year as NCCA Ambassador of Arts and Culture, I always get excited at the thought of presenting an aspect of Philippine culture and arts in a creative and modern way. So for my birthday, we're putting on a show! Paying tribute to the Metropolitan Theatre in which so many Filipino artists and performers made a mark for Philippine performing arts.”
“Shot this way back in September so imagine having to keep my excitement for so long,” Vince added. “ can’t wait to show you all what we shot!”
Dubbed “The Grand Reveal,” the fashion film was divided into different series, also presenting the charm of the Grand Dame of Manila, from its plush seating and art deco designs to the grand stage, a concept that “explored the visual treatment reminiscent of the productions held within the theater walls,” as Danae said. Here are some of the looks she wore:
The Opera Enchantress
The Met has been a home for many soprano singers like Jovita Fuentes and opera performances. Catriona echoed that by wearing Neric Beltran’s “Sentenarya” piece with Rocaille Earrings by Earl Gariando.
The Screen Siren
Apart from spectacular live performances, film and television events also took place at the refurbished theater. With Neric Beltran’s “Dorina” piece paired with white pearl hand gloves worn as a neckpiece by Kat Ong, silk opera gloves by Miel Avena, and earrings by Farah Abu, Catriona splendidly recreated the glamor of the movie industry’s early years.
The Prima Ballerina
Dance recitals by the Manila Moderne Ballet made the Met a center of regalness and class that comes from one of the most distinct performance art. Catriona brought the same splendor with a pink silk taffeta dress by Al Rey Rosano and a feather headpiece by Miel Avena.
The Carnival Queen
This part of the feature was inspired by the vaudeville shows presented in the theater and the Met’s previous executive director Conchita Sunico, Manila's Carnival Queen in 1935. Neric Beltran’s “Dikya” ensemble, Candice Arboleda’s corset piece, and accessories by Kat Ong served opulence fit for a festival queen.
The Classic Thespian
What’s a theater without theatrical productions. Catriona served all the drama wearing a “Gintong Kabalyero” terno dress with ostrich feather fan by Adam Pereyra in collaboration with Arwin Meriales, and her hair was adorned with porcelain hairpieces by Mirth and Yift.
Watch “The Grand Reveal: Catriona Gray at the Metropolitan Theatre” here:
Banner photo images shot by Andrea Beldua