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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider SONA 2026 fashion: Simplicity replaces extravagance as celebrities redefine annual style spectacle

SONA 2026 fashion: Simplicity replaces extravagance as celebrities redefine annual style spectacle

Published Jul 28, 2026 02:38 pm

At A Glance

  • SONA 2026 took a different turn as celebrities and public figures embraced understated Filipiniana over lavish gowns, redefining the annual fashion spectacle that has become a highlight of the President's address.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) has long evolved beyond the President's annual report to the nation.

Over the years, it has become one of the country's biggest fashion events, drawing almost as much attention to the personalities arriving at the Batasang Pambansa as the speech itself. Fashion enthusiasts and entertainment fans alike eagerly wait to see who wears whom, which designer dominates the red carpet, whose jewelry sparkles the brightest and which Filipiniana becomes the night's most talked-about creation.

This year, however, the script changed.

Following Malacañang's call for guests to keep their attire simple and dignified, SONA 2026 traded opulence for understated elegance, with many personalities embracing modern Filipiniana that highlighted craftsmanship and sustainability rather than extravagance.

Among those who generated the biggest buzz was actress Yassi Pressman, whose look quickly became one of the most talked-about on Instagram. She revealed that her elegant Filipiniana was transformed from a terno sourced in Iloilo for just ₱1,000. Designer Emanuel Riñoza reimagined the traditional garment into a sleek column gown, proving that creativity and craftsmanship can outshine a hefty price tag.

The evening also underscored the enduring appeal of Filipino designers.

Michael Leyva once again emerged as one of the night's standout couturiers, dressing several high-profile personalities, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in a soft blush Filipiniana and Bukidnon Rep. Audrey Tan-Zubiri in a contemporary ensemble that reinterpreted traditional silhouettes with modern tailoring.

Other notable looks included Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay Villar's modern Filipiniana by Martin Bautista and Sen. Risa Hontiveros' structured ensemble by Jo Rubio, both reflecting this year's shift toward refined, minimalist elegance.

Even celebrities who skipped the annual event managed to become part of the conversation.

Fashion icon Heart Evangelista, a perennial SONA style favorite, drew laughs after reposting on Instagram Stories a throwback video of herself strutting through a grocery aisle dressed in an oversized hot dog costume. Alongside the clip, she joked, "Maybe if I dressed this way, 'they' wouldn't bother me..."

The playful post quickly made the rounds online, with many netizens taking it as a lighthearted reminder of the intense attention celebrity fashion receives every SONA season.

Related Tags

SONA 2026 SONA 2026 fashion SONA fashion Yassi Pressman Heart Evangelista Michael Leyva Emanuel Riñoza Liza Araneta-Marcos Audrey Tan-Zubiri Martin Bautista Emmeline Aglipay Villar Risa Hontiveros Jo Rubio
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