Superb red carpet ensembles not only earn spots on best-dressed lists and spark discussions in group chats; they also serve as inspiration for your future outfits. However, it’s equally important to appreciate the intricate details that make the look—whether it’s a stylish haircut, a unique neckline, the perfect pant fit, or a striking hip accent.

Here’s a list of these details on our beloved Kapuso stars and guests from last weekend’s GMA Gala that we’re still talking about.

The details you might have missed on the GMA Gala 2024 red carpet

1) Who did Dingdong’s buzzcut

The Kapuso A-lister was the sharpest-looking fella that evening at the sprawling Marriott Ballroom, no small thanks to the shades (which would look cheesy and just obnoxious on lesser mortals) and his ‘do. Dingdong Dantes’ buzz cut was the work of his longtime barber Nelson Cruz (@nelsonpcruz on IG). Cruz has been credited for the actor-host’s haircuts for years now as well as for Dingdong’s son Ziggy’s.  Nelson is a kind of go-to, IYKYK name among Manila’s style-attuned men.

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Serious style care of a buzzcut and shades.
PHOTO BY DINGDONG DANTES/INSTAGRAM

2) Heart had a personal fitting with Giambattista Valli himself

International style star Heart Evangelista’s halter dress was personally fitted and created by her friend Giambattista Valli (@giambattistavalli on IG) in Paris. The day Evangelista posted the video of the making of the haute couture dress (the flowers around her neck were handmade), everyone from her Ate Alice Eduardo to rival-turned-friend and GMA Gala tablemate Marian Rivera shared their approval. Valli has long been a favorite of Hollywood celebs on the red carpet, with such stars as Selena Gomez, Zendaya and Ariana Grande sporting his frocks. Meanwhile, Heart was photographed sitting frontrow during the designer’s fall 2024 ready-to-wear show.

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3. Kim Atienza wore off the rack—but made it his own

Kuya Kim Atienza dropped by his favorite retailer Signet (@thesignetstore on IG) in Mitsukoshi in BGC for the wool mohair suit from Ring Jacket, vintage Stetson hat from Sonnyboy Vintage, and cowboy boots from Rios of Mercedes he wore to the GMA Gala. His look is off the rack, but with the skilled Signet staff customizing the suit so it feels made to measure.

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4. Is it a suit, a gown, or both?

Designer Joey Samson’s (@garmentsurgeon on IG) red carpet look for Bianca Umali married the masculine and feminine into a singular showstopper. The halter top resembled a tuxedo shirt with its detailed collar and pleating and the skirt bore the buttons and pockets of a double-breasted jacket.

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5. The mermaid detail in Jasmine Curtis Smith’s outfit

Jasmine Curtis-Smith’s ultra-feminine dress by Martin Bautista (@martinmbautista on IG) was made even more interesting by the mother of pearl seashell buckle made by Cebu-based accessories designer Neil Felipp (@neilfelipp  on IG). Zoom in and you’ll see a mermaid resting at the buckle’s end.

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6. David Licauco’s lapel was a wink at his new role

With acting roles in time-traveling Maria Clara at Ibarra and the upcoming wartime series Pulang Araw, it’s but natural that David’s outfits had a little more meaning to them. At the GMA Gala, the lapel on his Ivar Aseron (@ivaraserson on IG) suit jacket was a play on layered book pages. Based on the stories David has been telling recently, we say it’s apropos.

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7. Matteo Guidicelli’s dog in his cufflinks

Mr. Guidicelli’s cufflinks for the evening were inspired by Dakota, the pet he shares with wife Sarah Geronimo. According to his stylist David Milan, the cufflinks were sourced from British label Paul Smith (@paulsmithdesign on IG).

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8. Michelle Dee’s pixie cut is actually a wig

The beauty queen is perfectly fine in the hair department, of course, but there are things we do for a look. The hair piece was further trimmed and customized by hairstylist and long-time collaborator Nelbert Seboy (@nellyseboy on IG). The two—along with stylist Liz Uy who confirmed to SPOT.ph that Michelle indeed wore a wig that evening—were clearly going for an Audrey-Hepburn-in-Funny-Face moment, what with that black tulle ballgown. MMD was never one to shy away from a strong look—her turn at Miss Universe will never be forgotten—and this is confirmation.

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9. “You don’t understand! This is an Alaïa!”

And so Alicia Silverstone exclaimed when she was held at gunpoint in the 1995 romcom Clueless. Bea Alonzo also had her Alaia moment last Saturday in the designer’s bodycon white dress with a poufy pannier detail (@maisonalaia on IG). It surely commanded attention on the red carpet and fans would surely remember it for years like a classic movie scene.

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10. Doc Hayden Kho does bellbottoms

Doc Hayden was in head to to LV, with pieces from Louis Vuitton’s S/S 2024 collection. The highlight for us were those black flared trousers that draped extremely well—thanks to the guy’s runway model frame.

In LV and with partner Vicki Belo. Note the groovy shape of his pants.
PHOTO BY GMA GALA 2024 AND NICE PRINT