Over the past decade, Heart Evangelista’s pristine white ensembles have become her trademark on the SONA red carpet. As partner to politician Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, Evangelista has evolved from a celebrity to a political figure, blending both roles throughout, from European fashion weeks to her latest work as President of the Senate Spouses Foundation Inc. Here’s a look back at the 10 years of the celebrity-turned-political figure’s fashion choices, with twists that nod to both Filipino heritage and contemporary fashion.
2014: A dramatic debut
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Evangelista has always had style. And 10 years ago was no exception. In her first SONA appearance as Senator Escudero’s girlfriend, Evangelista wore a terno by Joey Samson. The dress featured an unforgettable cage-like design, paired with pearls and an Aranaz clutch. This ensemble set the tone for her future SONA appearances.
2015: The official debut as Mrs. Escudero
Photo by Leo M. Sabangan II
Making her first appearance as Mrs. Escudero, Evangelista chose an Inno Sotto creation. The dress featured dramatic, high feathery sleeves with a sleek silk skirt and bodice, maintaining the pristine white theme established the previous year.
READ: A Definitive Ranking of the Top 10 Best Dressed Women at SONA 2015
2016: Lace and a personal touch
Photo from Heart Evangelista Instagram
The following year, Evangelista wore her hair in a chin-length bob. She opted for a lace ensemble with a mid-skirt saya by Ivarluski Aseron. She complemented the look with her own design, a Love Marie clutch bag featuring hints of gold and a tassel.
READ: A memoir in motion: Ivarluski Aseron and the Red Charity Gala
2017: Keeping it classic
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For her fourth SONA, Evangelista had firmly cemented her all-white radiant ensembles in her SONA appearance.The actress wore a beautiful dress by Jo Rubio featuring a dramatic sash design sweeping across the body, although with a dainty tone set by its tea-length style. She accessorized with a tiny clutch by Kazakhstani and Russian designer Ulyana Sergeenko and Christian Louboutin pumps.
2018: SOGIE “fashion statements”
Photo from Heart Evangelista Instagram
Evangelista made a statement beyond fashion in 2018 by wearing a rainbow pin in support of the SOGIE bill and the LGBTQIA+ community. Her outfit, a smartly cut saya jacket by Mark Bumgarner, was paired with slick-backed hair, strong makeup, and shining diamond studs. The bell-shaped skirt and tea-cut length seemed to echo her ensemble from the year before.
2022: Heart’s return to SONA
Photo from Heart Evangelista Instagram
After a four-year hiatus, as Senator Escudero was governor of Sorsogon, she returned to the SONA red carpet in another Mark Bumgarner creation. The ensemble featured a bustier-style bodice lined with beaded foliage, creating the illusion of boning. She accessorized with Bulgari jewelry and a diamond tennis necklace.
2023: Artisanal inspiration
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In her most recent SONA appearance, Evangelista wore a design by Ivarluski Aseron. The all-white ensemble featured butterfly sleeves reminiscent of a banig, the traditional Filipino mat. The bustier, woven to mimic the banig pattern, added a cultural touch to her look. She complemented this with an ethereal feathery bag from London-based brand L’Alingi.
2024: A tailored return
Photo from Michael Leyva Instagram
For the opening of the 2024 Senate session, Evangelista reinvented the modern Filipiniana with an ensemble by designer Michael Leyva. The top features buttons that cleverly blend the traditional camisa structure with elements of a tailored suit. She paired the smart piece with a simple white skirt.
Photo from Michael Leyva Instagram
Meanwhile, when it came to the actual State of the Nation Address, she changed into a simpler all-white ensemble, also by Michael Leyva.
In all her all-white SONA outfits, her design choices cleverly blend sartorial Filipino heritage with nods to contemporary fashion, keeping an eye on the actress-turned-political figure as she further forms her role in Philippine society.
READ: Fashion breakthroughs: Ternocon III broadens the landscape of Philippine couture
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