Kris Aquino was a scene-stealer wearing a jewel-toned yellow modern Filipiania designed by Michael Leyva at the world premiere of Crazy Rich Asians in Hollywood, California, U.S.A.
Her diamonds were from Diagold from Cebu, her makeup was done by local makeup artist RB Chanco, and her hair was styled by LA-based Filipino hairstylist Pin Antonio.
The multimedia queen was a picture of Filipino pride at the imperial green carpet premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre along Hollywood Boulevard.
Playing the character of Princess Intan in Crazy Rich Asians, Kris also champions Filipino creativity in the film as she dons a Michael Cinco creation in her pivotal scene.
Local audiences have yet to see the gown in its full glory as the film is slated for an August 22 release in Manila, but Kris posted the gown’s back details on her Instagram account.
Kris wrote, “This is the back shot of the gown I wore as Princess Intan in @crazyrichasians, created by @michael5inco who originally came from #Samar...
“I chose this picture as my last post before we fly home because for the rest of my life, I shall look back at the experience of being part of @crazyrichasians as a turning point...”
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Kris detailed how she bagged the role of Princess Intan.
With the help of 20 professionals, the actress/host/endorser transformed a luxury suite at The Peninsula Manila into her own interpretation of the opulent lifestyle of Singaporean elite.
Kris continued on her Instagram post, “I felt when auditioning for this that there was absolutely nothing left to lose & whether I was included or not- I gave it my very best...”
And as Kris took part in the film’s world premiere, she began to realize the deeper meaning of having Pinoy talents in the film.
“Seeing the proud, smiling faces of all our fellow Filipino Americans lining Hollywood Boulevard made me realize that the greatest gift this movie gave me was that it gave me that special opportunity to make us Filipinos feel good about ourselves & our contribution to the global workforce...
“There’s a point in the movie when Rachel (@constancewu) is told that she would never be ‘enough’—a part of my heart felt that many of us at one point in our lives have all been made to feel that.
“BUT tonight’s premiere, walking down that imperial green carpet, in a yellow gown with a prominent yellow ribbon—a lasting, meaningful symbol of sacrifice & the Filipino worth dying for, fighting for, and living for—made by a young Filipino designer @michaelleyva_ in his #Rizal workshop by Filipino cutters & sewers,
“Wearing jewelry lent to me by @diagold_ph based in #Cebu, with makeup done by @rbchanco who traces her roots to #Laguna & #Masbate, and my hair styled by @pinantonio, this girl whose parents hail from #Tarlac, #Bulacan, and #Antipolo, with her son who can also trace his roots to the #Negros Region,
“Watching myself on that big TCL Chinese theater screen w/ makeup done by #Bicolano @juansarte & hair by #Butuan born & raised @nantealingasa & @jonathanvelasco__from #Quezon City,
“Styled by Filipino Chinese @kimiyap & @boopyap, I felt we are SPECIAL because iba ang Filipino pag sumuporta at magmahal...
“Thank you for truly restoring my FAITH na #kaysarapmagingpilipino”
READ: Spotlight on Kris Aquino's multi-million-peso jewelry at Crazy Rich Asians world premiere