EXCLUSIVE: Everything You Need To Know About Shaina Magdayao's Proudly Filipino Gown At Cannes 2019

One of the biggest headlines that landed fashion news last week was our very own Shaina Magdayao walking the red carpet for Cannes Film Festival 2019. The 29-year-old Kapamilya actress attended the Opening Ceremony for Lav Diaz' Ang Hupa, the sole Filipino film entry at the international festival this year.

Shaina wore a sleek, two-toned number styled by Rex Atienza, the founder of styleList, inc., and designed by Cebuano and Metrowear Icon 2018 designer Vania Romoff.

 

Photo: @vaniaromoff 

 

"Me, yes, in pink and bows - which is too dainty and girly for me, if you know me," wrote Shaina on Instagram.
"But Vania Romofff and my stylist Rex Atienza and styleList, inc. balanced it off with just the right amount of my kind of FEMININITY AND SEXY”.

In an exclusive interview with Metro.Style, Rex and Vania share everything we need to know about Shaina's proudly Filipino gown at the Cannes! Keep reading ahead for your fashion fix!

 

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How long did you prepare Shaina's Cannes Film Festival 2019 look? And how many fittings were there?

Rex Atienza: I had one week to prepare with my team StyleList, inc. I booked this project two weeks prior to her flight, but her calendar kept on changing so I couldn't move or start any thing until it was final.

Unfortunately, we only had one fitting, the day before her flight. Vania finished the second gown at 2 AM on the day of her flight. I didn't see the final alterations. 

Vania Romoff: Rex messaged me on May 4th, and Shaina flew out on the 11th! So this was done super fast!

Photo: Rex Atienza

 

 

[For Rex] Why did you choose Metrowear Icon 2018 Vania to create Shaina's dress?

"Vania's talent is world class. I'd love to showcase her design in a bigger arena or scene such as the Cannes. And her style suits Ina's personal style. Classic!

 

READ: Metrowear 2018: See All The Pieces From Vania Romoff’s Modern Feminine Collection

 

What was your inspiration behind Shaina's look?

Rex Atienza: It was Vania Romoff's great idea to put Shaina in big bows and cape. We initially sent out several sketches, and we even waited for the MET Gala to finish before we started working on the gowns. Not every one knows, but Vania made two gowns for Shaina—both were fantastic, by the way. 

Vania Romoff: When I was asked by Rex Atienza to create a look for Shainas's Cannes appearance, I knew immediately that we were going to go for something elegant. I looked back at her previous red carpet looks and decided to go in a different direction. She was usually in plunging necklines and super tight silhouettes or big gowns. So I went for a simple round neckline, paired down with a column silhouette instead—which was completely understated. I added the statement bows and the draped cape on the dress to make a statement. I always wanted to work on a two tone gown to make it more modern!

 

Why did you choose the color pink and a cape accent gown?

Rex Atienza: Pink is such a feminine color. We wanted to give a youthful color on a such strong silhouette and style. 

Vania Romoff: Ultimately, I knew Cannes was all over the top dressing but I did not want a dress that overpowered her. So I did away with anything too big or too revealing. Shaina is beautiful, so I knew I didn’t have to do much. She would shine in even the simplest of gowns.

 

What was your reaction when Shaina stepped on the red carpet wearing your look?

Rex Atienza: I wasn't able to see her on the red carpet. She was already inside the theater. But she looked radiant and really great in the photos! 

Vania Romoff: It was such an amazing moment for the Philippines. Ang Hupa, where Shaina stars with Piolo Pascual, was the only Filipino film entry at this year's Cannes Festival. So this was a proud moment, for my team and I, and probably for all Filipinos.

 

Lead photos via Vania Romoff and Rex Atienza