Vanessa Hudgens at the 2023 Met Gala: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty (Photo: Getty Images)
Cover Vanessa Hudgens at the 2023 Met Gala: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty (Photo: Getty Images)
Vanessa Hudgens at the 2023 Met Gala: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty (Photo: Getty Images)

Witness the style evolution of Disney alumna and proud Filipino-American, Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens has captivated fans for over a decade. Among many other monikers, she is the Queen of Coachella, a Disney ingenue, and a savvy entrepreneur—and she’s managed to juggle it all and remain as steadfast and successful as ever. She has had a unique style journey over the years, reflecting an embrace of change and a deep connection to self-expression. Whether she’s channelling boho chic at music festivals, serving red carpet glamorous, or showcasing effortless streetwear, her wardrobe is proof of her versatility.

In honour of her 36th birthday, let's delve into how our Tatler July 2023 cover star, and proud Filipino-American, has transformed her style over the years. We highlight moments that cemented her as a bonafide icon.

Read more: The Hollywood star Vanessa Hudgens is set to showcase the Philippines to the world

The High School Musical Era

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Vanessa Hudgens at the American Music Awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Vanessa Hudgens at the American Music Awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Vanessa Hudgens at the American Music Awards (Photo: Getty Images)

Even in her High School Musical years, Hudgens showed glimpses of the boho-chic style that would later define her fashion identity. Sporting a peace sign pendant, she paired it with a black-and-white peplum mini dress, showcasing her youthful charm with a touch of vintage flair.

Millennial Starlet

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Vanessa Hudgens attends the UK premiere of 'Sucker Punch'  in 2011 (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Vanessa Hudgens attends the UK premiere of 'Sucker Punch' in 2011 (Photo: Getty Images)
Vanessa Hudgens attends the UK premiere of 'Sucker Punch'  in 2011 (Photo: Getty Images)

As Hudgens stepped onto the red carpet for the London premiere of Sucker Punch, it was clear she had left her Disney days behind. This appearance marked a pivotal moment in her style evolution, as she embraced a more mature and sophisticated aesthetic appropriate for a budding movie star.

More from Tatler: From Country to Couture: the Miley Cyrus style saga

The Queen of Coachella

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Vanessa Hudgens attends the 2012 Coachella Music Festival (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Vanessa Hudgens attends the 2012 Coachella Music Festival (Photo: Getty Images)
Vanessa Hudgens attends the 2012 Coachella Music Festival (Photo: Getty Images)

Hudgens cemented her status as the undisputed boho icon at the 2013 Coachella Arts & Music Festival. Dressed in a crochet cream vest, denim cut-offs, and a red flower crown, she perfectly captured the ‘hipster’ trend popular in that era. It was a look that solidified her reputation as a trendsetter in festival style.

A New Refinement

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Vanessa Hudgens at the 2023 Met Gala: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Vanessa Hudgens at the 2023 Met Gala: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty (Photo: Getty Images)
Vanessa Hudgens at the 2023 Met Gala: Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty (Photo: Getty Images)

At the 2023 Met Gala, Hudgens unveiled a refined look at the 2023 Met Gala, embracing a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic. Departing from her free-spirited style, she donned a flowing black-and-white Michael Kors gown, tailored to the evening’s theme honouring the life of Karl Lagerfeld.

A Red Carpet Glow

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Vanessa Hudgens at the 96th Academy Awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Above Vanessa Hudgens at the 96th Academy Awards (Photo: Getty Images)
Vanessa Hudgens at the 96th Academy Awards (Photo: Getty Images)

This year, Hudgens graced the Oscars red carpet with a stunning form-fitting black Vera Wang dress. She complemented the ensemble with dazzling Chopard jewellery. Pregnant with her first child, this look epitomised her transformation, showcasing a timeless grace that continues to define her style.

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Julianna Cabili
Features Writer, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

About

Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.

Work

Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields. 

For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com