Alex Eala's stunning Filipiniana was designed by her uncle, Rhett Eala
It looks like talent runs in Alex Eala's family as she revealed that the stunning Filipiniana dress she wore at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards was crafted by her uncle, fashion designer Rhett Eala.
On her Instagram account, the tennis star shared a closer look at her cream-colored gown, which she flaunted on the red carpet of the award show held in Madrid, Spain. It features the signature terno butterfly sleeves that made her look elegant.
"I doubt there are many pieces of clothing that make a Filipina feel more beautiful than a Filipiniana," she wrote. "For my first major red carpet appearance, at the Laureus Sports Awards, I chose to wear this look as a quiet nod to where I come from and what I carry when I step into rooms like those."
Alex then shared that the one who made the ensemble possible is her own uncle.
"There’s no one who could’ve brought this dress to life better than my Tito. It’s an honor to wear one of your pieces, Tito Rhett. Makes it even more special that there is a piece of family," she highlighted.
In an interview with Dyan Castillejo, Rhett said that it was Alex who wanted her attire to reflect her Filipino identity.
"Alex said that she wanted something Filipino and something in piña. She also wanted a top that she should be able to remove at the end of the night if she wanted to go dancing. So, we decided to make the top in piña, and her gown inside was in chiffon," he said.
Rhett went on to express how proud he was of her niece with her accomplishments.
"They always tell me, 'Well now you're just Alex Eala's tito,' but I'm proud of it,'" he beamed.
The 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards is Alex's first red carpet appearance.
