Heart Evangelista turns 40

Heart Evangelista just turned 40, and there was no way this fashion and beauty icon wouldn't celebrate such a huge milestone in her life. She threw a birthday party that embodied class and sophistication. Instead of the elements of red befitting Valentine's Day, which coincides with her birthday, Heart opted for understated elegance. 

On this concept, Heart's go-to event stylist, Badang Rueda, shared, "Known for showstopping celebrations and ultimate sophistication that just screams elegance, she takes a gentle turn towards understated grace as she welcomes a new chapter, a new dawn, and a new decade. A celebration worth loving, as she is loved and adored." Badang was also the event stylist for Heart and Chiz's wedding in 2015 and their renewal of vows in February of last year; the couple also marks their tenth wedding anniversary. 

Heart wore a stunning embellished Dior Couture creation, a look she spiced up with her fiery red hair.

Heart Evangelista's 40th birthday party was held in Whitespace Manila, a venue transformed into a dreamy space with key elements like romantic ceiling drapery, candelabras, and ghost chairs. 

At the center of the venue is a long table with a huge, statement cake made up of three heart-shaped cakes in different sizes peirced by a lance; the smallest one at the top has "LOVE" written on it and the one in the middle had a "39" detail which turns out to be doors revealing "40." White, minimalist heart-shaped cakes surrounded the maximalist cake masterpiece by Chef Castillo Fuentes; these smaller cakes featured different cute and funny statements, such as "May narating kaartehan ko" and "forty, flirty, and thriving."

Chef Florabel Co-Yatco was in charge of the party's menu. 

No doubt, one of the highlights of the night was Gary Valenciano's appearance, a surprise from Heart's husband, Senate President Chiz Escudero. He especially chose the songs to be performed by Mr. Pure Energy, one of them was "Warrior is a Child" which made Heart cry.

The CompanY and Xtina Superstar also provided entertainment for Heart's "Chapter 40" celebration.

Among Heart's guests were Karen Davila, Tim Yap, Janeena Chan, Mark Bautista, Dr. Aivee and Dr. Z Teo, and Bea Alonzo. Designers, hair and makeup artists, stylists, and photographers also celebrated with her; spotted at the party were Rajo Laurel, Nix Alañon, BJ Pascual, Charisma Lico, Eldzs Mejia, Juan Sarte, Mickey See, Neric Beltran, Ivar Aseron, and Albert Kurniawan.

Happy 40th birthday, Heart!

Photos from @badangrueda