The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates are close to touching the crown but before they do, the queens showcased the diversity of Mindanao fashion in Sultan Kudarat
Before the crowning glory, the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates have descended upon Sultan Kudarat for a series of transformative events, including tourism shoots, runway challenges, and a national costume competition. Breaking tradition, this year marks the debut of the Inaul Fashion Show, a tribute to Sultan Kudarat’s cultural heritage, featuring the revered Maguindanao inaul cloth. Adorned in creations by Filipino designers, the candidates illuminate the diversity of this handwoven textile, setting the stage for a new pageant experience.
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The Inaul Fashion Show, hosted by Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee draped in a silver ensemble by Bonita Penaranda, highlights the rich heritage of the traditional fabric. Known for its elaborate geometric motifs woven from the finest silk and golden threads, the fabric epitomizes a legacy of grandeur and prestige, infusing the pageant with regal sophistication—fit for every queen. The fashion show featured the collections of 12 Mindanao designers and their brands, with a standout queen at the center.
Jearson Demavivas (Jearsond Atelier)
Jearson Demavivas took a cosmopolitan approach, adding flare sleeves, denim, and corset to his collection. Ahtisa Manalo was a standout in his look.
Sherwin Darrel Magtulis (Meyrad Apparel)
Sherwin Darrel Magtulis showcased tradition with flowing drapery, adding sparkling embellishments to his jewel-toned looks. Alexie Brooks looked mesmerizing in green, violet, and blue, with yellow adornments leading to the front slit.
Crisostomo G. Gentica III (Crisostomo Creations)
Crisostomo G. Gentica III harkens to golden dreams, seemingly to inspire the candidates who wear them—including a stunning Victoria Velasquez Vincent.
Eugene Evangelista (Eugeartistry)
Eugene Evangelista’s collection is a vibrant, illuminating take on the fabric, shining its light on Kris Janson.
Jan Rey Agpalasin Legada (Maestro Disenyo)
Jan Rey Agpalasin Legada’s highlights are the headpieces along with the stylish accents that holds modernity. What else is modern is the intricately detailed shorts that Stacey Gabriel wears with confidence.
Alexies Redecio (Alexies Geronimo Redecio)
Alexies Redecio’s collection is perfect for the summertime, highlighting shorter silhouettes to the looks. In terms of scale, the diametrical opposite belongs to Christi McGarry whose look overpowers the stage with sizzle.
Matet Edcil Pineda (Matet Salon Events and Creations)
Matet Edcil Pineda’s collection will have you green with envy, and Mary Rose Guiral’s look is a capital sin on its own that you won’t ask for repentance.
Julien Gentica (Julien Gentica)
Julien Gentica’s looks will have you do a double-turn for how much there is going on, but it never overwhelms how exciting the possibilities can get with inaul. Raven Doctor’s ensemble encourages this idea with power blazers and gold gloves, tied in with an umbrella and bow above her head.
Jerson Llupar Ardivilla (Jerson Ardivilla Creation)
Jerson Llupar Adrivilla integrates detailed fringe, flowery silhouettes, and shaped sleeves to the collection, and it was further accentuated with Victoria Leslie Ingram’s hooded look that adds a high-fashion edge.
Alfer Binondo (Alfer Binondo Couture and Design)
Inaul takes on tradition to new heights, quite literally with an attractive embellished-fan headpiece that could get anyone swept off their feet. Who stood firmly on the ground, however, is Kymberlee Street, whose look proves that simple can also be best.
Tisoy & Solie Dela Torre (Ritazzus Collection)
Tisoy and Solie Dela Torre’s striking looks encompass a style deserves all the praise and agriculture in the world—their collection embodies a fashionable perspective on culture, one that Mary Josephine Paaske wears very well.
Jay-R Gamboa Flores (Gawangflores)
Jay-R Gamboa Flores proves that culture has wide and varied Filipino identities that strongholds in its smaller details. Anita Rose Gomez is pretty in pink, and perfect in inaul.
The Inaul Fashion Show exemplifies the diverse talents and cultural richness embodied by the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates, designed by Mindanaoan designers. As Miss Universe 2011 and pageant director Shamcey Supsup eloquently puts it as she closed the show, “It has always been the dream for Miss Universe Philippines to not only showcase the beauty of the Filipina, but to showcase the beauty of the Philippines to the entire universe.” With this display, that dream becomes a reality, presenting even newfound dreams for admiration and appreciation to unite hearts across the nation.
Video: ADAM GENATO (via TikTok)
Photos: MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES (via Instagram)
