Four Filipino designers exclusively shared their interpretation of a Miss Universe evening gown and how they made it fitting for Michelle Dee herself
Of all the segments in a pageant, one of the most anticipated parts is when the candidates grace the stage in their evening gowns. We have seen how the trend has evolved over the years and it now has reached a point where elegance is usually infused with glamour. While that is a standard we have grown accustomed to, Michelle Dee turned things around when she won the Miss Universe Philippines crown with a sleek black piece with minimal embellishments.
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This time, we’re expecting her to have a similar look for the coronation night, but as we wait for that to commence, four Filipino designers have sketched their own vision of a Miss Universe evening gown fitting for Michelle Dee.
Chris Nick
It is known in the industry that the designer and beauty queen are close friends in real life, and so it only made sense to ask him how he would design Michelle’s evening gown. Despite his confession of not being a fan of pageants, Chris was able to fashion a sketch that is true to his identity, but with a pageant twist.
The embellished black gown features a deconstructed tuxedo lapel bodice that plunges into a sultry neckline and an ultra high slit that starts from the waist. The overall design fits MMD’s style personality since she is known to combine femininity with masculine elements every now and then.
“Best of both worlds—you still get that Chris Nick appeal, but at the same time, that pageant appeal.”
Chris Nick
Vilrique
If it’s anything sculptural and avant-garde on Michelle, everyone knows it’s by Vilrique. When asked for their vision of a pageant evening gown, the designer reminisced the past queens and their own looks. Catriona Gray had the iconic Lava Dress, Pia Wurtzbach with her royal blue gown, and Margie Moran and Gloria Diaz in their white ensembles.
For Michelle, Vilrique envisioned a yellow gold dress—a reference to her first Vilrique piece. The statuesque design includes a sculpted leather bodice and drapes from the shoulder to the high slit. Instead of the usual beaded finish, the piece was kept sleek with a reflective material—a design that goes against the customary pageant style.
“For me personally, as someone who’s all about breaking the norm, I envision a statuesque draped and sculptural winning gown.”
Vilrique
Mikee Andrei
We’re taking a different approach with Mikee’s evening gown sketch as she amplifies Michelle’s aura of confidence by highlighting her toned physique with a fitted silhouette, waist cutout, and long-sleeve finish on the right arm. The piece is also fully embellished and done in a lavender-pink color.
“A Miss Universe gown showcases the queen’s empowered ladyboss persona.”
Mikee Andrei
Jaz Cerezo
When it comes to designing, Jaz has quite the range of styles, and for her evening gown interpretation, she decided to opt for a modern-sultry look. The bodice was done in a corset fashion with sheer black panels, as seen on the torso and bust. Meanwhile, the skirt was done in a heavy draped manner to show off Michelle’s long legs. For minimal detailings, black crystals are spread out across the piece.
“I imagine her to be in a sleek and modern-cut corsetry that plays with translucence and a heavy draped skirt that shows off her long legs.”
Jaz Cerezo
