Lighting up the 69th Miss Universe stage, Rabiya Mateo wore a yellow Swarovski encrusted evening gown by the first MEGA YDC winner and avant-garde designer Furne One.
Related: 3 Stars and Rabiya: The Story Behind The Miss Universe Philippines National Costume
Making hints of sunshine as early as 6 am, Furne One, the designer responsible for Rabiya Mateo’s Miss Universe evening gown , got the whole pageant-loving nation excited for today’s preliminary competition. Filipino fans from all over the world tuned in to the live streams and flocked to Twitter to share their guesses about how the beauty queen’s evening gown would look like.
Furne who revealed to us a couple of days ago that the Miss Universe representative’s gown will embody her youthful, phenomenal woman persona came on full display when she entered the stage in a vibrant yellow dress. Symbolizing happiness, strength, and vitality, the sun was the inspiration behind Furne’s evening gown design which fans said finally completed Philippines’ Miss Universe colors with Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray representing blue and red respectively with their own evening gowns. “A hope for a new tomorrow, a world with endless beauty and happiness,” Furne says about the design’s message.
The Dress
With a one-shoulder neckline and elegantly encrusted Citrine Swarovski crystals cascading across the bodice, hem and cape, the fitted dress along with its dramatic details was a perfect marriage of Furne’s avant-garde touch and elegant pageantry fashion. “The cape added royalty to the gown and its beadwork was inspired by the radiance of the Philippine sun which symbolizes positivity and optimism,” he states in his post.
From Mateo’s pre-pageant looks, the audience was quite aware of how the beauty queen can pull off such vibrant colors. It made her stand out from the rest and most importantly it gave a symbol of light and positivity that the country needs.
The Accessories
Mateo has been wearing jewelry from LVNA by Drake Dustin since her pre-pageant looks, but for the highly-anticipated evening gown reveal, they brought out a whole ‘nother level of diamonds. To tie in the whole look, the sun inspiration was also applied to its accessories.
If you loved Catriona’s sun and stars ear cuff, Rabiya Mateo’s “Sinag” dangling diamond earrings are equally worthy of your adoration.
Approximately P7M worth, the high jewelry is made of the rarest fancy yellow diamonds and highest quality of citrine gemstones crafted in 18kt white gold.
