The international host and fashion personality owned the stage in gowns made by Filipino designers
All eyes were on the big stage of the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 22, as Miss Universe Philippines crowned its new queen, Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo. While we were all focused on the 53 contestants, who showed strength in inclusivity and body positivity, it’s hard to miss the fashion parade that arose courtesy of the pageant’s hosts.
RELATED: All of R’Bonney Gabriel’s Hosting Looks at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Finals
Making it loud and clear (quite literally) that she was flown in for obvious, masterly reasons, American award-winning host, makeup artist, producer, and fashion personality Jeannie Mai devoured that stage and helped keep it alive during the more-than-four-hour event. Not to mention, she did all that, wearing gowns from local designers—Filipino pride expressed in the most kinetic way. She later expressed her love for the Philippines after experiencing the country for the first time.
Styled by Ryuji Shiomitsu, with makeup and hair done by Nix Soriano and Jim Ryan Ros, respectively, Mai co-hosted the biggest night in Philippine pageantry while celebrating the country’s rich flora and fauna through her gowns. The concept came to life through the vision of designers Glademir Echavarre, Leo Almodal, Ehrran Montoya, and Cary Santiago. She wore jewelry from Luna by Drake Dustin and Jewelmer.
See all of her looks below:
Glademir Echavarre
Mai was wearing this structured, ruffled, tube gown with slit by Glademir Echavarre when she was introduced to the audience by co-host Alden Richards. The Hyrum gown, created under the Miranda Linda: Maison Glademir Echavarre Bridal Collection, was named after the designer’s friend, who, according to the designer’s Instagram account, ignited the “creative spirit and encouraged living life authentically.”
Leo Almodal
The green, hand-embellished column gown has center detailing to accentuate the nipped waist. Designed with a corseted deep V, this piece is part of Leo Almodal’s Lasang collection, which is inspired by the “mystic forest.” “Lasang” is a Cebuano term for “forest.”
Ehrran Montoya
Mai loved this Ehrran Montoya black serpentine gown with floral appliqué so much that she posted it on her Instagram stories. In the short clip, where she is seated next to co-host, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, she expressed how much she loved the designer.
Cary Santiago
Cary Santiago’s terno gowns have been talked about in the fashion scene, and that includes this black sequined terno-sleeved gown with multi-layered tulle train and bow appliqué. It’s the perfect piece for Mai to wear at the final part of the program, when the winners were announced.
Photographed by GRANT BABIA
