Inspired by our Miss Universe Philippines 2024 contender, the designer crafted a pair of shoes that embodies resilience, confidence, and the courage to defy expectations
Front-runners usually dominate the headlines, but Jojo Bragais’ latest creation for Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo looks to betting on the underdog. The journey of these heels takes on this idea, rooting for those who, against all odds, find their way to the top.
RELATED: Chelsea Manalo’s Tiffany Blue Evening Gown Deserved the Miss Universe 2024 Stage
The story of Chelsea Manalo hit close to home for the designer. “It’s been six years since I designed a pair of shoes where I truly poured my heart into every detail,” Bragais says. But that’s exactly what he did for the beauty queen in designing a shoe that wasn’t about status but about heart.
Designing for Victory
Bragais first crossed paths with Chelsea Manalo back in 2021 when she was a model in a campaign for the 69th Miss Universe pageant. Back then, she was just another face in the crowd, donning the “Jehza” heels in a shade called Cocoa, designed for women of color.
Moving to 2024, she reached out to Bragais, asking for his support as she geared up for Miss Universe Philippines. “I didn’t know she was joining until I got a message from her in February,” Bragais recalls. His response was an immediate yes.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 competition is nothing short of fierce. With an impressive lineup of queens from all over the country, it’s not just a pageant—it’s a full-on “bloodbath of beauty.” The stakes are high, and while anyone can claim the crown, the journey is anything but easy. Every year, the Jojo Bragais Choice Award is given, and the selection process is never simple. It’s a dilemma: go for someone famous who brings publicity, or a familiar face in the pageant scene? This time, the decision was held off until the Bragais ad campaign video and photoshoot for MUPH 2024, waiting to see which contender stood out in action.
As the team walked into the studio, Chelsea Manalo was sitting in a corner, waiting for her turn. “But there is something about her aura and the way she smiles and moves,” he shares.
Designing the “Chelsea” shoes went beyond aesthetics, but the lead for victory. “I designed a simple pair that will make her legs look longer,” Bragais explains. The heels feature more exposed skin on the dorsal part, clever pivot mechanisms for different surfaces, and an easy-release lock for quick changes. “Being on the pageant scene for quite a while already, I know nerves can make someone’s legs tremble,” he nods to the attention to detail in making sure the shoes were steady yet chic.
Betting on the Dark Horse
It wasn’t just her looks that impressed Bragais. He saw something in Chelsea Manalo that resonated with his own road of breaking through in the fashion industry. “One of the sponsors came to me and asked me why, and I said, ‘Why not?’” he laughs, addressing his decision to give her the Jojo Bragais Choice Award. “Then they gave me reasons why she should not. Like, there are ‘taller girls’, ‘most followed’, and a lot more.”
But it was that very doubt that made him double down on Manalo. The shoes were his way of backing someone who, like him, was told they didn’t fit the mold. “Chelsea is an underdog, came from a very simple family, who lacked resources and support because a lot of people don’t see her potential,” he reflects.
A Step Toward Winning
These shoes mirror the designer’s belief. “Each pair is a statement. It tells a story of determination, empowerment, and the confidence to win,” he shares.
The spotlight often falls on the obvious stars, but Jojo Bragais is here to remind us that the real magic happens when you bet on the underdog. After all, these shoes are crafted not just for walking—they’re made for conquering every step of the way. He stands behind every dreamer who walks their own path to victory.
Photos: JOJO BRAGAIS
