Behind many of this year’s Miss Universe national costumes and evening gowns are Filipino designers. Here, we get to know the local creatives who once again bought local pride to pageantry fashion.
Related: MEGA’s Picks for Stand-Out National Costumes at the 69th Miss Universe
With just one more night away towards witnessing who will be crowned Miss Universe 2020, Filipino creatives remain to be the top choice for many candidates when it comes to designing their most important looks for the pageant. From high profile couturiers to student designers, the talent within the Filipino fashion industry was showcased in this year’s national costume competition and preliminary evening gowns.
Here are the Filipino designers who are responsible for some of this year’s best looks:
Kennedy Gasper
“Lioness” National Costume of Cameroon
Cameroon’s first-ever representative in the Miss Universe competition, the national costume of Angele Kossinda was inspired by her country’s national animal the lion. Her towering lion headdress and backpiece paired with a beaded ensemble quickly became a key bet for this year’s best costume and it’s all thanks to Filipino fashion student Kennedy John T. Gaspar.
The 3rd year undergraduate who studies fashion and textile technology at Central Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija earned nothing but praise from Kossinda. “Indeed, a national costume represents your country’s legacy, culture, and image. And to me the most important thing is to find someone who could best represent it in an outfit or costume no matter your origins,” she said.
Arwin Meriales
“Stop Asian Hate” National Costume of Singapore
The Singaporean beauty who was born and raised in the Philippines made a strong statement with her national costume. Bernadette Belle Ong donned a sequined red leotard, thigh-high boots and a cape that made everyone stop, look and listen with it’s bold words saying “Stop Asian Hate.”
Crafted by young Filipino designer Arwin Meriales and handpainted by local artist Paulo Pilapil Espinosa, the ensemble was completed in only two days. “Given the slim timeframe we had to get it sent from the Philippines to Singapore before I flew out to the US, I’d say this is a huge win for everyone! We got our message across loud and clear!,” said Ong.
Rocky Gatharcole
Philippine Flag National Costume of Philippines
Leaving a legacy of true patriotism behind, Rabiya Mateo’s Philippine flag wings was the final creation of international Filipino designer Rocky Gathercole. Weighing about 21 kilos, the color blue stood for royalty, the red represented the passion of an independent woman, and yellow captured the essence of the sun and stars.
The late fashion designer dressed many Hollywood celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez in the past and though he didn’t get to witness the look in its final form, Mateo’s stying team shared how every stone, feather and detail was sewn in by his very own hands.
Michael Cinco
Evening Gown of Romania
Filipino Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco is highly coveted for this year’s Miss Universe. Known for his couture creations, Bianca Lorena Tirsin is proud to say that she is the first Romanian beauty queen to don one of his works. “As I am the first Romanian to wear the gown of this famous designer, I know I will shine in the Miss Universe stage,” she said in one of her pre-pageant interviews.
Evening Gown of Czech Republic
Miss Universe Czech Republic Klara Vavruskova also wore a Michael Cinco piece. Wearing a couture butterfly inspired gown with its ruffle sleeve statement and trailing fitted bodice, she shares in her Instagram post that she felt like a real queen in Cinco’s creation.
Rian Fernandez
Evening Gown of Cambodia
Another Filipino designer who’s no stranger to the Miss Universe world, Baguio-based and bridal designer Rian Fernandez has dressed many Miss Universe candidates. This includes Miss Thailand’s famous 2016 dress, the evening gown of Miss Cambodia in 2019, and this year’s Miss Cambodia of 2020 Sarita Reth.
Jian Lasala
Evening Gown of Belize
Wearing an evening gown inspired by the Caribbean blue waters, Miss Universe Belize Iris Salguer worked with veteran fashion designer Jian Lasala. “They all turn to the Philippines because Filipinos are talented, mabilis kausap, and cost-effective. As a designers hub, they also admire our design esthetics. Our reputation also precedes us a beauty pageant powerhouse with many consistent international placements,” Lasala explains why Filipino designers are the top choice in pageantry fashion.
Furne One
Evening Gown of Philippines
The Dubai-based Filipino designer who has dressed celebrity queens such as Beyoncé and Ariana Grande, Furne One made this year’s “The Sun Gown” of Rabiya Mateo. The yellow ensemble featured a one-shoulder neckline gown and citrine Swarovski crystals found throughout the body and cape of the dress. “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.
Special Mention:
Jojo Bragais
Official footwear partner of the 69th Miss Universe
The designer behind the boots of Catriona Gray during Miss Universe 2018 national costume competition, world-class Filipino brand Jojo Bragais provided the heels for this year’s beauty pageant.
“As each of the contestants brings with them the learnings from their own winning journeys, we are confident that Jojo Bragais can help them walk closer towards their rightful places in the universe. So queens, walk, win,” said the official statement from Miss Universe.
