From Rian Fernandez, Mark Bumgarner, to Furne One, we listed down the Filipino designers that participated in this year’s Miss Universe with their creations
The world of pageantry has always been a fascination in the Philippines. The interest of Filipino fans when it comes to pageants, especially international ones, have grown immensely. Because of this, we have gotten used to always having someone from our country represent us in one way or another, whether on stage as a candidate or behind the scenes as part of someone’s team.
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In this year’s Miss Universe competition, it’s not surprising that we don’t have just one representative that’s raising the Philippine flag, but rather seven more through their creations of gowns for the candidates of different countries and even the reigning Miss Universe herself. From Rian Fernandez, Mark Bumgarner, to Furne One, here are the Filipino designers whose creations graced the Miss Universe 2023 stage.
Rian Fernandez
R’Bonney Gabriel got back on the Miss Universe stage to host the preliminary event, and she kept her Filipino roots close by wearing a Rian Fernandez piece, the same designer who created the gown she wore when she won the crown early this year. She channeled her inner Audrey Hepburn with this My Fair Lady-like dress finished in crystals from the mock neck, shoulders, to the skirt.
Larry Espinosa
For the National Costume segment that occurred the following day, R’Bonney made another hosting appearance in a heavily draped blue gown by Larry Espinosa. The piece consisted of various shades of blue, as seen on the bodice, draped skirt, and the exaggerated shoulder detail that went around her back.
Mark Bumgarner
Our very own Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee collaborated with Mark Bumgarner for her preliminary evening gown. The designer has been a key figure in her pageant journey, and the two designed a gown that hit home for the beauty queen. Her emerald piece was decorated with crystals from top to bottom, while a matte fabric was used on the sides to accentuate her cinched-in waist.
Carla Fuentes
Aklan-based designer Carla Fuentes was the mind behind Miss Universe Bahrain Lujane Yacoub’s silver and blue gown, which was inspired by the meaning of the country’s name as Bahrain is Arabic for “Two Seas.” The bust was done with silver sequins, while the torso was filled with both silver and blue embellishments.
Furne One
Two pieces were made by Dubai-based designer Furne One, whose signature style definitely shined through. The gold gown on Miss Universe Egypt, Mohra Tantawyn, had a sheer material to give the spotlight to the intricate embellishments that started from the neckline to the hemline.
As for Miss Universe Pakistan Erica Robin, she made history by becoming the first representative of her country, and she did so with an elegant silver-white gown. The design featured a classic fitted white dress underneath a silver embellished layer that came with a matching shroud.
Louis Pangilinan
Another gold piece made its way to the list and it was created by Laguna-based designer Louis Pangilinan. The wearer of the gown was Miss Universe Malta Ella Portelli and it had the balanced fusion of allure and elegance. It had a body-hugging finish, a subtle plunging neckline, and different hues of gold sequins were laid out in the various patterns.
Boogie Musni
Miss Universe Mauritius Tatiana Beauharnais’ sultry green evening gown was made by Boogie Musni Rivera, a designer who resides in Misamis Oriental. Compared to the other designs, this one was more vibrant because of the bright green embellishments that trailed down from her shoulder, bust, torso, down to the skirt. It also had a slit that went up to her upper thigh and a high-shine fabric cape.
