In an exclusive interview with MEGA, Filipino designer Rian Fernandez shared his thoughts and inspirations behind his creations that were seen on Miss USA and Miss Cambodia as he returned to the Miss Universe stage
Filipino Designer Rian Fernandez is known as an artist of numerous beauty pageants, including Miss World Nicaragua, Miss Earth, Mutya ng Pilipinas, Miss Grand Thailand 2017, and several Miss Universe candidates from 2016, 2017, and 2019. After ending 2022 with a remarkable success at the Arab Fashion Week, Rian Fernandez began the new year by showcasing his exquisite creations as he designed for the newly-crowned Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel and Miss Universe Cambodia Manita Hang for the 71st Miss Universe.
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The renowned Filipino designer has always been associated with his love for the arts because of an expressive quality that can be seen in his works. When he created the popular dress for Miss Thailand Chalita Suansane in 2016, his name became the talk of the pageant industry. He also had the honor of designing pieces for Miss Cambodia Somnang Alyana for her Miss Universe competition.
Even though Rian Fernandez is not new to creating gowns for both local and foreign beauty queens, he continues to play the role with his heartfelt passion for creativity in this year’s pageant scene.
Stepping first during the preliminary competition of Miss Universe was Miss Cambodia, clad in a handcrafted ombré gown that is a mixture of a tailored suit and a sheer flared skirt flowing with beads. Fernandez named this design the “Untangled Dream” to convey a message connected to the Cambodian people. The colors purple and blue symbolize royalty and serenity, while the intertwined embroidery pattern illustrates the entwined branches of the historic banyan tree swirling in different directions as it untangles the long-awaited longing for the crown.
“I was inspired by the warmth of the Cambodian people. That’s why I made a dress showcasing their pride and culture in her gown.”
Rian Fernandez on the inspiration behind Miss Cambodia’s gown
Meanwhile, he also had the honor of designing the gowns for Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel, the hailed titleholder of Miss Universe.
As Fernandez’s work is well-known through his gowns that deeply resonate with his wearers, this year’s Miss Universe competition was a sweet victory for his career. For him, the challenging process of bringing his vision and fabrication of ideas to life was all worth it.
R’Bonney’s preliminary gown is one of his masterpieces in the competition. He called this design “Viva Magenta,” inspired by 2023’s Pantone Color of the Year, and it depicts universal harmony and character. Furthermore, he wanted to emphasize the gown’s fearless nature due to its vibrant hue, which empowered the wearer as she walked the pageant stage overflowing with sophistication.
“We came up with exchanging ideas, from colors to texture—giving a chic and edgy look to complement her style and vision.”
Rian Fernandez on the brainstorming process of the Viva Magenta gown
The Miss Universe pageant saw many stunning gowns, but one dress that truly stood out was Rian Fernandez’s fully handcrafted studded gown that was also worn by the newly crowned Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, during her winning moment. Rian named this work of art as the “Phenomenal Queen.”
The dress was not only beautiful, but it was also meaningful as it represented the beauty queen’s personal style and confidence. The black color of the gown symbolized strength, power, and elegance, making it a perfect choice for R’Bonney as she exuded all of these qualities on stage. The gown’s silhouette was also a great look as it accentuated the figure of our Miss Universe.
Rian Fernandez’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the gown. From the beadwork to the crystal embellishments, everything was done with precision. He was able to create a gown that was not only beautiful and unique, but also a true reflection of R’Bonney’s personal style.
“It’s really the universe telling us to do something more and share something more.”
Photos from RIAN FERNANDEZ, MISS UNIVERSE, R’BONNEY GABRIEL, and NITA HANG (via Instagram)
