From crowns to couture, delve into these Filipino Miss Universe winners’ narratives that merge regality, audacious choices, and meaningful individuality
One may think the final walk signifies the culmination of a regal reign. With grace and a touch of nostalgia, they bid adieu to the crown, holding cherished memories close to their hearts. While not everyone can claim the title of royalty, for a Miss Universe, the final walk isn’t a mere curtain call—it’s the prelude to a new beginning. It’s the moment they truly ascend. Transitioning from wearing crowns to embracing high fashion, Filipino Miss Universe’s Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, and R’Bonney Gabriel have crafted their own stories of elegance and style.
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Pia Wurtzbach
The confidently beautiful Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach moves beyond the runway, imprinting her name in the fabric of modern Filipino style. Following her crowning, Wurtzbach skillfully fused regality with contemporary chic, transforming her wardrobe into a platform of sophistication and flair that resonated from red carpets to casual outings.
Wurtzbach’s inclination for bold silhouettes emerged vividly as she adorned a variety of gowns, each embodying intricate design and impeccable tailoring. From Rajo Laurel’s chrysalis look to Mark Bumgarner’s peek-a-boo dress, she transformed into an ambassador of empowerment, translating her fashion language into a powerful expression of individuality. She truly embodies confidence with a heart.
Catriona Gray
Catriona Gray brings a burst of energy to the stage, embodying a style aesthetic that is not just chic, but also hip, fun, and remarkably youthful. Her venture into this stylistic space is a lively exploration, mirroring her bubbly personality and penchant for vibrant aesthetics. From the mesmerizing lava walk that captured global attention to her compelling presence on prominent landscapes, Gray embodies both grace and intellect that captivates attention.
In the colorful palette of this Miss Universe 2018, each outfit gives off a vibrant touch to carefully choose to reflect her qualities. She blends cultural influences with contemporary trends, creating a visual language that resonates with a younger, more dynamic audience. Whether she’s rocking casual chic or making a bold statement, Gray’s style journey is an invitation to embrace fashion with a sense of playfulness.
R’Bonney Gabriel
Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel carries the crown for USA as Miss Universe 2022, introducing a vibrant new chapter to the post-crowning style chronicle. With an unmistakable flair for fashion, R’Bonney injects a breath of fresh air into the scene, challenging norms and reshaping beauty standards. A designer in her own right, Gabriel introduces a distinctive perspective to the evolution of fashion, boldly breaking away from traditional molds. Her aesthetic is an exploration of audacious choices and unapologetic freedom, embodying a fearless approach to personal identity that resonates beyond the runway, often wearing her own creations.
What sets her apart is not just the allure of her designs, but also the ethos they carry: sustainability and upcycling. Her designs become an opportunity for expressing environmental empowerment. These initiatives are woven into her design DNA, showcasing a commitment to the greater good.
These three Filipino queens, Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, and R’Bonney Gabriel, use their post-pageant platforms to advocate for meaningful causes. Whether it’s championing education, HIV awareness, or supporting local designers, they infuse purpose into every ensemble. Their fashion choices become a tool for amplifying their voices as we are reminded that being a queen goes beyond a crown—it’s about the impact you make, the narratives you shape, and the legacy you leave behind. Pia, Catriona, and R’Bonney—three queens, one enduring truth: style is not just what you wear; it’s how you wear it, and more importantly, why you wear it.
Photos: PIA WURTZBACH, CATRIONA GRAY, and R’BONNEY GABRIEL (via Instagram)
Featured Image: PIA WURTZBACH (via Instagram)
