Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach donned sartorial aces in Anthony Ramirez and Mark Bumgarner at the 60th Binibining Pilipinas
History-maker beauty queen Pia Wurtzbach, who brought back the Miss Universe title to the Philippines after 42 years, graced the red carpet and the Binibining Pilipinas stage in looks that prove her seamless transition from crown to couture.
RELATED: Pia Wurtzbach is Bvlgari’s First Filipino House Ambassador
Pia has become a fashion queen of our times; fresh from appearances at the Cannes Film Festival and Paris Fashion Week, she is back home to pay tribute to her pageant roots complete with a wardrobe to match. Donning creations by Filipino designers, she arrived at the red carpet pre-show in a white silk number by Anthony Ramirez, and joined the all-female board of judges in a midnight blue gown by Mark Bumgarner.
In a Haute Halter
Pia bared her shoulders and back in a silk halter dress that merges regality and boldness. She was the picture of pure self-assured elegance, the kind only a woman with her trajectory could emanate. The lustrous floor-grazing silk, sculptural silhouette, and the delicate drapings at the bodice looked immaculate and uncluttered. Even in a one-and-done dress in white, the queen can make the number as sparkling as a full-length glimmer.
In Midnight Blue
Uncontrived and charming, Pia reaffirms her royal status in a custom midnight blue frock by Mark Bumgarner. A darker take on her signature blue hue, the dress effortlessly marries opulence with simplicity. The structured bodice and elegant tailoring were simple concepts executed flawlessly, negating the need for extra frills. The clean cut and column silhouette also framed the fitted dress, and the skirt allowed for graceful movement.
Designer Mark Bumgarner took to Instagram to express his joy in crafting the queen’s dress, saying: “I first saw Pia win this pageant at the same venue in 2015. Watching her on that stage again last night nine years later and witnessing her growth into the woman she is today, felt surreal and emotional. She will always be confidently beautiful with a heart.”
In her own post, Pia says, “Feels good to walk the Binibini stage in Mark Bumgarner.” She shares that she requested Mark to make this gown especially for the diamond edition of Binibining Pilipinas; the dress will be part of an upcoming youth center project she will be launching in collaboration with Love Yourself PH. She teases that gowns she wore throughout her journey as Miss Universe will also be included in the auction.
Once a Binibini, Always a Binibini
Pia joined the Binibining Pilipinas pageant three times before clinching the crown, sash, and scepter. In her Instagram post, she wrote, “Back where it all began, and it’s truly surreal that 10 years have passed. The first time I set foot at Araneta was during the 50th anniversary and it was unforgettable. It changed my life forever. Now, we’re marking 60 beautiful years! Looking forward to tonight and reconnecting with everyone!”
She joined the all-female judging committee with Beautéderm founder Rhea Tan, Miss International 2013 Bea Rose Santiago, volleyball player Fifi Sharma, Conchitina Bernardo, and fellow Miss Universe titleholders Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran, and Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio.
Photos and Featured Image: MJ FELIPE (via X), BINIBINING PILIPINAS, PIA WURTZBACH (via Instagram)
