Learn how to flaunt your best assets by taking a look at the style trends found in Rabiya Mateo’s figure-flattering wardrobe.
Learning how to catwalk, doing one’s hair and makeup, and training for the question-and-answer category are some of the many things that beauty queens do behind all the glamour. On top of it all, they also have to maintain a strong physique and championing this is Rabiya Mateo. The Best in Swimsuit category winner during the national Miss Universe Philippines, there’s no denying that Mateo knows how to flaunt one’s best assets. As one of her main advantages for the competition, her styling team is also making sure that figure-flattering details are non-negotiable when it comes to her looks.
LOOK 008: Battle-Ready Queen
Style Trend To Crop: Statement Pleats
Pleating is a powerful and versatile styling tool in the world of fashion but unlike Issey Miyake’s cult following of micro-pleats that inspired many runways and designers, the pleating found in Rabiya Mateo’s azure blue dress was the exact opposite.
Designed by Ushi Sato, the bold and sharp origami folds found on the sleeves and neckline of the dress added depth and texture and beautifully contoured Mateo’s figure. “While packing the other dresses, we decided to create something simple yet strong to add-on to other ensembles we were going to send,” he states on his Instagram post. Inspired by the raging waves of Siargao Islands, the bespoke designer reveals that despite the intricate pleating technique patterned on the dress, it only took less than 5 hours to make.
To match the island inspiration of the dress, Mateo also wore pearl shell earrings encrusted with diamonds from LVNA By Drake Dustin, while her gold gladiator heels from Shoepatos by Doreen Odvina and sleek ponytail completed the fashion armor look.
LOOK 009: Patterns and Positivity
Style Trend To Crop: Ruched detailing
During her Instagram live session with reigning Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, the Filipina beauty queen was a sight of pure positivity. “We are there not just to compete and bring home the crown. We are here to celebrate who we are as women,” Mateo says in her interview.
Clad in sunshine yellow, Mateo wore a mock-neck dress with ruched detailing that emphasized her waistline and elongated her body. “A dress should feel like an armor for a woman; she needs to feel protected, safe and strong,” says Martin Bautista.
The veteran designer who is known for his expertise in accentuating the female form, here he uses ruching and extra draping fabric to draw the eye to the center of the body and give it a beautiful silhouette that’s tailor-fit to Mateo’s body.
Check in daily with our “Miss Universe PH Style Radar” series for the latest on Rabiya Mateo’s looks.
