Nothing says Pinoy pride than recognizing Filipino craftsmanship and artistry on the Miss Universe stage
While it is no secret that some Filipinas represent a different country, it is also the same with designers. Filipino designers have made a mark in the world of pageantry, carrying the pride of a Filipino in their designs from every stitch and every beadwork. Aside from Miss Universe Philippines’ designer Manny Halasan, queens have looked towards Filipino designers, knowing that in the hands of Filipino talent, they will stand out.
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Axel Que
Hailing from Cebu is Axel Que who used to specialize in designing wedding gowns until the Cebuano’s best friend Tracy Maureen Perez joined the Miss Universe Philippines in 2020. This began the designer’s journey to creating memorable, larger-than-life national costume. Today, the Cebuano designer is known creating avant-garde masterpieces, followed by details inspired by the flow of nature, occasionally grabbing inspiration from the natural resources, legends, and folklore from Cebu.
The Avant-garde designer’s works are no strangers to the runway or the pageant stages. Most recently, Que collaborated with a New Zealand Māori artist for Miss Universe New Zealand’s National Costume, worn by half-Filipina Victoria Velasquez Vincent. Aside from pageant queens, drag queens have also had the chance to don Que’s extravagant pieces, showcasing them on RuPaul’s Drag Race like Marina Summers’ “Bangus” dress and Eva Le Queen’s black phoenix-inspired masterpiece.
Ehrran Montoya
Another notable designer known in the world of pageantry is Ehrran Montoya, a beast in both national costumes and evening dresses. Mostly inspired by nature, he described his works as “wearable avant-garde,” often experimenting with drapings, texture, volumes, and colors. Each piece was whimsical, ethereal, and still wearable.
May it be bridal gowns, evening gowns, or a National Costume, expect Montoya to take your breath away every time. Recently, the illustrator-designer has done Miss Universe Great Britain Christina Chalk’s evening gown in the preliminary round, Miss Cosmo Philippines Ahtisa Manalo’s Dyesebel National Costume, and gowns for drag queens like Drag Race Philippines’ Season 3 winner Maxie Andreison, and for RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All-Stars Queen Alyssa Edwards
Harvey Cenit
Another Cebuano designer is Harvey Cenit, Season 3 of Fashion Factor winner, and was honored as the Promising Fashion Designer of the Year at the 2016 Filipino Times Awards. His pieces are often fusions of classic and contemporary elements with a touch of elegance. Still balanced with a hint of femininity, the Dubai-based designer‘s works still stand out without being too overpowering.
With his success, not only has his designs landed the Miss Universe stage, but it has also stepped foot in prestigious events worn by some of the most well-known people in the world. Aside from designing an evening gown for half-Filipina Miss Universe Bahrain Shereen Ahmed, his designs have been worn by telenovela Rosalinda star Thalía. Cenit’s masterpieces have also reached other international pageants and the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Rian Fernandez
Filipino designer Rian Fernandez is not new to the pageantry scene. He has been showcasing his artistry in the pageant stages for a long time, recognized as early as 2016 for his marriage of innovation, cultural heritage, and adventure in his masterpieces, whether for the Miss Universe stage or the New York Fashion Show runways.
This year alone, the accolade-laden Filipino designed both preliminary and final evening gowns for Miss Universe Thailand Opal Suchata, Miss Universe USA’s preliminary evening gown, and Miss Universe Guinea’s preliminary evening gown. Additionally, Suchata also wore a gown designed by Fernandez when she was crowned Miss Universe Thailand.
FEATURED IMAGE AND PHOTOS: AXEL QUE, EHRRAN MONTOYA, MISS UNIVERSE BAHRAIN, & RIAN FERNANDEZ (via Instagram)
