Glademir Echavarre and Rian Fernandez reimagine Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo’s evening gown, showcasing their visions of a dress fit for a queen
For Miss Universe, the evening gown is a statement piece, a showstopper, and sometimes, a way forward to the crown. The pageantry designers behind these creations know how to take fabric, beads, and imagination to create looks that captivate audiences. This year, we asked Glademir Echavarre and Rian Fernandez to sketch their version of what Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo’s gown could have been, had she made it to the final round of Miss Universe.
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Glademir Echavarre
Glademir Echavarre designed a gown inspired by traditional jewelry and textile techniques. She describes it as something that shimmers beautifully under the stage lights. “This gown features intricate beadwork with cape-like extensions on the shoulders, adding a hint of royalty,” Echavarre explains. The design highlights Filipino elegance and vibrant cultural references to Mexico to create something unique.
“The silhouette is timeless yet regal, with a bold plunging neckline balanced by a structured shoulder detail that reflects strength and poise,” she adds. Ornamental patterns flow down the gown in hand-drawn embroidery, reminiscent of Filipino baroque designs infused with Mexican artistry. The motifs include floral scrolls and flowing lines that fuse Mexican lacework with Filipino craftsmanship. The layers of embellishments are meant to create dimension and bring out the best of Manalo’s presence.
Rian Fernandez
Rian Fernandez opted for a different approach, imagining Chelsea in a blue gown that plays with structure and texture. “This blue gown showcases asymmetrical cuts that enhance her figure, giving her an elongated silhouette,” Fernandez says. The hand-embroidered details catch the light, adding sparkle without overwhelming the look.
Fernandez focused on creating something that balances elegance with a bit of edge. The embroidery, he notes, is delicate but impactful, with patterns that glimmer subtly with movement. The goal was to elevate Manalo’s presence on stage, turning her into a vision of grace and strength with a look that suits her personality.
The creativity of Glademir Echavarre and Rian Fernandez shows that her journey is far from over. Each of their sketches reflects different facets of Manalo’s style, offering looks that could have made an impact on the Miss Universe stage. Whether inspired by cultural details or modern cuts, these envisioned gowns capture the spirit of pageantry design, proving that even off-stage, Chelsea Manalo will continue to inspire.
Photos: GLADEMIR ECHAVARRE and RIAN FERNANDEZ
