Filipino designers deserve the spotlight of this weekend’s Miss Universe 2020 pageant just as much as the candidates do and we’re here to proudly present them all and all the designs they created for some of the beautiful women in the competition.
Here they are!
Furne One
Evening gown of Miss Philippines
View this post on Instagram
Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One of Amato Couture was the one behind Miss Universe Philippines’ Rabiya Mateo’s stunning yellow one-sided neckline tulle gown, adorned with Swarovski crystals and the added touch of a cape. According to Furne, the gown is “inspired by the radiance of the Philippine sun which symbolizes positivity and optimism. A hope for a new tomorrow, a world with endless beauty and happiness.”
Rocky Gatharcole
National costume of Miss Philippines
View this post on Instagram
Rabiya also got to wear one of the last creations of the late world-renowned designer Rocky Gatharcole during the national costume portion of the preliminaries, which was inspired by “the quintessential symbol of our identity as Filipinos: the Philippine flag.”
Michael Cinco
Evening gown of Miss Romania
View this post on Instagram
Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco created this butterfly-inspired couture gown of Miss Romania Bianca Tirsin which stands out for its exquisite embroideries.
Evening gown of Miss Czech Republic
View this post on Instagram
Michael Cinco also designed the shimmering evening gown of Miss Czech Republic Klara Vavrushkova which features puffy multi-layered sleeves.
Arwin Meriales
National Costume of Miss Singapore
View this post on Instagram
Miss Singapore Bernadette Belle Ong’s national costume during the preliminaries caught worldwide attention for the strong statement written on her cape: “Stop Asian Hate.” This costume was designed by young Filipino designer Arwin Meriales and handpainted by local artist Paulo Pilapil Espinosa, who were only given two days to make it. “What made me say Yes? It’s not just a national costume. It’s a “STATEMENT and PROTEST” to stop Asian hate. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of such cause,” Awrin wrote.
Jian Lasala
Evening gown of Miss Belize
View this post on Instagram
Miss Belize Iris Salguero’s asymmetrical long gown was definitely one of the many that stood out that night. Jian Lasala, who designed it, said that he created it to represent “Irisโ character as an Island Girl and Tropical Queen.”
Rian Fernandez
Evening gown of Miss Cambodia
View this post on Instagram
Miss Cambodia Sarita Reth’s asymmetrical trumpet gown was designed by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez, inspired by the “Sampot” or the national soul of Cambodia. “The pattern of the bead embroidery is one of the Cambodian Legends, Garuda which depicts power and royalty. The teal color symbolizes calmness which represents the cultural tradition of a friendly country. The ornamentation of the gown is fully hand-embroidered with sequins, rhinestones, [and] Swarovski crystals. This piece definitely calls for a celebration [of] Cambodian pride!” Rian wrote on his post.
Kennedy Gasper
National Costume of Miss Cameroon
View this post on Instagram
Miss Cameroon Angele Kossinda, the country’s first-ever representative to the beauty pageant, definitely wowed the crowd with her Lionness national costume designed by Filipino fashion student Kennedy Jhon Gasper. The Lion is considered the country’s national animal which Angele said “represents the personality of all Cameroonians.”
Benj Leguiab IV
Evening gown of Miss Cameroon
View this post on Instagram
Miss Cameroon also went with a Filipino designer, Benj Leguiab IV, for her evening gown, which glistened as she strode onstage.
Kirsten Regalado
Kirsten Regalado, who was born and raised in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, has made a name for herself in the fashion industry and is now among the most sought-after designers. She designed many of this year’s Miss Universe costumes and evening gowns, namely:
Evening gown of Miss Armenia
Miss Armenia Monika Grigoryan was simply stunning in her elegant silver dress.
National Costume of Miss Mauritius
Miss Mauritius Vandana Jeetah’s national costume was inspired by the country’s “beautiful pristine lagoons and unique sea life” that was “hand-painted by children from a special needs organization.”
According to a post by Kirsten, “the bright yellow and orange headdress represents the sun, a source of life on earth. The hand fan has orange, blue, and white feathers, mimicking the movement of the corals in the sea.”
National Costume of Miss Iceland
Kirsten also designed the national costume of Miss Iceland Elรญsabet Hulda Snorradรณttir. “The lighted front represents the Aurora. The headpiece represents the ravin enjoying the Aurora. The unlighted back represents the coming of dark winter,” Kirsten explained.
Jojo Bragais
Official footwear partner of Miss Universe 2020
View this post on Instagram
Notably worth mentioning is Filipino designer Jojo Bragais, who has been chosen to be the 69th Miss Universe’s official footwear partner!
“Jojo Bragais is a world-class Filipino brand that understands how walks in life can make or break oneโs ability to win,” his official announcement post read. “For that reason, it has always designed its shoes to be uncompromising in style, comfort, and quality. The brand has been worn by winning queens in some of the most important runways around the world.”
Jojo designed the official pageant heals called the Jehza heels, named after his friend and former beauty queen Jehza Huelar-Simon. “The Jehza heels is named after her because she left a mark in my life for being so kindhearted and passionate when it comes to pageantry, it’s only fitting to have this pair named after her,” Jojo said in an interview with Metro.Style.
He designed nude-colored heels for the preliminary competition and a silver pair for the swimsuit competition. Each candidate received two pairs, one for each stage.
(ALSO READ: LOOK: Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo Flaunts Gown Inspired By National Flag)
We are so proud of these designers!
Whose look was your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us atย story.wheninmanila@gmail.comย or send us a direct message atย WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community atย WIM Squad! Get the latest news about the Philippine Entertainment industry and join the WIM Showbiz Facebook group! We also share our stories on Viber, join us!
