BACK when 2015 Miss Universe was just simply Pia Wurtzbach, we would joke around every time we did fashion shoots for Lifestyle—how we should throw everything associated with beauty-pageant style out the window and just think fashion (meaning trendy and with style identity, not only sexy).

 

Hardly did we know then that after winning Miss Universe, the pageant which had been newly acquired by William Morris Endeavor/IMG, her world (or her universe rather) would suddenly become a whirlwind of fashion shows and dressing up in designer brands—all of which were just a dream for the both of us before.

 

There was a moment, during her homecoming in Manila after being named Miss Universe, we were in her hotel room, touching base, when the Miss Universe road manager, Esther Swan, entered the room and showed us a series of runway photos of the collections of New York designers. She told Pia that Pia could choose from them the clothes she wanted to wear to New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

 

“IMG put this together for you,” Esther said.

 

Pageant fans who are used to the sequined gowns, bouffant hair and thick makeup stereotypically associated with beauty queens now see Pia wearing cutting-edge, but very New York street-chic looks—like a pair of brown oversized leather pants, gladiator sandals, wide-leg pants, and sleek makeup and hair—all of which she’s been able to pull off effortlessly.

 

It has been a long time since the fashion world got to notice a Miss Universe. The last time a Miss Universe winner was able to dress in high-fashion designer brands was way back in 2007, when Miss Japan Riyo Mori won and was styled by then Miss Japan national director and celebrity stylist, Ines Ligron, who was also IMG director.

 

Now that Pia is living her dreams, here are some of her looks that we took notice of during New York Fashion Week.