Before the year draws to a close, and the reign of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray starts in New York, we look back on another winner during the pageant finals in Thailand on Dec. 17: the Filipino fashion designer.
Not known to many is that, aside from Mak Tumang, who made Gray’s memorable “red lava” gown, there were 11 other Filipino designers whose creations were showcased on the Miss Universe stage. Some of the candidates even flew to Manila to discuss the designs with their chosen designers.
This is proof that, when it comes to beauty pageants, Filipino designers have earned the reputation of being experts at making a winning statement in the global arena.
Cinco designed for Miss Canada a tight-fitting column gown that accentuated her form. It was made of nude tulle embellished with rose gold crystals and sequins. The dramatic train was made of layers upon layers of tulle. It was the dress she was wearing when she was named among the Top 10.
Eculla designed a red see-through lace gown with a high slit and ostrich feathers.
Lasala designed a sheer, hourglass-silhouette gown with a deep-V neckline embellished with rhinestones and beads.
Macay designed geometric patterns for Miss Nepal’s dress to represent the ridges of the mountains of the Himalayas.
Bumgarner designed a white form-fitting column gown encrusted with crystals.
Blanco made for Miss Guam a yellow fringe gown.
Hipolito designed an emerald halter gown with a train, embellished with crystals.
Leguiab designed a silver long-sleeve gown embellished with Swarovski crystals.
Galon designed for Miss Belize a nude-colored gown with Swarovski crystals.
Escober made two gowns for Miss Japan Yuumi Kato. For the prelims, he designed a pink neoprene princess gown that fit her kawaii personality. For the finals, he made a dramatic black sequined lace gown which she was supposed to wear, had she made it to the Top 10.
Fernandez made a deep-red halter gown encrusted with Swarovski crystals.