Designer Rhett Eala admits he felt hurt when Maxine Medina almost wore a different gown for the coronation night.
Last Sunday, news broke that Maxine will wear a Cherry Veric gown instead of the one made by Rhett. According to Inquirer Lifestyle, Rhett was told that the gown’s hem was “bitin” (too short). He then decided not to watch the pageant and left for Hong Kong.
“We stayed out late, I just wanted to forget,” Rhett says. He adds that he cried when he found out that Maxine still opted for his creation during the evening gown portion. It was a red number with Swarovski crystals on the bustier.
Rhett made 10 gowns for Maxine, including her national costume, for all her Miss Universe events. He also made her Binibining Pilipinas evening gown.
Meanwhile, Maxine was spotted in a red-sequined gown by Cherry during dress rehearsals last Sunday. Inquirer Lifestyle reports that Maxine also approached Cherry to make her gowns for the preliminaries. “I made Maxine’s red dress thinking it would be worn at the preliminaries. And then she went for Rhett’s emerald dress,” he said on Sunday.
Nonetheless, both designers did an amazing job on both gowns. Even more commendable is the fact that they weren’t paid for their services and did this “for the love of country.”
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