Did You Know? A Filipino Brand Designed the Swimsuits for Miss Universe 2025
Candidates will be wearing designs by Bench during the pageant's preliminary round and coronation night.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Nov 20, 2025
The 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant is officially underway. Beauties have gathered in Bangkok, Thailand to vie for the title, and fans are anticipating and speculating who will be crowned by last year's victor, Denmark's Victoria Theilvig.
Last November 19, delegates showcased their best during the preliminary rounds, which included the National Costume presentation, the evening gown walk, and of course, the swimsuit round. This year, there's a two-fold manifestation of Pinoy pride on the Miss Universe stage: through our delegate Ahtisa Manalo, and through the swimsuits donned by all 120 contestants.
Bench Designed the Swimsuits for Miss Universe 2025
In a historic move for Philippine fashion, homegrown retail brand Bench was tapped to design the swimsuits for this year's pageant. In an official press release, they acknowledge how the "monumental partnership placed a 'Proudly Filipino' brand at the center of the world's most prestigious pageant." Two uniquely-made swimsuits will be modeled by contestants, with the preliminary round already showcasing their "Power of Love" collection.
As Miss Universe and Bench mutually aim to champion love in all of its forms, the "Power of Love" swimsuits were fashioned after the seven colors of the LGBTQIA+ flag. Queens have sashayed onto the stage of the IMPACT Arena in a flurry of vibrant hues, underscored by a statement on inclusivity and diversity.
"This collection [aims] to celebrate love in all its forms and [to champion] the right of every individual to be seen, heard, and celebrated," Bench mentions in their press release. It's a message, they say, that needs to be communicated from the Philippines and to the rest of the Universe.
It's only one of two collections specially made for the pageant. The second one, which audiences can witness during the grand coronation night on November 21, is a tribute to the "Sky of Thailand." As the Filipino brand declares, "this collaboration not only honors Thai culture but also masterfully showcases the world-class talent of Filipino designers."
"The designs will draw inspiration from the three iconic colors of the Thai national flag—red, white, and blue—symbolizing the nation, its faith, and its monarchy," Bench details. They mention that each swimsuit will be elevated through custom embellishments done by Preview BFFD 2024 honoree Neric Beltran. While they can't spoil what the pieces will look like, they do state that the design will take inspiration from the Ratchaphruek, Thailand's national flower.
Bench highlights how the collaboration marks a significant milestone not only for the brand, but for Filipino talent as a whole. And we couldn't be prouder ourselves!
You can see the rest of the collection during the final swimsuit round, which will be held during the grand coronation night this November 21. Catch the livestream through ABS-CBN platforms such as the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, and iWant.
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.