If you thought that Filipino pageant magic ends with our talented beauty queens, think again. Filipinos have also established themselves as in-demand pageant trainers, as evidenced by the likes of Ian Mendajar, the coach behind the walks of Hannah Arnold, Rabiya Mateo, and this year's Miss U bet, Beatrice Luigi Gomez. And, of course, there's no way to eclipse the ubiquitous presence of talented Filipino fashion designers, whose gowns grace the international pageant stage year after year. In fact, we're willing to bet that most audiences don't even know just how many creations from our own shores make it to the arena. Our designers never fail to make our country proud.
To feed your Miss Universe high, we've listed all the Miss Universe 2021 gowns made by Filipino designers. If you spot any more, don't hesitate to let us know in the comment section!
Here are the 12 Filipino-made gowns worn by candidates during the Miss Universe 2021 pageant:
1. Preliminary Round: Bea Gomez in Francis Libiran
Bea's Swarovski-studded slinky gown was a serious head-turner! She really proved that can she can rock solid colors.
2. Coronation Night: Bea Gomez in Francis Libiran
We've been in love with Bea's armband tattoo since she debuted as a Miss Universe Philippines aspirant. The fact that she wore an opulent gold gown inspired by the Visayan Pintados was a real full-circle moment. Gorgeous!
3. Preliminary Round: Miss USA Elle Smith in Michael Cinco
Leave it to Michael Cinco to mold garments to behave like plants and anemones. The Dubai-based designer can literally make fabric come alive! He dressed Miss USA in a theatrical yet youthful one-sleeve gown with a full skirt, leafy appliqués, and a revealing slit.
4. Preliminary Round: Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane in Ezra Santos
Couturier Ezra Santos produced a long-sleeved turtleneck gown for Miss South Africa, which featured a daring front lace-up design that spanned the length of the dress.
5. Coronation Night: Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane in Ezra Santos
Miss South Africa's mythically regal gown may have been one of our absolute favorites! The armor-meets-jewelry construction is reminiscent of Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, and was simply a delight to behold. We were delighted to learn that it was designed by Ezra Santos!
6. Preliminary Round: Miss Bahamas Chantel O'Brian in Garimon Roferos
Gold was in! Miss Bahamas donned a dazzling frock by Garimon Roferos. The sequin-heavy top of the gown lightened into gossamer at the bottom, giving it a soft, mermaid look.
7. Preliminary Round: Miss Kenya Roshanara Ebrahim in Jian Lasala
Miss Kenya looked divine in a angular green gown by Jian Lasala. The clean, slender shape was stunning enough on its own—no excessive ornamentation needed!
8. Preliminary Round and Coronation Night: Miss Ukraine Hanna Nepliakh in Ryan Pacioles
Miss Ukraine sparkled in a mosaic-style gown by Ryan Pacioles. It featured a long, sheer train with a dramatic front slit.
9. Preliminary Round: Miss Mauritius Anne Murielle Ravina in Carl Andrada
Deviating from the usual gilded gowns and sparkly trains, Miss Mauritius hit the pageant stage in a cyan confection by Carl Andrada.
10. Preliminary Round and Coronation Night: Miss Great Britain Emma Rose Collingridge in Louis Pangilinan
Louis Pangilinan sent not just one, but three offerings to to the 70th Miss Universe pageant: One was an intricate silver gown, which Miss Great Britain wore during the prelims and the finale!
11. Preliminary Round: Miss Honduras Rose Meléndez in Louis Pangilinan
Louis also made a sultry halter dress and matching headwrap for Miss Honduras!
12. Preliminary Round: Miss Malta Jade Cini in Louis Pangilinan
Last but not the least, Louis dressed Miss Malta in an icy wave-inspired gown. It actually resembled the one he made for Kisses Delavin for the Miss Universe Philippines preliminary evening gown competition!
And it wasn't just the candidates who wore Filipino designers! The outgoing Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza and judges Urvashi Rautela and Iris Mittenaere all wore Michael Cinco. Last but not the least, Marian Rivera wore a pink gown by Francis Libiran.
PHOTO BY Instagram/michaelcinco5
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