Unless you've been living under a rock, you already know that Catriona Gray is officially 2018's Binibining Pilipinas-Universe. The entire country watched her sashay down the stage swathed in glimmering gold, all thanks to fashion designer Mak Tumang!
Here's a better look at the dress on a mannequin! In a Facebook album captioned "Behind the Seams," Mak chronicled exactly how Cat's winning frock was created, from scratch to sketches to Finals Night.
"Going back to the time when the newly-crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2018 Catriona Gray messaged me in December 2017 and told me about her intention to join a national pageant as an independent candidate," Mak wrote. "She wanted me to do her evening gown."
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
Catriona was extremely hands-on with the design, even putting together a peg deck for Mak's reference. We love a prepared queen.
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
Fun fact: the approved sketch was Mak's birthday present to Catriona! From the drawing board, Mak gave his creation its very first breaths by making a draft dress for Cat to sample.
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
Here's Catriona trying on the initial shell. We're witnessing the beginnings of a masterpiece, people. Now that it fits just right, on to adding some glitz!
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
You're left to wonder how many of these tiny, brilliant Swarovski crystals Mak used to embellish the entire thing. The number just might hit the thousands!
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
Some last tweaks included deepening the neckline and adding graceful, wing-like pointed edges to the bodice.
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
Mak's skilled petites mains spent hours and hours hand-beading the gown, lending it a subtly elaborate, understatedly intricate flair.
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
A cleverly-concealed zipper is the secret key to optimum comfort.
IMAGE FACEBOOK/maktumang
In the end, all Mak's effort was 100% worth it. Catriona took home the crown, and the gown saw her to the top! Talk about a moment of Filipino fashion history.
"See you soon, Universe!" the designer bids at the end of the post. There isn't a more fitting salutation, in our opinion. Congratulations again, Cat and Mak!
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