Nicole Cordoves' Binibining Pilipinas 2026 Gown Was Crafted Entirely from Neckties
Designer Bonita Penaranda transformed vintage neckties sourced from a flea market into Nicole Cordoves' standout look for Binibining Pilipinas 2026.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Jul 20, 2026
After her reign as Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016—followed by a podium finish at the international pageant—Nicole Cordoves has become one of the familiar faces of the Philippines' longest-running beauty pageant. She returned to the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 Coronation Night stage on July 18, joining fellow beauty queens Catriona Gray, MJ Lastimosa, and Miriam Quiambao as hosts.
No stranger to the event, Nicole knew exactly what to wear for the occasion. One of her standout looks transformed an unexpected wardrobe staple into a playful yet striking evening gown.
Nicole Cordoves Stuns in a Custom Necktie Dress by Bonita Penaranda
Nicole turned heads as she stepped onstage in an evening gown made entirely from neckties. The look was designed by Bonita Penaranda, who has been creating her Binibining Pilipinas ensembles for the past eight years.
“I've always dreamed of creating a dress made entirely from neckties for the Q&A portion,” the designer shared in an Instagram post. She recalled discovering a collection of vintage neckties at Dongmyo Flea Market in South Korea. “The moment I saw them, I knew it was finally time to bring that vision to life.”
The vintage neckties varied in width, color, and pattern, lending texture and depth to a gown that was anything but ordinary. Bonita began with a nude corseted base before meticulously layering each necktie over it. The finished look beautifully accentuated Nicole's silhouette, with a one-shoulder neckline and thigh-high slit adding to its sleek, modern appeal. The neckties' pointed ends also created a distinctive, organically textured hem.
Having held onto the idea for years, Bonita reflected on the creative process: “Sometimes, the best designs aren't rushed.” She continued, “They're patiently waiting for the right moment, the right materials, and the right woman to wear them.”
Nicole also spoke about the gown on Instagram, revealing that she had been asking Bonita for years to incorporate neckties into one of her Binibining Pilipinas looks. Rather than using them as accessories or accent details, the designer transformed them into the gown itself. “Pinagbigyan niya ang fantasy ko this year,” the beauty queen wrote.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.