At this year's Miss Universe Philippines pageant, Pia Wurtzbach through her thoughtfully curated wardrobe, honored the Filipina beauty queens who paved the way for all the future Miss Universe Philippines. In history, our country tallies four Miss Universe titleholders: Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia herself, and Catriona Gray.
As an ode to them, Pia wore four statement-making gowns that allude to their respective reigns as she hosted the Miss Universe 2022 competition along with her pageant sisters Miss Universe 2016 and 2017 Iris Mittenaere and Demi-Leigh Tebow respectively.
Prior to the event, Pia staged a photo shoot giving us a closer glimpse of the dresses. Creative director Eldsz Mejia was in charge of the concept that was lensed by BJ Pascual. The beauty queen was styled by notable fashion stylists: Adrianne Concepcion, Perry Tabora, Rain Dagala and Em Millan, and Qurator Studio's Pam Quinones, Leanne Ledesma, and Steven Coralde. Pia's trusted glam team, makeup artist Mickey See and hairstylist Renz Pangilinan, made sure she's flawless at all angles. Aren Santos of Adset Production created the most scenic backdrops for each layout. Take closer look at all of Pia's outfits below!
Read more:
The Gowns of the Filipinas Who've Won Miss Universe Make Up the Colors of the Philippine Flag
LOOK: Pia Wurtzbach's Gowns at Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Honor Past Filipina Miss Universe Titleholders
1. Gloria Diaz, 1969
Pia looks back at the then 18-year-old Gloria Diaz's Miss Universe triumph back in 1969. The one-shoulder modern terno dress, created by Mark Bumgarner is nicknamed Manila Girl on the Moon that pays homage to the white dress that Gloria Diaz wore then. It also alludes to Gloria's witty answer when asked what she'd do if the first man on the moon visited Manila. Pia further explains that this look is a way to inspire other women to aim for the moon when it comes setting aspirations for themselves and to say yes to dreams and new adventures.
2. Margie Moran, 1973
Pia's cheery yellow Jaggy Glarino frock draws inspiration from the iconic flower that was pinned on Margie Morans' gown during her crowning moment as Miss Universe 1973.
In an Instagram post, Pia explains that this look is meant to show a woman in full bloom. She adds, “In a hue that’s brighter than the sun, we’re reinventing what pageant swimsuit shots could look like with this offbeat one piece number that unapologetically highlights a woman’s curves.”
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3. Pia Wurtzbach, 2015
Probably the one closest to Pia’s heart is her own winning Miss Universe look in 2015. The then 26-year-old Pia was a vision in royal blue, wearing a mermaid-cut Albert Andrade creation with a sunray-inspired back detailing made of beads, sequins, and crystals. On top of her head was her DIC crown, encrusted with dark blue sapphire stones that matched her gown perfectly.
Now, the 32-year-old beauty queen stuns in a two-piece look made in the same cobalt blue hue by Louis Pangilinan. This custom piece boasts of art deco design elements and is meant for Pia to wear "crown to the next level". Pia says that crowns shouldn't just rest on top of our heads, but should be "an embodiment of how every woman should be celebrated whatever size, shape or age she is."
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4. Catriona Gray, 2018
Dubbed as "The Girl on fire", Catriona Gray stood out amongst a sea of silver and gold dresses at the top 5 competition of the Miss Universe 2018 pageant. She notably wore a fiery red dress by Mak Tumang which was aptly called the "Lava" gown.
In her own rendition of Catriona’s look, Pia's last wardrobe change for the night was a sultry and shimmering red dress that’s undoubtedly a scene-stealer. The gown features all the highlights of Catriona's scarlet dress: deep cuts, high slit, and all-over sparkle. According to Pia, Catriona's dress is a reminder to every "woman to feel like she is a phoenix rising who’s fierce, feminine, and fabulous in everything that she does."
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