It’s pageant season, and the Miss Universe Philippines Organization is on the hunt for the next queen to represent the country on the global stage, succeeding the reigning queen Michelle Dee.
Alongside Filipina beauty queens, Filipino designers have also earned recognition for their creative prowess, evident in the stunning costumes and gowns adorned by empowered Miss Universe candidates.
Here’s looking back at the Miss Universe winners who gracefully showcased Filipino-made evening gowns during their final walks.
MARGIE MORAN
Margie Moran graced her final walk as Miss Universe in 1974 wearing a terno created by the late designer Christian Espiritu.
Christian gained recognition for redefining the Filipiniana dress and was the chief couturier for former First Lady Imelda Marcos during the 1970s.
Margie crowned her Miss Universe successor Amparo Muñoz at the pageant’s 23rd edition held at the Folk Arts Theater on July 21, 1974.
This was also the first time the Philippines hosted the prestigious beauty pageant.
PIA WURTZBACH
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach proudly showcased Filipino creativity during her final walk at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant, held in the Philippines in January 2017.
Pia graced the stage in a breathtaking blue ball gown, a masterpiece meticulously crafted by Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco.
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IRIS MITTENAERE
French beauty queen Iris Mittenaere also opted for a Michael Cinco creation to conclude her 10-month reign.
Iris, who was crowned Miss Universe 2016, gracefully wore a scarlet red ombré couture gown during her farewell walk, just before passing the crown to Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa.
CATRIONA GRAY
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray stunned in a powder blue ball gown designed by Mak Tumang for her final walk.
Mak fittingly named his masterpiece “Reflection,” drawing inspiration from the image of the Philippine Eagle soaring above turquoise blue seas of the Philippines.
ANDREA MEZA
Mexican beauty queen Andrea Meza is the third Miss Universe titleholder to wear a Michael Cinco gown for her final walk.
Andrea selected an ombre burgundy ball gown for the final moment in her Miss Universe journey.
This exquisite ball gown came with dainty ruffled sleeves and adorned with thousands of shimmering crystal embellishments.
R’BONNEY GABRIEL
Wrapping up the roster is Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel.
The Filipino-American beauty adorned herself in an exquisitely detailed gown crafted by the crystallized Filipino fashion designer Rian Fernandez.
R’Bonney complemented her ensemble with a fashion-forward touch, donning a matching crystallized headpiece.
She handed over her crown to her successor, Nicaraguan beauty queen Sheynnis Palacios.
GLORIA DIAZ’S FINAL WALK GOWN
Gloria Diaz, the trailblazing first Filipino to clinch the Miss Universe crown in 1969, isn’t exactly part of the list as she did not don a Filipino-made gown during her final walk.
In a brief Instagram chat, Gloria revealed that the pink gown she wore was crafted by the late American fashion designer Bill Blass.
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