Taking Filipino fashion to the international scene, 12 Miss Universe candidates were dressed by Filipino designers for their evening gown during the preliminary competition. From Canada, Ecuador, to New Zealand—these designers truly prove that Filipino talent is world-class.
Belize in Joey Galon
Being the first candidate to walk among all the other candidates who wore a creation by a Filipino designer, Miss Belize emerged on the runway looking effortlessly stunning. She donned a custom Joey Galon champagne sheer gown embellished with Swarovski crystals.
Cambodia in Rian Fernandez
Making a sparkly entrance, Miss Cambodia wears a deep red halter gown trimmed to a modern silhouette. The applied ornamentation of the bodice is also encrusted with Swarovski crystals and bead embroidered spangles exuding the right amount of glitter.
Canada in Michael Cinco
Wearing a creation by the impalpable Michael Cinco, Miss Canada was a sight to behold in a champagne dress. As it was designed with such ornate details such as crystals and sequins in opaque colors, Miss Canada showed how to make a remarkable entrance.
Ecuador in Mark Bumgarner
Miss Ecuador kept it simple yet elegant at the preliminary competition. As she wore a white form-fitting dress with crystal embellishments by Mark Bumgarner, she definitely looked impeccably gorgeous walking the runway.
Guam in Paolo Blanco
Miss Guam made a powerful case for fringes at the prelims as she wore a vibrant yellow dress by Paolo Blanco. Punctuated with floral appliques, it’s without a doubt that she’ll turn heads from the crowd.
Japan in Joel Escober
Fusing modern elegance with old world glamor, Miss Japan proves that simplicity is indeed the key to show your true beauty. And as she wore a creamy white dress in A-line silhouette by Joel Escober, she looked angelic as she strutted the pageant’s runway.
Kenya in Jian Lasala
Miss Kenya effortlessly radiated like an ethereal goddess in a sheer dress accentuated by its deep-V neckline and crystal detailing by Jian Lasala.
Malta in Ivanka Hipolito
Painting the runway with a bold green color was no other than Miss Malta. Wearing Ivanka Hipolito’s creation, Miss Malta instantly brought us to a flamboyant world of glamor.
Nepal in Bea Bianca Mackey
Miss Nepal channeled the royal kingdom of her motherland upon emerging on the runway. She looked exquisitely beautiful in a shimmering gold symmetrical dress punctuated by a golden sash tassel that drops from shoulder to waist.
New Zealand in Sidney Eculla
Commanding everyone’s attention upon strutting the runway, Miss New Zealand channeled the romantic era wearing a bold red gown accentuated with feather detailing by Sidney Eculla.
Nicaragua in Benj Leguiab IV
Manifesting the alluring shine of silver, Miss Nicaragua made everyone swoon over her silver long-sleeved dress with modern cut-outs and Swarovski crystals.
Philippines in Mak Tumang
Last but definitely not the least, our very own Miss Universe Philippines, Catriona Gray, strutted the preliminary competition in a breathtaking bejeweled Mak Tumang gown. Inspired by the Philippine Adarna bird, Phoenix, and Mikimoto crown, our MEGA December digital cover star was truly an astonishing sight to behold proving that she’s ready for the crown.
Photos courtesy of IMG Universe LLC, The Mercury News, and Vogue Thailand
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