Fashion has always played a vital role in the world of pageantry. A crystal-encrusted dress amplifies the glam factor. Platform heels help in keeping a good posture. A crown is the ultimate accessory.
But as pageants evolve, so too does taste. Candidates and pageant fans are demanding an equal balance of style and substance to communicate one’s personality, causes, and heritage. After all, fashion is a language. And if words aren’t good enough to stress a candidate’s message, maybe a dress is all she needs to make a bold statement.
This couldn’t have been truer in the case of Roxanne Allison Baeyens, or Roxie to those who know her. After winning the crown at the first-ever online pageant of Miss Philippines Earth, the beauty queen from Baguio City takes inspiration of the country's most iconic heroine as she competes against 85 women from around the world in a battle of beauty, wit, and environmental causes.
With Darna as muse, fashion designer Rian Fernandez created the perfect evening dress for Roxie to wear on the preliminary competition of the pageant. The gown features similar elements from the costume of the Mars Ravelo character. It has a sweetheart neckline with a flowy skirt and a high slit. The top is encrusted with a lattice pattern and baroque style beading, creating the superheroine’s silhouette. The bejeweled nude illusion sleeves have intricate embellishments at the end mimicking Darna’s bracelets. All in the shade of vibrant orange with gold as an accent.
“Orange brings spontaneity and a positive look in life and is a great color to use during this time of pandemic, keeping us motivated and helping us to look on the bright side of life,” Roxie says. “This piece is a true character of a modern Filipina in saving the earth.”
Much like Mars Ravelo, Roxie’s environmental efforts are deeply inspired by her mom. “I want to be the Miss Philippines Earth 2020 because all my life, I was a witness of my mom being an environmentalist and I wanted to continue the legacy in my family and be the change I want to see in the world,” says the 23-year-old Filipino-Belgian beauty.
According to her Eco-Video, Roxie advocates for urban gardening to bring more greenery in cities. She also partnered with organizations that promote animal welfare and HIV/AIDS awareness.
It looks like there’s no need for a magic stone here. Roxie is already a Darna in our eyes!
The virtual coronation of Miss Earth 2020 will happen on Nov. 29 where the reigning Nellys Pimentel of Puerto Rico will crown her successor.
Images by Leslie Reyes and Bryan Reyes of Reyes Studio.