She definitely wore the Philippine sash with grace, pride, and great style
Over the weekend, Samantha Bernardo demonstrated what Filipina beauty truly means as she competed for the Miss Grand International (MGI) 2020 crown, and eventually won as the pageant's first runner-up.
Apart from the Filipino grace and spirit, the beauty from the province of Palawan also brought the country's culture to the competition through her wardrobe, which perfectly complimented her Philippine sash.
To honor her victory at the pageant, we've collected some of Samantha's best fashion moments during her month-long stay in Thailand, proving that in the world of pageantry, Filipinas beauty queens donning Filipino fashion is the best formula in acing the competition.
Chut Thai-inspired send-off garb
Samantha kicked off her MGI 2020 journey with a dress hailed from the traditional garment of Thailand called Chut Thai. Crafted by local fashion designer Cyrus Gueta, the dress imbued various symbolism, merging the beauty of Thai and Philippine culture. Completing the look was a gold hair accessory by Ornate Manila.
Hablon dress
After landing in Thailand, Samantha went through health and safety checks before participating in pageant activities, including a 14-day self-quarantine. For Day 1, she donned a hablon dress by designer James Roa.
Corseted looks
It is pretty clear that Samantha loves her curves and knows how to best flaunt them. During her stay in Thailand, the beauty queen fancied two corseted looks. First was a black and lace number by Norma Acuba on her ninth day in quarantine. The other was a white Vincent Van Bantiling corset jumpsuit she wore on her first day out after her two-week quarantine.
Green cocktail dress gold chain embellishments
Samantha discovered the best of Bangkok nightlife in a velvet green dress by Markie Cadag, adorned with a chain work by Adam Rico de Guzman of Ornate Manila.
'Palawan' dress
Of course, Samantha is bringing her hometown to the pageant in the most stylish way. Fashion designer Yeye Pantaleon created a white dress inspired by the marine splendor of Palawan.
Terno look
For the preliminary interview, Samantha paid tribute to Philippine heritage by matching her white Chico Estiva pleated dress with John Lee Betita' pearl-embellished terno bolero. Finishing her look is a pair of Sampaguita-inspired earrings by Ornate Manila.
'Lipad' evening gown
The emerald green dress with gold embroideries she wore during the preliminary competition was inspired by the yellow-throated leafbird, a species endemic to Palawan. The dress was designed by Louis Pangilinan.
'Samantha' dress
For the coronation night, Samantha decided to cap her MGI 2020 journey with a namesake dress. Another Yeye Pantaleon creation, the dress is "elaborately schemed with gold metal crystals emboldened with pearls to give us that sheer sand regal iridescence."