"It’s not mine to own."
This is what Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray said when she was asked to react about the "copycat' allegations thrown against some Miss Universe 2020 candidates, particularly Miss Thailand Amanda Obdam and Miss Indonesia Ayu Maulida.
She doesn't agree with the term "copycat," preferring "resemblance" to her "brand."
During a virtual conference, the 27-year-old girlfriend of Sam Milby noted how she has been consistent with her look, including a signature ear cuff, lava walk, dramatic turn, as with the thigh-high slit.
“My brand was very consistent from my nationals to Miss Universe, so I understand, maybe, resemblance and silhouettes,” she said.
Though, the Filipina model-singer maintained she can't take ownership.
“And it doesn’t necessarily put them at a disadvantage. People may have the recall, like, ‘Oh, that’s a similar dress.’ But each girl has her own journey. And if they’ve gone with that style, it means that they’re beautiful and confident in that. And who are we to say that it affects their journey? It’s their decision, it’s their journey and how they portray themselves,” she pointed out.
Catriona empathized with the beauty queens, relating she knows it is all about the girl wanting to feel her most beautiful, and her most empowered, and her most confident.
“So, if that is in a style that perhaps she feels that way, then own it.”