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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Miss Universe 2021: Beatrice Luigi Gomez dons a Bakunawa-inspired national costume

Miss Universe 2021: Beatrice Luigi Gomez dons a Bakunawa-inspired national costume

Published Dec 11, 2021 08:19 am

Avant-garde designer Axel Que and jewelry designer Manny Halasan continue the tale of the Bakunawa with their national costume creation for Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez.

“I wanted to continue my narrative of the Bakunawa, and I’m taking my artistic license to a whole new level,” Axel says in a post. “The initial version was a bit restrained, it was more of a Drake (video game jargon used for a dragon’s stage of evolution), which is basically a mid-life cycle. I wanted to take everyone on this journey of growth and maturity, not just for the costume itself, but also as a metaphor for Bea’s personal evolution.”

In her MUP 2021 journey, Beatrice wore a national costume that pays homage to the same serpent-like Philippine mythological creature. But for this new garb, Axel shared with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle that he has upped the ante by using a brighter palette, creating a new silhouette, and adding more intricate details.

A unique take on Filipino culture, the teal and gold costume presents two crystal-encrusted heads of a Bakunawa carrying glowing orbs in their mouth. At the bottom is a celebration of pleats with gilded panels that looks like the dragon’s fin cascading on Beatrice’s sides. Completing the ensemble are the jewelry pieces and a headdress with the phases of the moon by Manny.

“I believe that this final rendition of the Bakunawa will serve as the perfect conclusion to this design chapter in my life,” Axel says. “I’ve poured so much of myself into engineering this garment, and I am filled with so much joy to be able to share this project of unbridled artistry and craftsmanship. I couldn’t think of a better punctuation.”

See more of the costume's details here:

Related Tags

Fashion National Costume Style Miss Universe beatrice luigi gomez
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