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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider PH PRIDE! Filipino, 20, takes pride in creating Miss Nigeria's winning national costume at 2021 Miss Universe Competition

PH PRIDE! Filipino, 20, takes pride in creating Miss Nigeria's winning national costume at 2021 Miss Universe Competition

Published Dec 14, 2021 11:31 am

Miss Universe Nigeria 2021 Maristella Okpala wearing Philippine-made national costume (Instagram)



Young aspiring Filipino fashion designer Kennedy Jhon Gasper is slowly getting more recognition because of his talent.



And this time, he's going international after his recent creation was hailed as the "Best National Costume" during the 70th Miss Universe Competition held in Israel last Sunday.



His piece was worn by Miss Universe Nigeria 2021 Maristella Okpala.



On Instagram, the 20-year-old Pinoy student shared the story behind his "MMANWA."

Kennedy Jhon Gasper with model Rochelle Alcantara, who's wearing the winning national costume (Instagram)


"This beautiful creation is inspired by a famous traditional masquerade of the southeastern tribe of Nigeria called "Mmanwa." It is made of African Beads, stones, crafts. Mmanwa is a female masquerade costume that's designed for ceremonial and festive purposes to celebrate the rich Nigerian cultural heritage, paying a closer attention to the strength women posses. The 3ft tribal mask with the colorful ancient back cape With Mmanwa's Face boldly crested on the mask and cape," he shared.



"It represents the beautiful Mmanwa who fought tirelessly to stop girl child mutilation and child slavery, while the colorful patterns and embellishments portrays the African dashiki which offers a visual appeal and forms meant to invoke the ancestral spirits."



According to him, he picked the particular costume because he sees a self-reflection of his cause in the said Mmanwa.



"Who protects children and women against any form of abuse," he related.

Miss Universe Nigeria 2021 Maristella Okpala wearing Philippine-made national costume (Instagram)


"Finally, this costume pays attention to the strong will of women in attaining what ever height they want to attain, no matter the challenges faced while reaching their desired goals."



Last year, the third-year college student from Central Luzon State University in Nueva Ecija went viral after he created “Lioness” national costume for Miss Universe Cameroon 2020 Kossinda Angeles.



On the other hand, in the same social media post, the designer credited all the people behind the winning piece - from the model, the designer consultant, and members of the creative team.



Upon learning that Miss Nigeria's national costume took home the grand prize, Kennedy reacted: "Thank you Lord! (loudly crying face emoji) Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala talaga. umiiyak ako kanina habang kayakap si mama..thank you sa lahat ng mga bumati! #missuniverse2021bestincostume."

Related Tags

Miss Universe Kennedy gasper Miss Nigeria Maristella Okpala
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