Looking celestial and truly phenomenal
Miss Universe fever is on as the candidates of the prestigious beauty contest walked the stage during its preliminary competition on Jan. 12. Celeste Cortesi, the Philippines’ representative, definitely made local pageant fans proud with her performance and looks, celebrating both her advocacy and Filipino artistry.
For the swimsuit round of the preliminary competition, Celeste wore a pink two-piece swimwear paired with a cape decorated with handprints of Filipino youth. The cape was made during her participation in a Save the Children Philippines outreach in Marawi.
“The imprints all over the cape remind me that having a title means to have a purpose beyond myself. Having talked to some of the mothers of the children beneficiaries, I was reminded of my own Mother who struggled to provide for my sister and I,” Celeste said in a voiceover. “Unfortunately, there are millions of children who live in poverty, amidst crisis. I hope that it inspires people to donate to Save the Children Philippines. There’s much work to be done and every single person’s help matters.”
Looking celestial and truly phenomenal, Celeste donned an enchanting long dress by LA-based Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino during the evening gown segment. The dress features a sweetheart neckline, art deco embellishments, and a skirt with sheer panels. Its sky blue color is an homage to her father naming her Celeste, which in Italian means heavenly and sky blue.
The 71st Miss Universe coronation night will take place on Jan. 14, 2023 (Jan. 15, 9 a.m. in the Philippines), at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. Last year’s winner, India’s Harnaaz Sandhu, will crown her successor by the end of the event.
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