Since its inception in 2020, the Miss Universe Philippines pageant has been on a mission to put Filipino culture on the international stage. Apart from its pageant activities, charity partnerships, and costume presentations, the local franchise of the Miss Universe contest has been using fashion as an extension of its storytelling. And every year, its stage becomes a sought-after platform for Filipino designers here and abroad.
For its 2024 edition, the pageant’s fashion game is at its peak, with candidates and personalities gracing its stage wearing stunning looks, crafted by Filipino designers and creatives. Below are some of our favorite style moments during Miss Universe Philippines’ coronation night.
Marina Summers
Kicking off the coronation night on a festive note was “Drag Race Philippines” star Marina Summers. For her electrifying number, the drag artist donned a sculptural red piece by designer Neric Beltran and served a reveal with a silver performance look by designer Rian Fernandez.
Michelle Dee
Throughout her reign as Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle has used fashion as a way to champion Filipino culture. During the coronation night, she wore the Apo Whang-Od-inspired gown she donned at Miss Universe 2023 and a white ballgown with weaving details as she passed her crown to her successor, Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo. Mark Bumgarner designed both pieces.
R’bonney Gabriel
Miss Universe 2022 R’bonney Gabriel was one of the hosts for the local pageant’s coronation night. During the event, she donned looks by Filipino designers that were not only beautiful but also paid homage to her own Miss Universe journey and the people who supported her the most. Her first look, designed by Larry Espinosa, was an ode to Texas. For her second look, she wore Ehrran Montoya’s Viva Magenta gown, which mirrored her Filipino father's challenges when he immigrated to the USA. Another Larry Espinosa piece was her last look, a gown with rhinestoned floral details embodying her mom’s “tough but delicate nature.”
Gabbi Garcia
Actress Gabbi Garcia also served stunning looks as one of the hosts of the evening. Her first look was all about elegance, a two-tone gown courtesy of designer Mark Bumgarner. Her second look was crafted by designer Bonita Penaranda, a blue halter gown with braiding details. For her third look, the actress tapped designer Mara Chua to create a gilded bodice. While her final look was a dramatic black and sheer piece by designer Anthony Ramirez.
Evening gown competition
For the evening gown segment of the pageant's coronation night, the Top 10 candidates graced the stage wearing the best gowns by Filipino designers. From white garbs to pieces inspired by the universe and indigenous communities, take a closer look at the evening gowns that graced the pageant’s stage here.
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