ICYMI: Bench is the official swimsuit sponsor of the 74th Miss Universe
Here's what we know about the homegrown brand's designs for the prestigious pageant
By John Legaspi
Filipino fashion continues to dominate the global stage. The latest to do so is retail giant Bench, which has become the official swimsuit sponsor of the 74th Miss Universe. For the pageant, the candidates will be wearing two collections custom-designed by the “Proudly Filipino” brand.
The first is the “Power of Love” collection, which celebrates the pageant's spirit of progressive change and unity. The collection features seven vibrant colors, echoing the hues of the LGBTQIA+ flag. Set to be unveiled at the pageant's Preliminary Competition, it presents a powerful statement about “celebrating love in all its forms and championing the rights of every individual.”
The second collection is an homage to this year’s host country, Thailand. Dubbed “Sky of Thailand,” the line draws inspiration from the iconic colors of the Thai national flag—red, white, and blue—symbolizing the nation, its faith, and its monarchy.
Bench collaborated with Filipino fashion designer Neric Beltran to create custom embellishments for the swimsuits that will grace the pageant stage on its Coronation Night on Nov. 21, 2025, at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.
To add flair to the pieces, Neric looked to the Ratchaphruek (Golden Shower Tree), Thailand's national flower, for inspiration for the embellishments. This collaboration not only honors Thai culture but also masterfully showcases the world-class talent of Filipino designers.
This sponsorship is a significant milestone for Bench. From its beginnings as a small T-shirt label, it has evolved into a formidable lifestyle brand that proves Filipino ingenuity can dazzle on the world stage. By partnering with the Miss Universe Organization, it not only provides the delegates with exceptional swimwear but also weaves a narrative of Filipino pride, cultural respect, and universal inclusivity.