In addition to the remarkable presence of empowered women globally, the spotlight at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant was once more seized by the ingenuity of Filipino talent.
During the preliminary competition, several contestants graced the stage adorned in exquisite evening gowns crafted by accomplished Filipino fashion designers.
Read: 14 evening gown standouts at Miss Universe 2023 preliminaries
This not only added a touch of the Philippines to the Miss Universe pageant, but also highlighted Filipino fashion on the global stage.
The event was held at the National Gymnasium in San Salvador, El Salvador on the evening of Wednesday, November 15, 2023 (November 16, PH time).
PHILIPPINES - MICHELLE DEE
Philippine bet Michelle Dee proudly showcased Filipino fashion on the Miss Universe 2023 stage.
The 28-year-old aspiring Miss Universe titleholder dazzled in a stunning emerald green gown designed by Mark Bumgarner.
In an Instagram post, Mark provided additional insights about the gown, revealing that it featured over 30,000 unique shades of emerald green and black Swarovski crystals.
The designer also explained the significance of Michelle choosing this particular color for her evening gown, saying it holds a special meaning for her.
Mark wrote, published as is: "@michelledee Miss Universe Philippines evening gown for the Miss Universe Preliminary Evening Gown Competition is a tribute to a Filipina Icon, Melanie Marquez, her mom, who won Miss International in 1979.
"This evening gown is encrusted with over 30 thousand different shades of emerald green and black Swarovski crystals. I wanted it to shimmer just like a skin of a green viper; a symbol of wisdom, power, and transformation.
"Cut outs are strategically placed to give it a modern touch, and a cinched waist. A high neckline, power shoulders, and a column silhouette to give it an elegant look.
"Thank you @michelledee for a powerful performance tonight!!! You looked amazing and we are excited for you come finals night!!!"
BAHRAIN - LUJANE YACOUB
Lujane Yacoub from Bahrain served as the muse for Aklan-based fashion designer Carla Fuentes. In an Instagram post, Lujane shared that the inspiration for her evening gown is the concept of "Two Seas," which is the origin of Bahrain's name.
She wrote: "Today, I wear Bahrain in my evening gown. It is inspired by the Two Seas. Bahrain is an Arabic word meaning 'Two Seas' and refers to the two sources of water surrounding the islands, fresh water springs and the surrounding seas.
"Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 small islands and enjoys a strategic location in the Arabian Gulf midway between the Qatar peninsula and Saudi Arabia.
"The couture outfit is designed by international Filipino designer Carla Fuentes. Carla Fuentes @carlafuentes_official is the first-ever fashion designer from Aklan to dress an international Miss Universe delegate on the Miss Universe stage.
"It is such an honor to be your muse. Special thanks to Mori for reimagining the design of this gown and making few sketches before turning this into reality.
"And of course @josh_yugen my most hardworking National Director and the entire Yugen PR team for believing and trusting my vision in bringing stories of Bahrain on the Miss Universe stage. [Bahrain flags]"
EGYPT - MOHRA TANTAWNY
Mohra Tantawny from Egypt exuded regality in her gold evening gown during the Miss Universe 2023 preliminary competition.
In an Instagram post, the 21-year-old model shared the inspiration behind her gown.
Mohra also conveyed her appreciation to the Filipino fashion designer Furne One of Amato Couture, acknowledging his artistry in bringing this masterpiece to life.
She also expressed thanks to Josh Yugen, the national director of Miss Universe Egypt.
Her caption read, published as is: "Egypt is Golden and GOLD is indestructible. Gold was considered to be the skin of gods and goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon, and a pharaoh might order his eternal resting place capped with a brilliant gold-plated pyramidion to reflect the blessings of the sun god Ra.
"Gold was considered by the ancient Egyptians to be a divine and indestructible metal. It was associated with the brilliance of the sun.
"The sun god Re was called 'the mountain of gold' and during the Old Kingdom, the Pharaoh was called 'the Golden Horus.'
"The skin of the deities was believed to be golden.
"The outfit was created by one of the most celebrated designers in the world - the master couturier Furne Amato @furneamato who spent more than 1,344 hours to finish the handwork of this masterpiece. [Egypt flags] @josh_yugen"
MALTA - ELLA PORTELLI
Laguna-based fashion designer Louis Pangilinan crafted the stunning gold evening gown worn by Malta's Ella Portelli, and the gown intended to highlight the "phenomenal woman’s courage."
MAURITIUS - TATIANA BEAUHARNAIS
Mauritius' delegate Tatiana Beauharnais looked absolutely stunning as she gracefully glided down the stage, adorned in a mesmerizing green and gold gown designed by the talented Filipino designer Boogie Musni Rivera from Misamis Oriental.
PAKISTAN - ERICA ROBIN
Erica Robin, the first-ever representative of Pakistan to the Miss Universe pageant, also donned a creation by a Filipino designer during the evening gown segment of the preliminary competition.
Erica looked stunning in her gown designed by Dubai-based fashion designer Furne One of Amato Couture. The dress shimmered with crystals and featured a coordinating mesh veil.
She conveyed her gratitude to the designer as well as Josh Yugen, the national director of Miss Universe Pakistan, for bringing this exquisite creation to life.
She wrote on her Instagram post, "The ONE (1) The number One (1) has a significant meaning in my life. I wear One tonight at the preliminary evening gown competition.
"I come from the 1% minority of my beloved country Pakistan which symbolizes the color white in our flag. I became the 1st ever Miss Universe Pakistan - a huge honor and privilege to stand here and be the voice of my community.
"Thank you Furne One Amato @furneamato @amatoofficial for bringing this sparkly masterpiece to life.
"I cannot thank you enough, along with my visionary @josh_yugen and the rest of the Yugen PR team for creating a trendsetting and trailblazing evening gown for me. [Pakistan flags]"
READ MORE:
- Michelle Dee reveals one great thing taught by dad, former action star Derek Dee
- Michelle Dee among leading candidates in Miss Universe 2023 fan votes
- Online voting for this year's Miss Universe pageant now open
- Michelle Dee salutes Pauline Amelinckx after Miss Supranational 2023 near win
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*This story originally appeared on Pep.ph. Minor edits have been made by Cosmo.ph editors.