ICYDK, Mark Bumgarner was the designer behind the *stunning* terno Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel wore to the Miss Universe Philippines Fashion Gala. She looked absolutely gorgeous!
According to the designer, he found out that he was given the opportunity to dress R’Bonney through Voltaire Tayag [Miss Universe Philippines Director of Communications]. "[The gown] is actually part of my [12-piece] terno collection presented at the [first-ever] Philippine Terno Gala, which was held in Cebu last February 2023."
During the Philippine Terno Gala, the gown was first worn by model-host Chantal Schmidt. Mark revealed: "What I love most about the Terno is its timeless elegance. Its versatility to be interpreted in various ways to suit the modern Filipina is crucial for our national identity, making it a powerful symbol of our heritage."
Take a look at his signature clover silhouette for the Philippine Terno Collection:
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Because R'bonney has been traveling so much to fulfill her Miss Universe duties, the team had to get creative when it came to fittings—which thankfully went well! "Every dress we sent her to fit, fitted so well. She's a perfect model size," Mark shared.
When asked about the beauty queen's reaction to seeing the gown for the first time, the designer was pleased to share that R'Bonney was extremely happy: "She knew she wanted to wear the tea length terno [right away]." Now that the gown is a piece of Miss Universe history, we asked Mark what he'd call the terno if it was put on display. "I'd call it "Philippine Waves," because of the wave-like inspiration in the details."
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We can't wait to see what R'Bonney wears at the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Coronation Night!