Rhett Eala on Maxine Medina’s Miss Universe gowns

MANILA, Philippines – In what has become a welcome tradition, the designer who dresses the Miss Universe Philippines winner on the Binibining Pilipinas pageant night will also be her designer during the Miss Universe competition.

Thus, Albert Andrada had the honor to have his fabulous royal-blue confection worn by Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach when she won the 2015 title in the most unforgettable and dramatic crowning of all time.

For the 65th Miss Universe pageant, Rhett Eala has the privilege of designing the national costume and evening gown of the Philippines’ representative, Maxine Medina, 26. During the 2016 Binibining Pilipinas finals, Eala created a trumpet hem fitted dress in magenta gazar with crystal embroidery detail.

“Maxine has been modeling for me for about five years,” says the genial designer, who has designed for Rustan’s, his Wink label, and retail brands Collezione and Plains & Prints. “So, she asked me to do her gowns for Binibining Pilipinas.”

For Maxine’s national costume, Eala made a hand-painted terno in pink gazar.

The hashtag #4M4MU is gaining traction on social media, with fans hoping that Maria Mika Maxine Medina will bring home the country’s fourth Miss Universe crown. That journey to another victory will greatly be aided with what she will wear during the national costume competition and the evening gown segment.

With other candidates posting their national costumes online, there is clamor for Maxine’s to be revealed as well. But bound by a confidentiality agreement with the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), Eala cannot disclose just yet what Maxine’s evening wear and national costume will be.

Eala, however, demurs: “It’s modern. It’s sexy.”

That is reassuring so far, as pageant fans want to see their queen more vampy, unlike her virginal countenance at Miss Universe events last month.

“The headdress is by Jewelmer,” Rhett continues. So, it is safe to assume that Maxine’s national costume is inspired by the “Pearl of the Orient” tag that the Philippines has been known for.

“I wish I could give you more information,” Eala pleads for understanding, adding that Maxine’s evening gown and national costume are ready to be sashayed down the runway on Preliminary Night on January 26.

“Maxine and I worked on the designs then presented them to BPCI for approval,” Eala relates. “I just hope she would have fun and enjoy this moment!”

Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina, Binibining Pilipinas Charities chair Stella Marquez-Araneta, and fashion designer Rhett Eala. Photo by Rhett Eala/Facebook