MANILA, Philippines — While we’re rooting for our queen Gazini Ganados, the 68th Miss Universe is anyone’s game due to a strong array of 90 equally-capable and accomplished women gunning for the crown.
Adding to the excitement is the knowledge that fashion designers of Filipino heritage will be dressing up the candidates from all over the world.
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Here’s a quick guide to our proudly Filipino designers who will be gracing Miss Universe with their much-anticipated works.
Mak Tumang for Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray
The reign of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray will come to an end once she crowns her successor on Sunday (Monday in Philippine time). Fortunately, she’ll go out in style thanks to the work of bridal and evening gown designer Mak Tumang who hails from Pampanga.
It can be recalled that the iconic Mayon Volcano-inspired dress donned by Catriona last year is Tumang’s creation.
Cary Santiago for Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados
Cebu-based fashion designer Cary Santiago, who’s designed for the likes of Kris Aquino and President Rodrigo Duterte, crafted the national costume of Philippine bet Gazini Ganados.
Santiago took inspiration from the Philippine Eagle for the intricate, laser-cut patterns on Gazini’s attire.
Joey Galon for Miss Universe Ireland 2019 Fionnghuala O'Reilly
Filipino-American fashion designer and finalist of US reality show 24 Hour Catwalk Joey Galon will be dressing up Miss Universe Ireland 2019 Fionnghuala O'Reilly.
Galon made his name in the pageant world for designing the gowns that have graced the Oscars red carpet and other beauty pageants in the United States, among others.
Joel Escober for Miss Universe Japan 2019 Ako Kamo
After designing gowns for the finalists of Miss Universe Japan in August, Manila-based evening wear designer Joel Escober will once again be backing Ako Kamo with another of his signature creations in Miss Universe 2019.
Ako, who wore an Escober-designed gown on her coronation night, used to study in the Philippines as an exchange student in the Assumption College in San Lorenzo, Makati. Escober previously designed the gown for Miss Universe Japan 2008 Hiroko Mima.
Benj Leguiab for Miss Universe Sierra Leone 2019 Enid Jones-Boston
Benj Leguiab, who early dressed Gazini in a golden-eagle inspired gown for a July photoshoot, designed a mostly handmade gown for Sierra Lone beauty Enid Jones-Boston made of Japanese beads and Swarovski crystals.
Leguiab earlier designed Kim Chiu's barong-inspired gown at the ABS-CBN Ball 2019.
Michael Cinco for Miss Universe Singapore 2019 Mohanaprahba Selva
International fashion designer and household name Michael Cinco created the Singaporean orchid-inspired fuchsia pink national costume of Miss Universe Singapore 2019 Mohanaprahba Selva.
The Filipino designer has also dressed international stars Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Mila Kunis.
G-Sonsie for Miss Universe 2019 swimwear
Filipino swimwear fashion company G-Sonsie has the Swimsuit Competition this year proudly covered.