Image: Instagram/@michelledee
Michelle Dee looked elegant in the Miss Universe Philippines national costume presentation, as she donned an ensemble with a modern take on the traditional Maria Clara.
The Miss World Philippines 2019 titleholder, who now represents Makati in Miss Universe Philippines, showed off the gown made of abaca and piña by Francis Libiran via her Instagram page yesterday, April 26.
“Inspired by our country’s rich heritage and history, this is a modern take on the traditional Maria Clara by Francis Libiran. Made purely of Philippine textiles such as abaca and piña, this ensemble is hand-crafted with bejeweled embroidery, depicting a Filipina’s understated elegance and simplistic beauty,” she said.
Dee was cheered on by fellow celebrities including Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Rodriguez, TV host Paolo Ballesteros and actress Yassi Pressman.
Image: Instagram/@michelledee
The national costumes of all top 32 finalists were featured in the presentation on Empire Philippines YouTube channel earlier today, April 27.
The theme for the Miss Universe Philippines national costume presentation this year is “Habi (weaving),” and 30% of a finalist’s costume has to comprise Philippine textiles or weaving.
The Miss Universe Philippines organization revealed its top 32 finalists earlier this month.
The coronation night is set on Saturday, April 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena. It will be hosted by Miss Universe titleholders Pia Wurtzbach, Iris Mittenaere and Demi-Leigh Tebow.
The event will also feature performances from Bamboo, Sam Concepcion and Morissette Amon, among others.
Meanwhile, reigning Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu has arrived at the Philippines and will be attending the Miss Universe Philippines finals night as a special guest. /ra
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