Miss Universe Philippines, Rabiya Mateo, may not have made it to the Top 10 of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, but she still dazzled onstage during the evening gown competition of the remaining finalists.
Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One, who also designed Rabiya’s yellow gown during the preliminaries, shared photos of the beauty queen wearing what could have been the gown she would showcase in her strut across the stage: a fiery orange dress inspired by the “Sarimanok,” a mythical bird that symbolized good fortune.
Here’s how Furne described the gown:
“The closed-necked haltered gown is artistically hand-embroidered with hyacinth Swarovski crystals, glass beads, and paillettes. The feminine form and silhouette celebrate confidence. Laser-cut fabrics were delicately attached to the tulle-based gown formed like feathers to give it a softer look on the hem. Orange expresses freedom and success which describe the woman of today.”
“We are still so proud of you @rabiyamateo like a phoenix, on your own pace and time, you will soar high,” Furne added.
Rabiya wore the gown during the introduction part of the evening gown competition. She finished Top 21 in the 69th Miss Universe pageant which was won by Miss Mexico Andrea Meza.
(ALSO READ: All the Miss Universe 2020 Candidates Who Wore Gowns and Costumes by Filipino Designers)
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