Many Filipinos are still not over Mary Jean Lastimosa’s loss at the last Miss Universe pageant. The Filipina beauty queen managed to secure a spot in the Top 10 but judging from the reaction on social media since the contest last week, many believe she could have advanced further — had she worn the right gown. During the competition, Lastimosa wore a creation by Colombian designer Alfredo Barazza, who has been commissioned by Binibining Pilipinas to make the gowns used by Filipina contestants to the prestigious beauty pageant for the last five years.
Many Filipinos, including some of the nation’s designers, have asked why one of the nation’s many talented designers had not been commissioned.
Lastimosa has said in press interviews that she respects Binibining Pilipinas’ choice of gown and designer and that she can wear any dress confidently.
Binibining Pilipinas has commissioned the Colombian designer since Venus Raj (then Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Arida). With the exception of Shamcey, all evening gowns worn during the pageant have earned the ire of Filipinos. Many attribute the runner-up finishes to the ordinary gowns that candidates have been using.
Dubai-based designer Furne One gave his take on the raging issue that has become the subject of a national debate.
The Filipino fashion designer has been making waves in the international fashion circuit and has created memorable dresses for royalty and international celebrities such as supermodel Heidi Klum, singing sensations Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Nicole Scherzinger and Beyonce, among others.
What did you think of Mary Jean Lastimosa’s performance at the 63rd Miss Universe pageant?
I strongly believe she did well. She was very confident and truly represented what a Filipina beauty should be. Many were rooting for her during the preliminaries, even those from other countries. I like that she carried herself very well on the stage, during the interviews as well as in the activities organised by the pageant.
Many think she could have advanced beyond the Top 10 had she worn a better gown. Your thoughts?
Many may disagree, but she carried the gown very well during the pageant. That showed her class and her ability to project herself well. That said, I agree with most Filipinos that in competitions like this, she should be wearing a gown made by a Filipino designer. We have many talented Filipino designers who can create beautiful gowns that our beauty pageant contestants can wear in international competitions. There is no dearth of talent in the Philippines; there are even Filipino designers based in foreign countries who are also making waves abroad.
For Mary Jean, I would have liked for her to wear something a bit more daring, one that will highlight her beautiful face and body, while still being chic and classy; something regal, fit for a beauty queen.
Binibining Pilipinas organisers also drew a lot of flak for making Mary Jean wear a “weird” national costume. What’s your take on that dress?
I think it could have been more inspired. This is the reason why I believe Filipino designers should create the gown for our candidates — we have the awareness of our own culture that we can use as inspiration to make something really exceptional — one that will showcase the Philippines to the world. Pageants are a beautiful opportunity to showcase the diversity of our cultures, the beauty of our islands and people, and the colourful fiestas that we have — all these are creative sources that we can draw on to create something unique and exceptional; a gown that when people see, they will say, ‘Wow, this is from the Philippines… it is gorgeous’.
