Meet the Filipino designers behind Michelle Dee’s Miss Universe looks

Photos from Michelle Dee/Instagram

In just one day, Michelle Dee will bring pride to the Philippines at this year’s highly anticipated 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador.

Prior to the actual competition on Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in Manila), Dee has already made a remarkable impression at the Miss Universe preliminary rounds. Besides making headlines with unwavering support from Filipinos around the world, she was named one of the 10 silver finalists of Mouawad and CI Talks’ Voice for Change category, which champions the candidates’ advocacies and charitable initiatives.

Excitement aside, it’s not Miss Universe without showstopping looks that pay tribute to every candidate’s diverse culture. As the whole country roots for Dee to win the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown, here are the Filipino designers whose creativity and stylish flair shone in her garments fit for a queen.

Jaz Cerezo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MMD (@michelledee)

Dee wore the Philippines over her heart on her first day in El Salvador, thanks to a white ruched top and snakeskin mini skirt by Jaz Cerezo. A pair of silver Kataw earrings gave the look a sparkly finish.

Angela Taloza

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MMD (@michelledee)

Channeling her inner explorer, Dee flaunted her figure in a multi-hue sarong and two-piece by Angela Taloza. Dee wore the summery getup on a yacht trip across the El Salvador waters.

Ulysses Caragayan

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MMD (@michelledee)

On her fifth day in El Salvador, Dee wore a metallic overlay skirt and top by Ulysses Caragayan to compliment her Helen Piece swimsuit. She wore the look to the pre-pageant beach trip.

Abdul Gaffar

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MMD (@michelledee)

For the Miss Universe candidates’ welcoming dinner, Dee stunned in a regal black garment by Mindanaoan designer Abdul Gaffar. She commemorated the occasion with a message of gratitude for the hospitality she received from the Miss Universe organization.

Francis Libiran

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MMD (@michelledee)

Dee kept it classy in a nude-toned oversized blazer and maxi skirt by Francis Libiran at El Salvador’s historic center, where she visited the National Palace and National Theatre.

You may also like: This Filipino designer’s works are Miss Universe favorites

Mark Bumgarner

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MMD (@michelledee)

Dee was an instant standout at the preliminary rounds’ evening gown category, thanks to a Mark Bumgarner original. She showcased her signature “snake walk” on the Miss Universe stage in a gown encrusted with black and green Swarovski crystals, embodying a green viper’s power and transformative energy. The gown was a tribute to Dee’s mother and Miss International 1979, Melanie Marquez. Bumgarner also made Dee’s evening gown at the Miss Universe Philippines pageant last May.