Before South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi bagged the crown and title of Miss Universe 2019 earlier today, December 9 (Manila time), her predecessor Catriona Gray took her final walk at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia in another graceful, glimmering gown by Filipino fashion designer Mak Tumang.
In his social media accounts, Tumang explained the inspiration behind the gown, which he called Reflection, was the Philippine eagle.
"The creation's inspiration stems from the vision of the Philippine Eagle flying over the flawless turquoise seas embracing our archipelago. Despite its mighty ability to soar up high far beyond the clouds, it could still manage to look down until the point of reflecting itself on the shiny waters. This display of both might & humility is the call each of us heeds." he told his followers.
"As a nation, we are to have a steadfast spirit yet we also take a moment to journey within ourselves,” he added. “By doing so, we could be able to mirror the beauty that is within us, to mirror what is true and just and to mirror the light which illuminates our path. Silay; to mirror, Pagbubulay; to introspect – the Filipino nation's moment of reflection!"
Earlier in the competition, Catriona decked out in another Mak Tumang creation as she gave advice to the candidates who have advanced. Tumang named the gown “LuzViMinda.”
The Reflection and LuzViMinda gowns are the latest creations Tumang had designed for the 2018 Miss Universe. He has been designing gowns for Catriona since 2016, the time she competed for the title of Miss World. Catriona wore his creations during the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant, the Miss Universe 2018 pageant, and her grand homecoming last February 2019.
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