Ahead of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s arrival later today, the designer behind her now-iconic competition gowns teased an outfit the beauty queen will be wearing for her homecoming.
Mak Tumang, the breakout designer who worked on Gray’s Miss Universe gowns, posted a series of Instagram Stories earlier today saying that she will be wearing a Sampaguita-inspired outfit.
Sampaguita is the national flower of the Philippines. Known for its sweet fragrance, its usually sold outside churches or in the streets.
Tumang started with a photo of the embroidery with a graphic that says “Sampaguita,” “a promise fulfilled,” and “coming home.”
He explains in his story that the flower was derived from Filipino words “sumpa kita” which means “I promise you.”
“This ornamental flower is an inherent part of our landscape since time immemorial,” he said.
READ: PH’s Catriona Gray is Miss Universe 2018
“Interestingly, this flower has a lot to do with the concept of ‘Coming Home.’ You know you are home when its distinct sweet and aromatic fragrance tickles your olfactory sense.”
Tumang noted how the flower is usually made into leis for welcoming dignitaries and used as offerings in churches.
“It is but fitting that we welcome our Queen with Sampaguitas adorned with Anahaw — our national leaf,” he said.
He also posted a photo of a white sash with the words “MISS UNIVERSE” on it.
While Tumang did not reveal more about the outfit, he also snapped different fabrics yesterday and tagged Gray in the shot. The image shows the Sampaguita-inspired material, a bedazzled teal cloth, a gold fabric with intricate details, a peach fabric with small sparkling beads, and a fuchsia fabric.
Gray wore two of Tumang’s creations in Miss Universe — the Ibong Adarna (Adarna bird)-inspired gown in the preliminary competition and the fiery Mayon volcano-inspired evening gown on coronation day.
The designer eventually revealed Gray’s planned third gown in December.
Gray will be making media appearances today and she will have two separate parades: the first parade will happen tomorrow around Pasay, Makati, and Manila; the second will happen on Saturday at the Araneta Center in Quezon City.
