Six Ilocos-based designers showcased their contemporary take on the Philippine terno when some 20 candidates of the Miss Universe pageant visited the cobblestone streets of Vigan, Ilocos Norte over the weekend. 

“Candidates from Great Britain, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, Slovak Republic, and USA wore dresses made by Ilocano designers using abel Iloko fabric,” ABS-CBN News reports. 

The six professional couturiers who participated in the fashion show are all members of the Ilocos Sur Designers’ Guild.  According to an earlier report by ABS-CBN, they had designed the gowns without knowing which candidate will wear them on the runway. 

Candidates from Thailand, Brazil, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, Guatemala, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Uruguay, Belgium, Cayman Islands, Venezuela and the Philippines also wore ternos by Filipino designers.

Here are our favorite looks from the pageant:

1. Hello, Miss Thailand! We love the details of your white gown. 

2. Miss Venezuela’s terno looks very modern, yet still very Filipino.

3. Miss Singapore’s gown is shining, shimmering and absolutely splendid. It wouldn’t look out of place on the Hollywood red carpet, yes?

4. The green gown looks beautiful on you, Miss Netherlands.

5. Miss Uruguay’s gown is very wearable to weddings and formal events. 

6. …so is the gown of Miss British Virgin Islands.

7. You can’t go wrong with black. Right, Ms. Czech Republic?

8. But playing with colors sometimes works too. Miss USA looks fab in her bright pink gown.

9. And Miss Sierra Leone looks gorgeous in bright red!

10. Miss Philippines? Maxine Medina’s simple terno draws attention to her face. 

Good luck, ladies!