LOOK: The Sarimanok-inspired gown Rabiya would have worn at Miss Universe finals
Dubai-based Filipino designer Furne One, who created Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateneo’s evening gown for the pageant, posted another gown on his Instagram account right after the pageant ended May 17.
Furne created four gowns for Rabiya, starting weeks after she won the Miss Universe Philippines in October 2020.
Rabiya looked gorgeous in her yellow evening gown on Saturday, May 15, and no doubt she would have carried this second one beautifully as well.
This time it’s an orange gown inspired by the Sarimanok, a legendary bird in Maranao culture and Philippine mythology. This would have been her and the MUP team’s top choice for the Miss Universe Top 5 round in Hollywood, Florida.
Why orange? Furne wrote in the caption, “Orange symbolizes joy, happiness and creativity.”
“We are still so proud of you @rabiyamateo like a phoenix, on your own pace and time, you will soar high. Inspired by the ‘Sarimanok’ makes this piece unique in its fashion sense. The mythical bird of the Marano people that originated from MINDANAO, an island south of the Philippines, symbolizes good fortune.”
The gown he designed was hand-embroidered with hyacinth Swarovski crystals, glass beads and paillettes, giving it an opulent feel.
“The feminine form and silhouette celebrate confidence. Laser cut fabrics were delicately attached to the tulle based gown formed like feathers to give it a softer look on the hem. Orange expresses freedom and success which describe the woman of today,” he wrote in his caption.
Furne added that the closed neck haltered gown “celebrates the festivals of Iloilo City, also known as the City of Love. The tulle based gown is embroidered with thousands of precious components, which represent the heartbeat of the people of ILOILO.”
Rabiya’s orage gown features laser-cut fabrics near the hem, forming “feather-like softness, flowers, different formation of masks and headpieces which are evident during the traditional celebration. Its silhouette celebrates the representation of feminism.”
Pageant watcher PowerhousePH also posted a video of Rabiya practice-walking wearing the gown with the caption, “My heart breaks seeing this in motion. Ang ganda!!! Sayang.”
Rabiya is still the country’s queen and the Ilongga did us proud!
Photos from Furne One’s Instagram