The many looks of a beauty queen by Francis Libiran
The ongoing exhibit at Sofitel Philippine Plaza is a preview of the exciting things Miss Universe Philippines has in store for pageant-loving Filipinos this year
Still on display at the event lounge of Sofitel Philippine Plaza is the “Francis Libiran Universe” collection. It was opened in early April by the hotel’s general manager Olivier Larcher, who shared how thrilled and delighted he was to work “with the best fashion designer in the Philippines and one of the best in the world.” Looking forward to more collaborations with Francis, he said, “Now that Sofitel is on a strong rebound, we expect more social events to come.”
Francis is grateful to Sofitel for mounting this exhibit. The collection exhibit features six gowns, all of which have been strutted by Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Luigi Gomez during the competition.
The designer is no stranger to the world of pageantry. Every piece in the collection was inspired by Gomez’s personality, her walk, and her physical assets.
“Before I design something for clients, I would really sit down, talk to them, and get to know them. That’s very important for me. I want to know how they are as a person. And I would always ask this question: How do you see yourself on that stage in front of the whole universe?” said Francis.
Bea Luigi Gomez, the muse for the collection, graced the opening in another Francis Libiran ensemble.
Recalling how she felt like gold in her gown during the finals, she expressed how making these gowns was a team effort, but the work was easy because they were helping each other out.
When asked how her journey with the crown has been, Bea said it was more than the usual beauty queen work. She had had countless epiphanies and realizations, which helped her become a more empowered woman.
“It was a learning experience for me. I learned a lot about myself and the people I’m with. I’m very grateful for the crown and what the crown brought into my life,” she explained.
Shamcey Supsup-Lee, who has been the Miss Universe Philippines national director for the past three years, also went to the opening to celebrate the honor of having worked alongside Libiran for the past many years.
“I know the work it takes to produce all the bead gowns, and I think you could really see the dedication,” Shamcey said.
When asked about what the public could expect from Miss Universe Philippines in 2022, she said it would be exciting, intimating that, for the past two years, the organization has been planning a big event, where fans could witness and enjoy the biggest national pageant ever seen in the country.
The ongoing Francis Libiran Universe Collection fashion exhibit is open to the public.
Francis Libiran is no stranger to the world of pageantry. Every piece in the collection was inspired by Bea Luigi Gomez’s personality, her walk, and her physical assets.