Michelle Dee shoo-in for Best in Costume award

THE Philippines may not have won back-to-back in the Miss Universe pageant, but it will have another chance to snag a crown when Michelle Dee competes in the Miss World pageant on Saturday, December 14.

The 23-year- old, who hails from a family of beauty queens, is a shooin for Best in National Costume given her razor sharp skills as a professional fashion model, and iconic mom Melanie Marquez’s genes. She recently gave a preview of what she will wear on pageant night.

This golden work of art was designed by the renowned Francis Libiran, who also made the Philippines’ Southeast Asian Games athletes look like winners in his ingenious Barong Tagalog at the highly praised opening. Titled “The Philippine Sun Princess,” Dee’s national costume for Miss World is “a symbolic work of art and labor of love.”

According to Libiran’s design notes: “This state- of-the-art version of the Philippine terno is a celebration and preservation of rich Filipino culture.”

The design of the sun on the collar was inspired by the sun on the national flag, customized in Libiran’s signature intricate Art Deco embroidery.

“It is a symbol of optimism, positivity and courage,” he said in the design notes. “The custom embroidery patterns is inspired by the historic Visayan tattoo called ‘Batek,’ [which] were found in the earliest illustrations of our Visayan warriors in the 16th- century Boxer Codex. To our ancestors, Batek symbolized bravery and triumph.”

The intricately crafted wearable art piece is made of fine soft tulle with custom embroidery and handmade beadwork.

Libiran is also the designer of Dee’s long gown competition entry.

Dee, who holds a degree in psychology from De La Salle University, is also ready to present her autism awareness advocacy, which is a vital part of the Miss World pageant.

“Currently, my focus is on autism awareness and the work I’ve been doing with Autism Society Philippines. We’ve been working together closely in making the Philippines an ‘autism- OK’ nation through various activities that highlight inclusivity, activities that give individuals on the spectrum a sense of purpose, and are also in communication with major brands and establishments that we will be working together with for a very special campaign,” she said before leaving for London on November 19.

The Miss World 2019 pageant will be telecast live via satellite on GMA Network on December 14, Saturday at 10 p.m.