Miss Universe hits NY with faux fur coat by Dubai-based designer

The reigning Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, was spotted last week at a New York Fashion Week show wearing a faux fur jacket made by the Dubai-based designer Ollia Tzarina.

Gray was attending a show last Wednesday by Vietnamese designer Phuong My, when she was seen wearing the light grey Princess Fox jacket, which she paired with a baby pink satin dress to keep warm in the near-freezing New York weather.

The Filipino-Australian model, who won the prestigious pageant in December 2018, posted the photos on her Instagram account, posing with her fellow Miss Universe contestant, Vietnamese model H’hen Nie, and American-Moroccan model Iman Oubou.

“Despite the snow/rain/hail today’s highlight was definitely catching up with my @missuniverse sister @hhennie.official,” wrote Gray. The beauty queen also wore it over a black dress in a Valentine’s Day Instagram post, in which she encouraged people to “take today as a reminder to love in all forms.”

The faux fur jacket was from Tzarina by Ollia, a fashion label launched in 2015. It has since made headlines when Hollywood A-listers started showing off its range of colorful faux fur jackets, including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Rita Ora, Ciara, Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Ariana Grande and the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

When asked about dressing these fashion powerhouses, Tzarina said: “I feel lucky! They have a very powerful social media presence, so for any startup brand this is a dream come true and a fantastic platform for the brand to be promoted.”

The Greek-Russian fashion entrepreneur launched her brand in her bedroom in 2015 after failing to find a fur coat in a particular shade. Now, her brand offers faux fur coats and gilets in more than 50 colors.

Asked why she decided to specialize in faux furs, Tzarina pointed to a “massive customer outreach,” and more importantly a “global movement toward the eco-fur.”

Although the Middle East has soaring summer temperatures, Tzarina said it’s one of her favorite markets to concentrate on, banking on the cooler winter months when the jackets can be a hit.

The recent exposure during New York Fashion Week is yet another boost for Tzarina. As Gray goes about her duties as the current Miss Universe title holder, she has been known for nailing every look, and this latest one is no exception.