Before the much-debated crowning of the new Miss Universe, around 120 candidates took to the stage of Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on 19 November to present their national costumes. Some of the most striking ensembles came from Filipino designers, whose craftsmanship continues to be sought after by contestants from around the world.

Mak Tumang for Miss Philippines

Hailing from Mexico, Pampanga, Mak Tumang — celebrated for Catriona Gray’s iconic Miss Universe 2018 gowns — unveiled “Festejado: Queen of Philippine Festivals” for Maria Ahtisa Manalo.

He described the costume as a tribute to the nation’s grand celebrations, featuring references to the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando, Pampanga; the pahiyas practice during the Feast of San Isidro Labrador in Lucban, Quezon; and the Panagbenga Baguio Flower Festival.

He explained: “Representing the Philippines, she embodies the splendor of the nation’s grand celebrations — the festival queens who dazzle with beauty, grace, and cultural pride. Her costume is a living canvas of Filipino artistry and tradition. The camisa with bell-shaped sleeves, the saya or skirt, and the modest pañuelo honor the timeless silhouette of the traje de mestiza, deeply rooted in Philippine identity.

“This silhouette recalls María Clara, the beloved heroine of Dr. José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, who came to symbolize the ideal Filipina during the Spanish colonial era. Her upper ensemble is crafted from handmade piña, woven from pineapple fibers — an extraordinary textile admired for its rarity and luster.

“Embroidery motifs include the abanico or fan, once used as a silent language of courtship, and palay, symbolizing abundance and bayanihan. The skirt is made of dyed fabric adorned with more than sixty-five thousand individually sewn petals — a vibrant homage to Philippine festivals.

“To complete the ensemble, she is crowned with a reimagined peineta adorned with tambourine and filigree-inspired gold details, reflecting the opulence of traditional Philippine jewelry.”

Simeon Cayetano for Miss Guinea, Miss Sweden and Miss Denmark

Simeon Cayetano, who is from Urdaneta, Pangasinan, and has previously designed for Miss Universe Egypt 2024, delivered bold and varied looks for several candidates. He created “The White Swan” for Miss Denmark Monique Sonne and an ABBA-inspired ensemble for Miss Sweden Daniella Lundqvist.

For Miss Universe Guinea Tiguidanké Bérété — crafted with artisans Julius Andrada, Nastor Thai Ong, Margie Sagun and Manilyn Sagun — he said: “Inspired by the Simandou 2040 Project, the world’s largest mining endeavor, this costume symbolizes Guinea’s vision for progress. It represents five key pillars: agriculture, education, infrastructure, economy and health. Metallic details show the power of industry, balanced with organic fabrics and cultural patterns tied to ancestral heritage. For Tigui, it mirrors her strength and vision — one who uplifts others.”

Kennedy Jhon Gasper for Miss Haiti

From San Mateo, Isabela, Gasper was the young brain behind Miss Universe Nigeria 2021 Okpala Chidiogo’s Best in National Costume award. 

For Haiti’s Melissa Sapini, he made a costume he called “The Power of Love: Kanson Wouj.” 

“Inspired by the Hispaniolan Trogon, known in Haiti as Kanson Wouj, this design celebrates Haiti’s beauty, freedom, and unbreakable love for its people and land,” he explained. “The Kanson Wouj, with its emerald wings, cobalt tail, and vivid red chest, mirrors the colors of the Haitian flag — symbols of hope, pride and sacrifice. Its bright red belly represents Haiti’s passionate heart and the strength of a nation that continues to rise with courage, compassion and unity.”

He further said, “The costume’s design evokes the bird in mid-flight — a reflection of freedom, resilience, and the love that lifts a people higher. Handcrafted feather work and bead detailing honor the artistry of Haitian craftsmanship, while sustainable materials express love for nature and community. Subtle gold and blue accents represent the warmth of the Caribbean sun and the endless Haitian sky.”

Patrick Isorena for Miss Cayman Islands and Miss Bulgaria

Patrick Isorena — known for creating winning costumes for many Filipino “flag bearers” and for Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel —continued to demonstrate mastery in national costume design.

Miss Cayman Islands Tahiti Seymour said of the costume: “I didn’t just wear a national costume — I traveled thousands of miles to meet the artists who gave it life. Watching ‘Yemaya’ take shape in the Philippines reminded me that representing Cayman is deeper than a moment onstage… it is a legacy I am honored to protect.”

Miss Bulgaria 2025 Gaby Guha gushed: “This year, my national costume is innovative and created especially for me. It is inspired by Bulgaria, the Land of Roses and Pink Oil, and symbolizes our proud Pink Valley.”

Michael Barassi for Miss Ukraine and Miss Martinique

The designer from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, created the aviation-themed costume for Michelle Marquez Dee during Miss Universe 2023, winning the Best in National Costume award. For Miss Ukraine Sofiya Tkachuk, Barassi created “The Dove of Peace.”  

He described it as a “shimmering white and silver ensemble shaped like a dove in flight — a quiet prayer woven into fabric. Its layered wings rise gently, symbolizing hope amidst sorrow. Each feather carries a wish for unity and healing. The crown rests softly as a reminder that peace begins with courage.”

For Miss Martinique Célya Abatucci, he crafted “Welcome to the Island of Flowers,” featuring sculpted tropical leaves, a petal-like backpiece, and a dew-kissed shimmering bodysuit evoking the island’s lush beauty.

Axel Que for Miss Egypt 

Que, from Cebu, created the national costume for Bea Luigi Gomez at Miss Universe 2021. This time, it’s for Miss Egypt Sabrina Maged at Miss Universe 2025. The exquisite creation is called “Nephthys: Goddess of Death and Protection,” and it described as inspired “by the enigmatic Egyptian goddess Nephthys.” 

“This couture creation transcends costume — it’s a spectacle of divine craftsmanship and sculptural grace. The look opens with a bejeweled bodice, an opulent tapestry of hand-strung beads and gemstones that shimmer in celestial hues. Sapphire, amethyst, and onyx glint under the light, tracing regal patterns that evoke the protective wings of the goddess herself. Each embellishment is meticulously arranged, transforming the torso into a living mosaic of devotion and power,” he explained.

“Extending from the arms, architectural wing pieces unfurl in hypnotic symmetry, crafted from metallic jacquard meticulously hand-cut into hundreds of pleats. The interplay of royal blue, fuchsia, violet, and gold creates a dazzling gradient of jewel tones — an echo of twilight over the Nile rendered in fabric. These wings, both commanding and fluid, give the illusion of flight — Nephthys in mid-transcendence,” he further said. “A dramatic, cascading train trails behind, amplifying the gown’s divine silhouette and sense of motion. The result is an almost celestial equilibrium — where structure meets spirit, and mythology meets modern couture. This is Nephthys reimagined for the contemporary stage: a goddess reborn in pleated metals, beaded armor, and unapologetic majesty.”