Rabiya Mateo is on her way to fight for the crown and she means business – donning power suits created by Filipino designers for the modern Filipina.
Related: EXCLUSIVE: Rabiya Mateo’s Go-To Designer Ram Silva Creates A Filipiniana Collection
The 69th Miss Universe season is here and Rabiya Mateo is wasting no time to make a statement through her words, actions, and, of course, fashion. “Ibubuhos ko ang lahat ng lakas sa laban na ito at taas noo kong sasabihin, ‘Ikinararangal kong maging modernong Pilipina sa isip, sa puso, sa diwa, sa salita at sa gawa.’ Mabuhay ang gawang Pilipino!” Mateo said as she catches her plane to Florida, USA where the highly-anticipated pageant will take place on May 16.
Representing the country in the best way they can, the 24-year-old Illongga along with her styling team Rain x Em lead by Rain Dagala and Em Millan are bringing their A-game, showcasing contemporary Filipino fashion. With the many looks that Mateo will don, there was no better way to say ‘the queen has arrived’ than through power dressing that’s embedded with local pride. The traditional silhouettes, pearl embellishments, and unexpected details of her first two pre-coronation night looks mark the new power suit for today’s confident and strong Filipina.
LOOK 001: Perlas ng Silangan
Pre-departure Ensemble
Style Trend To Cop: Tailored flared trousers
Despite the airport lacking the usual loud crowd of Miss Universe supporters due to the quarantine, Rabiya Mateo stood tall waving the national flag in a modern Barong Tagalog-inspired outfit by Chino Christopherson and Marc Rancy. “A woman who can pull off a ‘barong‘ exudes confidence,” says Christopherson. The barong was transformed into a whole new look with trend-forward elements of a cropped silhouette, flared cuffs, and pearl embellishments.
It was then paired with her signature look of tailored trousers with a flared out bottom to elongate her 5’5” stature. Responsible for the ‘legs for days’ draping illusion that I’m sure many Filipinas alike are taking note of is couturier Marc Rancy: “We wanted to achieve a look that is chic without losing the cultural integrity of the traditional barong.”
LOOK 002: Teal Appeal
Pre-pageant Activities Ensemble
Style Trend To Cop: Backless fashion
Technically look 000 says team Rain x Em, since the outfit was worn before her pre-departure, the monochrome teal suit by Pampanga-based fashion designer Marlon Tuazon was their take on a modern terno suit. While the choice of the deep teal made her Morena skin even more radiant, the finessed details are what made it a winning outfit.
Equal parts appropriate and innovative, the combination of the cinched waist with the neat back cut-out brought an elevated sexy but sophisticated appeal, while the pearls and seashells waterfall sleeve added the right amount of dramatic flair. “A Filipina of any age or shape is sexy when she has a sense of purpose; where she derives her advocacy. If she can converse with sense and conviction about relevant issues here and abroad…that is sexy,” says Tuazon.
Check in daily with our “Miss Universe PH Style Radar” series for the latest on Rabiya Mateo’s looks.
The post Miss Universe PH Style Radar: Rabiya Mateo Wears The Ultimate Filipina Power Suit appeared first on MEGA.
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