CATRIONA Gray is Miss Universe 2018! It seems like only yesterday that she announced her participation in local pageant Binibining Pilipinas, and we were right by her side the entire time. Need to refresh your memory? To commemorate yet another historic win, here's a quick look back at her journey to the crown.
Back in March 19, Catriona won the title of Binibining Pilipinas-Universe, besting dozens of other hopefuls. She wore a glimmering gold Mak Tumang dress and that now-iconic Philippine flag-motif ear piece by Tessera Jewelry.
Oh, and it's also worth mentioning that before all this, she was also Miss World Philippines 2016!
Preparations for her to bring home the global crown began immediately afterwards. Catriona worked with 16 artisans to produce her outfits for Miss Universe, and the first to be revealed was her National Costume, a tribute to our country's main islands Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
We loved how she toured 2018's host nation Thailand proudly dressed in Filipino designers and traditional fabrics. This fuchsia Erwin Flores suit is a particular favorite, and so are these dainty Charina Sarte co-ords.
And how could we forget her modern Filipiniana look at her preliminary interview? Jearson Demavivas created a camisa and saya outfit 100% sourced from authentic local materials crafted by our native tribes. Her terno-style top's butterfly sleeves were handwoven by the Inabels of Ilocos, while her slit skirt made of Kalinga fabric originated from the Isnags of Apayao.
Come Prelims night, Catriona impressed the world—then subsequently went viral—with her slinky Lava Walk. She had choreographer Carlos Buendia Jr. to thank for developing it, and film director Marlon Rivera also dissected her unforgettable strut as follows: "Turn ala dance, meaning fix your head to a front spot for as long as possible, now turn. Hips go first, shoulders follow, then at the last moment the head leaves the front spot and turns to snap to the front." Slo-mo magic!
Her glittering, symbolic, Ibong Adarna-inspired prelims gown was by Mak Tumang, who dubbed the frock Adarna: The Blazing Siren.
That was mere days ago, and now she's officially wearing the Mikimoto crown on her head! Congratulations again, Catriona! You make us all proud.
READ MORE STORIES ON MISS UNIVERSE 2018 HERE:
The Complete Transcript of the Miss Universe 2018 Q&A Portion
Catriona Gray is Miss Universe 2018!
Catriona Gray's Miss Universe 2018 Evening Gown Was Inspired by Lava
Here Are All the Highlights From Miss Universe 2018
All the Signature Walks of Filipina Beauty Queens Over the Years
7 Miss Universe 2018 Candidates Wore Gowns by Filipino Designers to the Prelims
Here’s Catriona Gray’s Signature Look for Miss Universe 2018
You Have to See Catriona Gray's Lava Walk at Miss Universe 2018
This story originally appeared on Preview.ph.
Minor edits have been made by the SPIN.ph editors.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
