Imelda Schweighart reveals chat with designer about yellow dress

Former Miss Earth Philippines 2016 Imelda Schweighart shared a Facebook conversation between her and designer Leo Almodal, who created the yellow evening gown worn by eventual Miss Earth winner Katherine Espin on Ecuador.

Schweighart, who resigned after making controversial remarks about the president and Espin, posted the conversation to show that the dress had been initially made for her—a fact that does not seem to be in dispute. She shared a Facebook photo showing Almodal's sketch and said that the she provided the bra used as padding in the dress, which was labeled with her name "Imelda Artemis."

"leo's sketch. And by the way to him.. the padding used for this finished product is mine. leo, made me bring him to sacrifice a good quality bra, he cut it to place in the bust section. JSYK," she wrote. She also posted a discussion over text between her and Almodal.

In an interview, Espin speculated that Schweighart's comments about her may have been due to her being given the gown to wear for the finals, as she did not have a gown ready and Schweighart had failed to make the top 16 in the competition.

Over the long weekend, Almodal wrote a Facebook post explaining the decision to give the gown to Espin to wear.

"I was requested by Imelda's training camp to dress her up and, without hesitations, I said 'yes'," Almodal wrote. "I chose that design because it suits their color requirement and styling. To set and clarify things; Imelda or anyone from her camp had not given or paid me a single peso for that gown. That yellow gown is technically my property and I was just letting her borrow it for Miss Earth pageant; that if she makes it to the top 16. As the owner it will be under my discretion to whom it will be used."

"Unfortunately, I didn't finish the gown of Ecuador on time... She already paid half of the amount as down payment. My team made that decision to dress her up in that yellow gown. It was actually a blessing in disguise that saved me from further troubles, shame and humiliation. I believe that things happens for a reason and checking the fit, length and style of the gown; it suits Katherine perfectly," Almodal added.

Upon Schweighart's resignation, the Miss Earth Philippines 2016 crown was passed on to Miss Philippines Air Kiara Giel Gregorio. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/BM, GMA News