Michelle Dee’s Miss Universe Philippines 2022 national costume is a modern take on Maria Clara

Michelle Dee stunned in an elegant ensemble during the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 national costume presentation.

Posting photos of herself clad in the Francis Libiran number, the Sparkle artist and Makati representative took to Instagram to share the inspiration behind it.

“Inspired by our country’s rich heritage and history, this is a modern take on the traditional Maria Clara by Francis Libiran,” she said.

“Made purely of Philippine textiles such as abaca and piña, this ensemble is hand-crafted with bejeweled embroidery, depicting a Filipina’s understated elegance and simplistic beauty.”

With the theme “HABI,” this year’s Miss Universe Philippines 2022 national costume competition put a spotlight on the country’s textiles and weavings.

According to the contest rules, the finalists’ costumes should be made of at least 30% local textiles and weavings.

The Miss Universe Philippines 2022 preliminaries will be held Tuesday, while the coronation night is on April 30 at SM Mall of Asia Arena. – RC, GMA News