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Michelle Dee, Mark Bumgarner receive 'MMD Barbie'
What better way to celebrate Michelle Dee’s incredible performance at the 2023 Miss Universe than with a customized MMD Barbie?
On Instagram, fashion designer Mark Bumgarner, who designed the beauty queen’s iconic Whang Od-inspired evening gown, posted a video of himself receiving the doll.
“Today marks the second month of Michelle Dee’s memorable and iconic participation at Miss Universe. And I’m feeling nostalgic and emotional,” he said.
“Thank you @voltairetayag for this gift.; a Barbie version of @michelledee in my Whang Od inspired evening gown for Miss Universe 2023. This dress will be forever special and remembered, truly an experience of a lifetime. And you dear Michelle will be forever my Miss Universe,” he added.
Mark also called MMD a “woman of substance, style, grace, and an unwavering spirit. A perfect representation of a modern Filipina…of a modern woman.”
In a separate post, Miss Universe Philippines Director of Communications Voltaire Tayag shared close-up photos of the doll.
“My thank you gift to Michelle for having worked so hard and for being so amazing at Miss Universe. Also to Mark & Earl who have been so kind & generous to make my suit for the prelims,” he said in the caption.
Voltaire then thanked repaint artist Art Ryan Biescas and gown artist David Encarnacion.
Michelle finished her Miss Universe 2023 journey in the Top 10. She won four special awards, including the Spirit of Carnival Award, the Miss Universe's fan vote, Voice for Change, and Best in National Costume.
—CACM, GMA Integrated News
