Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo was one of the first few contestants to reach Florida, USA after completing her quarantine procedure. Rabiya has only been in the USA for a few days, and yet the queen is already giving us more reasons to be excited for the Miss Universe 2020 coronation night with her gorgeous pre-pageant looks.
Rabiya’s outfits were made by Filipino designers from all over the country just for the beauty queen herself. Her stylist Em Millan of Team Rain x Em, in a recent interview, said, “What we wanted this time was to showcase Filipino talent.” A few months ago, the beauty queen herself announced through social media that she was looking for designers who could collaborate with her team for her Miss Universe outfits; all they had to do was send a sketch of a design that they envisioned for Mateo.
Interestingly her look book has just been opened, with many pages left unturned, she has more outfits to show us! So without any further ado let’s catchup with her looks from the past few days:
Departure Look:
Mateo’s first look was a pearl-embellished modern ‘Barong’ and trousers by Marc Rancy and Chino Christopherson that she wore for her departure. They decided to create a look that screams Philippines and the best way to do it is to make a Barong-inspired outfit. To make the ensemble more feminine, they added some pearls since the country is known as the “Perlas ng Silanganan” or Pearl of the Orient Seas.
At Empire Studios:
Two days later, Team Rain x Em shared another set of photos of Mateo looking tall and confident in a backless teal wrap-around terno with floor-length Maria Clara sleeves adorned with pearl and seashells designed by Marlon Tuazon of Pampanga. The color teal stood out immediately and the terno amplifies Rabiya as a modern Filipina. Marlon also added some flowing sleeves to create drama to a fairly simple ensemble meant for a queen to shine in.
Visit at the O Skincare and Luxury Spa:
Rabiya’s third outfit was a pink balloon sleeved dress designed by US based Filipino designer, Veejay Floresca for her visit at the O Skincare and Luxury Spa. The dress was made for Rabiya to highlight her best features. Veejay also wanted to keep the dress clean, simple and effortless for Rabiya to shine for this event.
Photoshoot in Hollywood, California:
Rabiya wore a classy blue ensemble designed by fashion designer, Marc Rancy who was inspired from the Filipino Mythology named “Mayari”, who is the daughter of Bathala and the goddess of strength and revolution. She wore the gown for her first photoshoot of the journey in Hollywood, Califronia. The silhouette of the dress was a modern and sensual tale of a gladiator, with the exposed corsetry as an armor.
Interview with Micheal John Regalado:
This look was a collaborative effort of designers, Zyrill Jacinto and Franko Barrio and this was inspired from Rabiya's famous line, “Red is Power and I am Red” which Rabiya wore for her interview with Michael John Regalado in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The designers chose red because the color symbolizes Rabiya's courage and burning passion to bring home the fifth crown for the Philippines.
Interview with Pinky Webb:
Rabiya wore this dress for her interview with Pinky Webb on The Source of CNN Philippines, designed by Mikee Andrei, which was from her recent collection “FEMINIETY: A Decade of Romanticism”. According to the designer the best way to showcase Rabiya’s doll-like features was a body-hugging ensemble and some extra drape to add glamour.
Lazada Meet-and-Greet:
For the Lazada Meet-and-Greet, Rabiya’s look was simply classy in a pink dress designed by Nono Palmos which was also a collaborative effort with stylist, Keith Angelo. According to Keith, the inspiration of the dress is they wanted Rabiya to be neat and tall in pop of color because pink fits her personality.
Beauty in Blue:
For one of the days, Rabiya’s powerful look was designed by Filipino designer, Ushi Sato. According to Sir Ushi, this Azure blue origami dress in cotton voltaire was inspired from the waves of Siargao Islands. Ushi also said that his team made this dress in less than five hours.
Instagram Live with Zozini Tunzi:
Rabiya’s sunshine look for the Instagram Live with reigning Miss Universe, Zozini Tunzi was designed by renowned fashion designer, Martin Bautista. According to him, he wanted to create a look that represents his style but will also complement and enhance Rabiya's personality and body type.