The Philippines may not have won the Miss Universe Crown this year, but Filipinos have plenty of things to be proud of. This year, several Miss Universe candidates wore Filipino-designed gowns and costumes from Michael Cinco, Louis Pangilinan, Francis Libiran, and many more. And not known to the public is this young designer from Isabela Province who also dressed pageant joiners from different countries. He is Kennedy Jhon Gasper.
Gasper is a 20-year-old third-year college student currently taking up Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Textile Technology at Central Luzon State University. He is originally form San Mateo, Isabela and a proud Isabelino.
In an Instagram post, he said, “My second time to create a costume for Miss Universe. Maraming Salamat Ama 🙏❤️”
In the recently concluded 70th Miss Universe pageant, Miss Nigeria won Best National Costume after wearing Gasper’s masterpiece inspired by the traditional masquerade of the southeast Nigerian tribes called Mmanwa.
Mmanwa is said to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and showcase the strength that women possess. The outfit includes African beads, stones, and crafts. In addition, it also comes with a cape on its back and a three-foot tribal mask with the face of Mmanwa boldly crested in it.
According to Okpala, Mmanwa has been fighting relentlessly to end the killing of girls and child slavery.
Part of her Instagram post reads, “I picked this particular costume because I see a self-reflection of my cause in this Mmanwa who protects children and women against any form of abuse.
She adds, “Finally, this costume pays attention to the strong will of women in attaining whatever height they want to attain, no matter the challenges faced while reaching their desired goals.”
In a Facebook post, Gasper expressed gratitude to everyone who celebrated his victory.
He shared a photo of Miss Nigeria Maristella Okpala wearing his creation and captioned it, “Thank you Lord! Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala talaga. Umiiyak ako kanina habang kayakap si mama. Thank you sa lahat ng mga bumati! #missuniverse2021bestincostume.”
He did not forget to thank his good friend and design consultant Mark Anthony Saguibo Pimentel.
He also names people on his creative team. They are Merwin Noque, Jhan Jhan Galutera Ilarde, Win Win Bulusan, Eds Bautista Salvador, Jericho Angelo B. Manuel, Ian Lee Torres Abon, Sam Cristobal, Jenny Ann Miguel, Jovel Angelleah Nocasa, Ron Christian L. Lopez, Bren Mariah Megoc Nebran , and Emz Gerona.
The amazing look isn’t the first work Gasper has created for a Miss Universe contestant. In fact, it is his second masterpiece to step onto the podium of the prestigious competition. Last year, he designed the national costume of Miss Cameroon.
And with his creations shown and recognized in international competitions left and right, Gasper certainly has a bright future on the world fashion stage.
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