Carla Gem Buyo

Ahtisa Manalo's Finale Gown Sets A New Standard On The Miss Universe Stage—Here's The Inspiration Behind Her Look

Article (news)

<p>Congratulations <strong>Ahtisa Manalo</strong>! Thank you for carrying our flag. You made us so proud.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763703523646themissuniverseph_1763701031_3770519998465778228_11834133867.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Ahtisa&#x27;s finale gown delivered exactly what we want to see on stage—clean, architectural, and brand new.</p><div><br/></div><p>In an exclusive interview with Patty Yap, Ahtisa&#x27;s stylist, she shares the process behind the making of the gown. &quot;Ahtisa was the one who was very hands-on with this design. She sent the pegs herself and even chose the fabric to be used. She wanted to use the thinnest fabric in the world, ultra-light organza. Fom there. Val brought Ahtisa&#x27;s vision to life,&quot; says Patty.</p><div><br/></div><p>Created by Filipino designer <strong>Val Taguba</strong>, the gown stood out for its clean architecture and confident minimalism. The sheer cutout structure was sharp and intentional, revealing just enough while keeping the lines sleek and controlled. Its engineering was key: a balanced mix of support and fluidity that allowed Ahtisa to move naturally without losing shape.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763703617446themissuniverseph_1763696013_3770477898382690320_11834133867.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The defining feature—silk tendrils that trailed and lifted with her steps—added motion without distracting from the silhouette. Instead of traditional sparkle, Val used movement as the visual highlight, giving the gown dimension under stage lights and making it dynamic from every camera angle.</p><div><br/></div><p>The look was the product of tight teamwork between Val, Ahtisa, and Patty. Patty’s styling choices kept everything focused on the gown’s structure—no unnecessary gimmicks, no competing elements—just a clear commitment to clean design. Patty completed the look with pearl earrings and a majestic pearl necklace from Jewelmer. She particularly chose those accessories to her to give her that queenly, refined aura. &quot;The look she really wanted was &quot;ethereal&quot;, and Tito Val absolutely delivered,&quot; says Patty.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763703649046ahtisa_1763693787_3770459229804186144_42028590.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>On a stage known for ornate, high-impact gowns, Ahtisa delivered something more current: a piece that communicated confidence through quiet power.</p><div><br/></div><div><em>Photos from @themissuniverseph and @ahtisa on Instagram</em></div>

<p>The Philippines isn’t just a powerhouse in pageantry, but also a force in global design.</p>

The Philippines isn’t just a powerhouse in pageantry, but also a force in global design.

Ahtisa Manalo's Finale Gown Sets A New Miss Universe Standard—Here's The Inspiration Behind Her Look

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Ahtisa Manalo's Finale Gown Sets A New Miss Universe Standard—Here's The Inspiration Behind Her Look

Carla Buyo

Published November 21, 2025 01:30 PM PHT

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Updated November 21, 2025 02:11 PM PHT

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ahtisa manalo

miss universe 2025

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