Carla Gem Buyo

The Inspiration Behind Ahtisa Manalo's Swan-Like Opening Ceremony Gown For Miss Universe 2025

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<p>The <strong>Miss Universe 2025</strong> delegates were officially welcomed in Thailand on Wednesday. Representing the Philippines, <strong>Ahtisa Manalo </strong>captivated attention in a white gown by renowned Filipino designer <strong>Mark Bumgarner</strong>.</p><div><br/></div><p>The 28-year-old beauty queen radiated confidence as she graced the stage during the pageant’s welcoming ceremony. Her asymmetrical gown featured clean lines and subtle cut-outs, perfectly balancing modern sophistication with classic femininity. Complementing her look, Ahtisa wore pearl drop earrings and a necklace from <strong>Jewelmer</strong>, both adding a soft glint to her minimalist ensemble.</p><div><br/></div><p>In an exclusive interview with <strong>Metro</strong>, designer Mark Bumgarner shared his inspiration behind the piece.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762418500099Ahtisa Manalo at the Welcoming Ceremony 3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Ahtisa Manalo at the Miss Universe 2025 welcoming ceremony | Photo from @themissuniverseph on Instagram</span></span></span></div><p>“When Ahtisa Manalo and her stylist, Patty Yap, approached me to create a look for her Miss Universe wardrobe, my immediate instinct was: white, simple, elegant. I was told it would be for a close-up setting, so the construction had to be impeccable—something quietly striking when seen at arm’s length.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:910px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762418546657Ahtisa Manalo at the Welcoming Ceremony 2 (1).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Ahtisa Manalo at the Miss Universe 2025 welcoming ceremony | Photo from @themissuniverseph on Instagram</span></span></span></div><p>He added that the design drew inspiration from the movement of ocean waves, with curved lines on the waist and bodice mirroring rolling tides, symbolizing both the Philippine islands and Ahtisa’s journey in Miss Universe.</p><div><br/></div><p>“The cut-outs were placed with precision to suggest the idea of skin without ever needing to fully reveal it,” Bumgarner explained. “Overall, this gown reflects the essence of a Mark Bumgarner piece: beauty in restraint, purity in structure, and quiet, regal confidence.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:910px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762418575617Ahtisa Manalo at the Welcoming Ceremony 1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Ahtisa Manalo at the Miss Universe 2025 welcoming ceremony | Photo from @themissuniverseph on Instagram</span></span></span></div><p>With her understated yet refined appearance, Ahtisa Manalo continues to embody the modern Filipina on the global stage: graceful, self-assured, and effortlessly timeless.</p>

<p>Hear from the designer Mark Bumgarner himself!</p>

Hear from the designer Mark Bumgarner himself!

Metro Exclusive: The Story Behind Ahtisa Manalo's Swan-Like Opening Ceremony Gown For Miss Universe 2025

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Metro Exclusive: The Story Behind Ahtisa Manalo's Swan-Like Opening Ceremony Gown For Miss Universe 2025

Ysabella Bautista

Published November 06, 2025 05:00 PM PHT

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Updated November 06, 2025 05:02 PM PHT

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