Here's How Rabiya's National Costume Made A Lasting Impression In The Miss Universe Pageant And The Filipinos

Rabiya Mateo left her fans bright-eyed and bushy-tailed after walking the Miss Universe stage with her Victoria Secret-esque national costume by the late avant-garde designer Rocky Gathercole. The feathered blue and red ensemble was the final masterpiece of Rocky, inspired by our very own Philippine flag. Every single detail on this costume, from the stones to the feathers, were all designed and created by him before his passing. It would be a complete understatement to describe this Filipino masterpiece without giving full credit to Rocky and his atelier. 

Fashion stylists Rain Dagala and Em Millan further explained in their look book that they were incredibly honored to have Rocky design Rabiya's Philippine flag-inspired ensemble for one of the most important stages in the Miss Universe competition. It was definitely a no-brainer for them to incorporate the quintessential symbol of our identity as Filipinos in Rabiya's costume. 

Rabiya also donned a pair of show-stopping mis-matched heels from shoe couturier and bag designer Nere Ku. Ku has worked as a set designer for internationally known Filipino designers Michael Cinco, Furne Amato, Ezra Santos, Albert Andrada and Francis Libiran. His crystallized gladiator heels added another level of power in Rabiya's national costume. A killer in impact, height, and design, those heels are definitely made to be worn by a queen!

With Rocky Gathercole's Philippine flag-inspired ensemble and Nere Ku's crystallized gladiator heels, there's no doubt that Rabiya has already left a lasting impression in the Miss Universe stage. 

If you need a quick recap of ALL the ensembles she wore for this competition, make sure check out our exclusive interview with Fashion Stylists Rain and Em here.