Opal Suchata made it to the Top 5 of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in a Filipino-designed gown.
The stunning gold and white dress by Rian Fernandez, dubbed “Queen’s Wings of Triumph,” is a tribute to Thep Kinnaree, a half-human, half-swan in Thai mythology.
The pattern of its skirt “glides beautifully with every step, evoking the fluid elegance of a swan,” according to a post on Fernandez’s Instagram page.
Fernandez is known to many as the designer behind the evening gown of Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, who made history as the first Filipino-American to win the crown.
This year’s Miss Universe pageant, which was held in Mexico over the weekend, was won by Victoria Theilvig of Denmark.
The Philippines’ Chelsea Manalo placed in the Top 30 and was given the Miss Universe Asia title.