Philippine Inspired Costume I designed at the 2015 Binibining Pilipinas USA

Of the 20 contestants from the recently concluded Binibining Pilipinas USA 2015, 4  Fil-Am ladies wore my Philippine inspired costume for the Philippine Costume Competition. I have really thought and made some research just for this competition  since its really my passion in making costumes. I really make sure that my designs are well thought and has inspiration and would suit well to the candidates.

and making sure that they have different design inspiration and materials, this is one way of showcasing my versatility as a designer and being so conceptual.

neither of the four ladies won the National Costume award, but i was so happy how my designs pop out on stage because of its colors, uniqueness and usage of indigenous materials (from the Philippines).  Its just sad that the organizer assigned 1 judge for the said segment/competition. . Its unfair on my part as a designer coz it feels like they are not so serious about this segment, having one judge does  not justify a winner. .just my thought. .

If only, organizers have thought of having 3 to 5  judges and set some criteria (for judging) in  choosing the winner, i truly believed that one of my creations will walk away with the Best National Costume award.

Anyways what is important is i received a lot of compliments from my works not only by my friends but people who does know me and have made a lot of inquiries.

Herewith are the costumes design and made for these 4 wonderful ladies. . fyi i did all the sewing, beadings and pasting myself. . .

Megan Culp wore a mindanao inspired costume in red accentuated with gold and silver trimmings and applique. Megan was every inch a muslim pprincess ready for her prince. This ensemble was accessorized with 2 big fan and an oversize head dress studded with flat pearls and colored stones.

Pauline Marantan wore a Philippine Terno ball gown in red with silver accents big sizes of clear stones and crystals in round and oblong shapes . This is a sinulog inspired costume known for its outrageous headdresses  and colorful costumes. Pauline indeed was a festival queen.

Zeleen Santos wore a Philippine Terno dress a tribute to our Philippine Sea. I used capiz shells and different sizes of pearls as accents. The aqua blue represents the clear blue waters of our philippine beaches. the crown is made up of large and small pearls to make Zeleen an elegant Philippine Sea Queen

Up close the details of this Philippine Sea inspired Terno. Photo by Marc Pijuan

Michelle Thourland wore my Ati atihan couture dress. Inspired from the Ati atihan festival of Kalibo. the materials used in this ensemble were almost natural. This cut out buri hats accentuated with stalks of grass in green to make it more natural looking. Except for the lining, materials used in this costume is all natural. .make it an echo friendly dress. The headress is a salakot acentuated with cut out buri hats grass.  and added flowers to have a statement. I intentionally did not add color on these costume as i wanted to preserve the natural color of the materials.

Special thanks to all the parents of these wonderful ladies for the trust and for believing in me.

credit to the owner of the photos