The story behind the national costume of Rabiya Mateo
Filipina beauty queen Rabiya Mateo wore the last piece that avant-garde fashion designer Rocky Gathercole created before he died for the Miss Universe 2020 National Costume Competition.
The globally-known Filipino designer passed away at the age of 54. He was found lifeless at his home in Diliman, Quezon City on March 3, 2021. His death saddened many personalities in the fashion industry and celebrities as well. For Megastar Sharon Cuneta, it was devastating to lose a friend like the famous fashion designer.
(See: Catriona Gray Personal Top 6 In National Costume, PH Not Included)
However, before he finally bid goodbye, Rocky left a beautiful piece as he designed the national costume of the delegate of the Philippines for the 69th edition of Miss Universe.
Rabiya Mateo’s national costume was inspired by the Philippine flag. As she showcased on the stage her costume, the host for the preliminary competition explained the symbolism behind it.
The blue color represents “royalty” while the red color stands for the “courage and strength” of a woman. In Rabiya’s costume, the three stars became highlights to the blue-red outfit which means the “liberty and freedom to choose who you want to be”.
Based on the article in Pilipino Star Ngayon, it was the last project of Rocky Gathercole and it was said that Miss Universe Philippines national director Shamcey Supsup carried the “missing piece” of the national costume as a tribute for the late fashion designer.
“Noong nakita ko it’s like, fly high Philippines,” Miss Universe Philippines creative and events director Jonas Gaffud said about the piece.
It was reported previously that over 100 Pinoy designers worked together for the wardrobe of Rabiya Mateo for the duration of the Miss Universe 2020 pageant.
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