I was also got excited when last 19th of January when 29-candidates of Miss Universe flew to Davao City and had a chance to wear the gorgeous dresses for the Mindanao Tapestry Show held at SMX Convention Center Davao SM Lanang.
All designed by renowned Filipino Fashion Designers, the dresses are proudly showcased in a runway, making the world to see the beauty of the traditional weaving, created by the women of native tribes in Mindanao, painstakingly weaving the fabric for 3 to 15 days, depends on the stitches and designs of the fabric.
Yes it is a tough job and these native women are geniuses in creating these fabric. I myself got to awe when I met some of the weavers back in 2016 during the Manila FAME Exhibition I’ve attended. And I’ve seen that it is difficult to make.
If you find crocheting and cross-stitching are difficult, then traditional weaving is 5 times fold difficult!
Traditional weaving in Mindanao dates back hundreds of years ago, and I am so happy to witness their hands doing the magic. I also wished that this tradition wouldn’t vanished in our memory and hoping that the new generations of weavers will continue the traditions.
Their methods are divine, and I find their skills as a precious gift from nature.
And these gorgeous candidates are also lucky to wear these stunning dresses created by Filipino talents.
The fashion show was held at SMX Convention Center feauted the 6 looks representing the Six (6) regions of Mindanao: T'boli Weaves, Indigenous Cross-Stitches, Yakan Weaves, Tribal Weaves of Bukidnon, Royal Garb of Mandaya Tribe, and Inaul Ball Gowns of Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
Inaul Ball Gowns of Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
Inaul is a Maguindanaoan hand-woven fabric/textile which is traded and is worn by contemporary women in predominantly Muslim communities as well as the royalties and other people from many walks of life in their various social functions. It usually take 3-15 days to finish an Inaul fabric depending on the complexity of the design and pattern.
The Mindanao people are very and ecstatic during this fashion show including these ten (10) Davao-based designers are very proud, namely; Alfonso Boy Guinoo, Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Egay Ayag, Benjie Panizales, Edgar Buyan, Wilson Limon, Silverio Anglacer, and Kenny Ladaga.
And these ladies – Miss USA Deshauna Barber, Miss Switzerland Dijana Cvijetic, Miss India Roshmitha Harimurthy, Miss Bulgaria Violina Ancheva, Miss Sierra Leone Hawa Kamara, Miss Paraguay Andrea Melgarejo, Miss Tanzania Jihan Dimack, Miss Myanmar Htet Htet Htun, Miss Hungary Veronika Bodizs, and Miss Philippines Maxine Medina wore their designs.
Of course the renowned Filipino Fashion designer and legend Mother Renee Salud also showcased her gorgeous designed dresses, and proudly modelled by Miss Argentina Estefania Bernal, Miss Belgium Stephanie Gelfdof, Miss China Li Zhenying, Miss Ecuador Connie Jimenez, Miss Kazakhstan Darina Kulsitova, Miss Mexico Kristal Silva, Miss Russia Yuliana Korolkova, Miss Ukraine Alena Spodynyuk, Miss Czech Republic Andrea Bezdekova, Miss Guyana Soyini Fraser, Miss Honduras Sirey Moran, Miss Singapore Cheryl Chou, Miss Slovak Republic Zuzana Kollarova, Miss Turkey Tansu Cakir, Miss Venezuela Mairam Habach, Miss Indonesia Kezia Warouw, Miss Namibia Lizelle Esterhuizen, and Miss Nigeria Unoaku Anyadike.
Pardon me, but they all looked like the living Barbie dolls walking around with these gorgeous dresses on the runway. The designed are exquisite, one of a kind and fit for these ladies representing their countries all over the world.
Photo credits: Philip Cuison Photography
*****
64th Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach crowning the 65th Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere
BTW, Congratulations to Miss France Iris Mittenaere for winning this year’s crown!
Lesson learned from Iris: When you failed, stand up and elevated yourself, and keep on moving.
xoxo, Blair
Wow the outfits are so stunning and a lot of the print reminds me of print that I bought in Ghana and had dresses made with. The women all look amazing and I would love to see this live!
ReplyDeleteThey are all gorgeous Sheri, and also the textiles that was been used for these dresses, all handmade!
DeleteThis tapestry is absolutely gorgeous, I've never seen anything like it!
ReplyDeletexo, Helene
www.circleskirtsandpetticoats.wordpress.com
Thank you dear! Only here in the Philippines :)
DeleteThat's so amazing! My father was born in Surigao City on Mindanao. I'm so happy to see that designers from the Philippines got to participate in an event that has so much exposure.
ReplyDeleteYes and I am happy too! There are many instances that the designers in the main city are always presented. And this time is the best chance to showcase the talents from Mindanao. I am proud to be a Filipino :D
DeleteOh my, how can one not fall in love with these tapestry gowns? I am happy for the Philippines for this opportunity to promote the country further in the global arena.
ReplyDeleteYes, and we've received many positive feedback. The people push their efforts to welcome the guests and we are happy with their feedbacks.
DeleteWow! All of them are so so gorgeous. Congrats to Miss France.
ReplyDeleteNow she will enjoy the awesome perks of being the Queen - chic New York apartment, lots of clothes, shoes, OMG most of the ladies wants!
DeleteWhat gorgeous dresses. I absolutely LOVE all the different colors. All these ladies are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! Keep on browsing for more Philippine fashion.
DeleteAbsolutely loved all their outfits on the platform. And I do agree with you on the barbie doll part- they look stunning on overall :)
ReplyDeleteOh I wish that Miss Universe Organization should make a Barbie doll memorabilia :)
DeleteGosh, those are really pretty pieces. Now i wish i own one tapestry dress of my own T.T
ReplyDeleteHello Aliza,
DeleteWhen you visit the Philippines, you may add Davao City to your itinerary and visit the local weavers :)
I must say, I am proud to be from Mindanao, These dresses they are wearing are so gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWow that's awesome, Anna! Which part of Mindanao are you?
DeleteThose dresses are gorgeous. I had no idea there was so much work that it takes days to make but making things with intricate detail and by hand explains it.
ReplyDeleteHello Rose,
DeleteYah that's why we treasure these kind of textiles :) Time and sweat have capitalized just to make these gorgeous dresses.
Those dresses are so beautiful! It's amazing to see how they make them all by hand.
ReplyDeleteHello Brenda,
DeleteIf I could afford these dresses, I will definitely buy one and wear it proudly.
I love watching all the fashion during the Miss Universe Pageant. They always look so beautiful. I love the lesson learned from Iris, to elevate yourself with you feel like you've failed.
ReplyDeleteYeah and I believe Iris will inspire many people in the world. The Filipinos love her!
Deleteomg!!!! i love love love their dresses!!! i didn't get the chance to watch it live.. must catch a repeat!
ReplyDeleteThere will be a replay too! Stand-by for the schedule :)
DeleteThe gowns are gorgeous! The look like couture gowns!! They are so colorful and fit each contestant so well. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeth || www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Thank you Beth! I applaud for these ladies for wearing the Filipino designed dresses :)
DeleteOmg every last contestant looked fabulous!!!! Just love that whole look they went with the dreses
ReplyDeleteExactly Courtneylynne! And they are all smart too :)
DeleteIf Scarlett O'Hara could do it, why not models. I like some of these. A few are a bit humorous.
ReplyDeleteHahaha yeah, its because that's the traditional wear of early Filipinos, with feathers and stuffs.
DeleteThank you so much for showing us behind-the-scenes at the pageant and the workshops that construct these beautiful works of art! The workmanship and time that must go into every piece is so impressive. What a beautiful culture!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear, hope you could visit the Philippines too and experience our beautiful cultures and traditions.
DeleteI loved those Inaul Ball Gowns! Each piece looks so vibrant and colorful and all the ladies look like princesses wearing them!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ana,
DeleteThe women weavers are very happy that their creations are being modelled by these gorgeous ladies.
Wow! The process to make these. Incredible! They are all stunning. Thank you for pictures of the gowns. The colors are exquisite. I love this!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for visiting me website. Truly I appreciate it :)
Deletethose outfits were definitely stunning... i would love to be able to get one of those dresses....
ReplyDeleteMe to Meira! I would be one of the happiest lady in my city :)
DeleteThese dresses are absolutely gorgeous and so intricate. These women did an amazing job making them!
ReplyDeleteThank you Danielle!
DeleteI hope that these fabric will be known globally.
Wow, what an amazing fashion event! All ladies look like princesses in these marvelous dresses! Filipino fashion designers are so talented! I wish I watched the show live!
ReplyDeleteHello Eugenia,
DeleteYeah they are all beautiful and the designer are truly talented. I wish that more Filipino fashion designers will be recognized outside the country. We have so much to offer to the fashion world.
These tapestry looks so stunning on the Miss Universe candidates and I dont know it takes so long and so much effort to make. Wish the new generations will continue creating beautiful tapestry and keep the weaving tradition going.
ReplyDeleteYes, to new generations especially their kids are learning the crafts.
DeleteThe dresses were stunning. I enjoyed seeing the various mixes of colors and textures.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Danay :)
DeleteSo much detail and beauty!!! I absolutely love every single piece! So breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I wish to visit Davao and have one of this dresses!
DeleteThe images and dresses are so beautiful, thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Helen, please feel free to navigate our website for more fashion tips!
Deletewow this is so intricate must be taking so much time to make a full gown! very beautiful craft!
ReplyDeleteyes that is why I gave huge respect to the local craftswomen :)
DeleteThe dresses are gorgeous! I wish I could wear them too hehe
ReplyDeleteHello Dear!
DeleteOMG Me too! But I heard that the fabric is quite heavy, but I don't mind. I just want to try it on. If only I could rent that one :)
Wow the dresses are just so gorgeous and detailed. I wish I could play dress up and wear this!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that I could volunteer as a living model for a day just to have an opportunity to wear these amazing dresses!
Deletebeautiful women. so nicely taken pictures as well. My first time to your blog and I already like it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Isaac! I wish am one of the ladies, LOL
DeleteSuch beauty in all the pictures you've shared. I love the creativity of all of their outfits!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jay! Yeah the local woman who painstakingly weave those fabrics are the true heroes :D
DeleteOh wow! Those are stunning pieces!
ReplyDeleteI agree! I hope that our Philippine traditional fabrics will be recognized worldwide. We have many talents waiting to be discovered!
DeleteWow, those are gorgeous - the designs are so intricate! I loved the ball gowns best, personally - they really showed off the fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Brandi, OMG I want to wear these dresses AF
DeleteThose dresses are all so beautiful! I love the story behind them as well!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jessi! There will be many dresses I will share very soon so stay tuned :D
DeleteI am drooling over these fashions. They are truly works of art.
ReplyDeleteThank you Helene! What's your top 3 favourites? :)
Deletei think what i like more about the outfits that the candidates are wearings def are the colors and texture. they represent something and i love that, how it looks so cultural
ReplyDeleteThe moment you wear a dress that is being created by local weavers and spend days to finished, it was magical :) I admire them all!
DeleteAll the collections are so beautiful! I love the vibrant colors and cool prints.
ReplyDeleteI agree Glenda.
DeleteThese kind of dresses are not just piece of clothing - these are work of art and best treasured!
Wow absolutely gorgeous dresses. Having been in pageants myself, it's always nice to have beautiful clothes to show off.
ReplyDeleteSo true Kimberly! Nothings more exciting than wearing your favorite dress and walk like you own the runway :)
DeleteWhat a fantastic post and a fabulous event! i love all the wonderful designs and colours, and the beautiful ladies!
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna!
DeleteI hope that these ladies will come back here in the Philippines because my people love them all :)
Oh my goodness, there are so many gorgeous gowns created from the tapestries that the weavers in Mindanao! These women are so very talented!
ReplyDeleteHello Jessica,
DeleteYeah and even am a crafter myself I could never create such beautiful fabrics like these. I need many years of experiences! They are all Masters.
These are some beautiful dresses! One would looked dressed to the nines if they wore one on a cruise ship!
ReplyDeletelol so true... I will feel like royalty if I have a chance to wear one of these gorgeous dresses.
DeleteWow! These dresses are amazing and absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing how they are made.
ReplyDeleteyour are welcome and thank you for visiting my page!
DeleteWow those tapestry pieces are beautiful! I could only imagine how difficult it is to create all the different patterns.
ReplyDeleteYou have to sit all day and night in front of the weaving loom :)
DeleteThese creations are simply stunning! I can't decide on a favorite one, but I can say that the long dresses are awesome <3
ReplyDeleteThank you Ruxandra! They are also my favorites!
DeleteWow, what stunning looks! They really do look like Barbie Dolls.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Shelby! These ladies from different countries shows their full support for this initiative.
DeleteWOW gorgeous the women and the dresses. I can't imagine the detail that has to go into creatin gsuch beautiful clothing
ReplyDeleteThe details and patterns makes these dresses luxurious!
DeleteI love love love this! I think that fashion designers should try to do this more, especially when it is their own culture. It supports traditional textiles, and keeps the culture alive, while making it modern at the same time. It is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Aireona,
DeleteNot only the designers should make the move. We us consumers should also started buying and wearing this textiles to help grow the industry.
Stunning is an understatement!!! Love, love, love and yes what a gift to have that talent!
ReplyDeleteohh thank you for you powerful comment Casey!
DeleteThose dresses are so pretty! I want a dress! I will look so hot and glamours washing dishes and changing diapers lol!
ReplyDeleteLOL That's cool Hil! No one have said we can't be look glamorous while hitting the dishes :)
DeleteThat's absolutely gorgeous! I don't think I could pull off wearing a tapestry.
ReplyDeleteOf course you can Chava. Thank you for visiting and keep on browsing my blog :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful dress collection! I love fashion shows and these were stunning :)
ReplyDeleteThey are all stunning! Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteYou will always feel this sense of pride when your country is chosen to represent something. I think these dresses are gorgeous. They deserve much recognition for the hard work that they poured into making these lovely gowns.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Elizabeth! My local women weavers are so proud that they fabrics are being known worldwide. I hope that many consumers will patronize their works too.
DeleteThose dresses are beyond beautiful. It's awesome that the Miss Universe candidates got to model them. I love that they're all handmade! So amazing!
ReplyDeleteIndeed and they are all breathtaking. Thank you so much for taking time appreciating these beautiful artworks!
DeleteWow, the dresses are so intricate and beautiful. I grew up in the Philippines so I definitely recognize some of those patterns and every time my mom visits there, she always brings me back something like that!
ReplyDeleteHello Nicole, and glad you also like the Philippine designs :)
DeleteDefinitely some beautiful fabric and outfits! They must have taken forever to make!
ReplyDeleteWell some takes 30days to finished the fabrics :) but still depending on the measurements.
DeleteSe manifique!!! what vibrant colors and creations. Great fashion choices, the photo journal and descriptions are impressive
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Enricoh!
DeleteI love how they incorporated traditional weaving into the competition! I love the big dresses that poof out.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nina! You can wear it in gala night and its a head-turner :)
DeleteI am not much into fashion but when I see your post about this, I get so interested. If I were one of those models, I would feel very lucky to have been given the opportunity to wear those impressive tapestries from Mindanao. I agree that they are indeed exotic. It is something that we Filipinos should always be proud of.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! I do hope that many Filipinos will patronize and do wear tapestries :)
DeleteWow how absolutely beautiful these dresses (and women!) are!
ReplyDeleteThank you Katriza! I find them magical!
Delete