MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee capped off the preliminary round of the 72nd Miss Universe competition in El Salvador with a stunning pasarela during the evening gown portion.
Michelle had a strong start when she introduced herself as "Michelle Marquez Dee" and using "Filipinas," further extending her distinction wearing a red one-piece during the swimsuit portion.
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Polishing the preliminary performance was Michelle donning an emerald gown designed by Mark Bumgarner, accuentated to a greater extent with her "air walk" — an improvement on her "snake walk" during the national pageant inspired by her mother Melanie Marquez.
The gown itself was a tribute to Marquez, who also wore green when she was crowned Miss International 1979, one of the many aspects Michelle's performance paid homage to legacy.
Bumgarner explained that the fully encrusted dress is composed of 30,000 Swarovski crystals, coming in three shades of emerald green contrasted with black ones.