MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines Pia Wurtzbach dazzled as she strode the stage with her long Swarovski-encrusted gown during the preliminary competition of the 64th Miss Universe pageant on December 16 (December 17 in Manila).
But did you know that the gown she was wearing is not the gown she was supposed to wear?
Apparently, Wurtzbach's team, after finding out that the original gown allegedly bought by people behind Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) did not fit her well, called the Los Angeles-based designer to ask for a decent substitute.
Thanks to the red sleeveless crepe de chine gown by Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino, Miss Universe Philippines was saved from parading the stage with an ill-fitting dress.
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Miss Universe Philippines 2015, competes on stage in her evening gown during The 2015 MISS UNIVERSE® Preliminary Show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. © Miss Universe L.P., LLLP/Darren Decker
Tolentino, despite being on vacation came to the rescue and did whatever he could to help the Philippine representative.
Of course I took their emergency call for last minute help... even while on my ski vacation in Aspen. pic.twitter.com/TyCnr3Qnls
— Oliver Tolentino (@OliverTolentino) December 16, 2015 Tolentino broke on Twitter after the competition that the red gown Pia wore at the preliminaries is one of the nine he sent to Wurzbach's team.
Pia's gown for #MissUniversePrelims was 1 she chose from 9 gowns I sent after they called me yesterday asking for emergency help with a gown
— Oliver Tolentino (@OliverTolentino) December 17, 2015 Tolentino is a couturier known for his designs that channel old Hollywood glamor through feminine detailing and strong silhouettes. His creations have been featured at the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, Grammys, SAG Awards, American Billboard Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards, Cannes Film Festival, among others.
Meanwhile, it is unknown whether she would be wearing the same Tolentino gown on Sunday. — Alixandra Caole Vila