Michelle Dee stuns in green Mark Bumgarner gown during Miss Universe 2023 evening gown portion
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.
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.
"The homage is just the color," Bumgarner added. "It's not necessarily the look, 'cause the look is still very much inspired by Michelle's personality, which is someone who's strong and a woman who really knows what she wants."
The designer also said the emerald and black crystals to give the gown "a shine of snakeskin of a green viper; a symbol of power, wisdom, and transformation" — another ode to the "snake walk."
As she strutted onstage, the hosts mentioned that Michelle "founded multiple businesses focusing on health and multimedia creation" while finishing online Harvard University courses and "enjoys scuba diving, motocross, and martial arts" in her free time.
On November 16 (the 17th in the Philippines) will be the national costume portion, while the coronation event will be on the 18th (November 19 in the Philippines).
Each of the 84 delegates are vying to succeed Filipino-American R'Bonney Gabriel for the Miss Universe title, with Michelle hoping to win the Philippines' fifth-ever crown.
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