Chelsea Fernandez proudly brought the Philippines to the global stage, winning Best National Costume at Miss Universe 2024 with her culturally rich and intricately designed ensemble.
The Philippines shone brightly at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant as Chelsea Fernandez was awarded Best National Costume. The announcement, made on Saturday, revealed a video compilation of the award’s Top 3, with Chelsea securing the top spot, followed by Chile’s Emilia Dides in second place and Vietnam’s Kỳ Duyên Nguyễn in third.
“Proudly representing their homeland! The National Costume is a way for contestants to share their country’s story, traditions, and values with the world,” Miss Universe stated, celebrating the cultural significance of the recognition.
Chelsea’s stunning costume, titled Hiraya, was a masterpiece created by Manny Halasan. It paid homage to the Philippines’ diverse religions and rich history. The intricate design featured Islamic-inspired patterns and Puni, a traditional art form from Bulacan. Central to the costume was an image of Our Lady of Antipolo, also known as Our Lady of Good Voyage. A beaded boat headpiece symbolized the Galleon trade, a pivotal era when ships from Manila to Mexico introduced global commerce to the Philippines.
Although Chelsea concluded her Miss Universe journey in the Top 30, she was later crowned Miss Universe Asia, adding another milestone to her pageant career.
This victory marks a back-to-back win for the Philippines in the Best National Costume category, following Michelle Dee’s win in 2023. The achievement underscores the nation’s commitment to showcasing its culture and artistry on the global stage.