By John Legaspi
Beauty queen Michelle Dee, the Philippine’s bet to the Miss World 2019 crown, is now in London as the search for Vanessa Ponce’s successor officially begins. Looking at Michelle’s Instagram feed, she is definitely a lover of Filipino-made fashion and indigenous textiles. From her Philippine flag-inspired suit and earth-toned ensemble both made with yakan fabric as designed by Nono Palmos to a sculptural navy blue dress made by Ador Feliciano, Michelle is representing the country with grace, style, and Filipino pride.
#MissWorld2019 Wearing a Nono Palmos suit made with handwoven fabric from Yakan weavers from Basilan, Sulu. The colors are inspired by the Philippine flag.
Congratulations on 50 years!!! 
Wearing a #NonoPalmos double breasted 'yakan' pantsuit with wide legged pants (has a matching trench coat too). The fabric is handwoven in Basilan and the buttons are made out of coconut shell., accessories by @mjorian, & styled by @francischee_
This time, Michelle takes her patriotism to the world stage with her national costume for the pageant. Dubbed as The Philippine Sun Princess, it is a state-of-the-art version of the Philippine terno, aiming to celebrate and preserve rich Filipino culture. Designed by Francis Libiran, the costume features a collar inspired by the sun insignia of the national flag, where it symbolizes optimism, positivity, and courage. It is also designed with Libiran’s flair for the art deco aesthetic.
As you all know i've been wearing an all Filipino wardrobe since i got to London but it's time to showcase my national costume for @missworld to all of you! When i first saw this I couldn't believe my eyes. @francislibiran8 really outdid himself and i'm EXTREMELY PROUD to be a Libiran baby!! Btw belated Happy Birthday! The Philippines is proud to have you as one of our own. ❤️ To everyone that made these portraits possible, THANK YOU. I remember being so sick during the days approaching my departure but we were able to power through! Thank you @victorharryhartman for spearheading all of my gowns, who can get a better best friend? @mikehellyah for taking these shots, @davequiambao_ & @iamjulyvito for dolling me up, @mikeeandrei & @francischee_ for my styling, and @aces_and_queens @artistcenter @msworldphil @joymarcelo1115 @arnold_vegafria @maruffa_beauty for taking care of me. Much much love! The design of the sun on the collar is inspired by the sun of the Philippine national flag, customized in Francis Libiran signature intricate Art Deco embroidery, which symbolizes optimism, positivity, and courage. The custom embroidery patterns are inspired by the historic Visayan tattoo called ‘Batek.’ They were found in the earliest illustrations of our Visayan warriors in the 16th-century Boxer Codex. To our ancestors, Batek symbolized bravery and triumph. #MICHELLEDEEFORTHEWORLD #MISSWORLD2019 #LabanPilipinas
The costume’s intricate embroidery is inspired by the historic Visayan tattoo called “batek,” found in the earliest illustrations from the16th-century Boxer Codex featuring the region’s warriors. Dedicated for Filipino ancestors, the batek symbolizes bravery and triumph.
Michelle is vying to win the second Miss World crown for the Philippines on Dec. 14 at ExCeL in London, United Kingdom.
See more at: Manila Bulletin
