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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Here's the story behind Pia Wurtzbach's look seen on 'Drag Race Philippines'

Here's the story behind Pia Wurtzbach's look seen on 'Drag Race Philippines'

Published Sep 8, 2022 12:31 pm

Fashion designer Jot Losa’s take on Pia’s winning Miss Universe look

“Drag Race Philippines” has truly captured the Filipino audience’s heart with its depiction of local gay culture and quirks. In its fifth episode, the local franchise of “Rupaul’s Drag Race” put the spotlight on Filipinos' passion for beauty contests through its main challenge wherein the show’s drag contestants portray different beauty candidate stereotypes. Joining host Paolo Ballesteros and judges KaladKaren, Rajo Laurel, and Jiggly Caliente in the episode is none other than Miss Universe 2015 herself, Pia Wurtzbach.

Photos from Jot Losa/Instagram

During her appearance on the show, Pia made a charming homage to her Miss Universe journey by wearing a look reminiscent of the blue evening gown she wore back in 2015. The original dress was designed by Albert Andrada. Inspired by the Manila Bay, the royal blue gown features folds of fabric at the bottom mimicking the calm waves of the bay and glimmering linear designs at the back that are based on the beautiful sunset seen along Roxas Blvd. In order to recreate the now iconic look, Pia and her stylist Adrianne Concepcion worked with fashion designer Jot Losa. And the result is just as divine as Albert’s gown. 

“If I remember it correctly, we had less than a week to finish the costume including fittings because Pia only had a few days to stay in Manila for work,” Jot tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “It was a collaborative effort with Pia herself and Adrianne, her stylist. They threw in suggestions on how they wanted the final look.”

Jot’s design features the same color and neckline as the original dress. The designer played with proportion, and instead of making it a long gown, Jot crafted a double-breasted suit mini dress with sculptural sleeves and a dramatic train. Finishing the look is a Dennis Celestial headpiece inspired by the Diamonds International Corporation crown.

“Since it’s a reimagination of Pia’s iconic blue gown, we stayed true to the details and elements of Tito Albert Andrada’s creation,” Jot muses. “We had the same neckline reminiscent of the original. The back reveals opulent details made of beads, sequins, and crystals, representing the sun rising in the middle of a serene blue sea. Since she will be sitting as a judge, we placed the multiple folds or structural draping, originally found at the hem of the skirt and inspired by the fins of the different beautiful fishes found in Philippine waters, on her sleeves to create volume and drama.”

This reimagined look is definitely fit for a Miss Universe!

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