Filipino fashion designer Benj Leguiab IV, who designed Miss Universe 2025 Palestine Nadeen Ayoub‘s evening gown, was spotted backstage lending a hand to Philippine bet Ahtisa Manalo with her fittings.
On Wednesday, November 19, the designer shared a video of Ahtisa trying on her evening gown for the Miss Universe 2025 preliminaries, describing the moment as a chance encounter.
“Buti na lang nakita ko ang Reyna sa backstage,” Benj wrote in a Facebook post, geotagging at Bangkok, Thailand, where the 74th edition of the prestigious beauty pageant will be held.
“Ang elegant ng gown niya, nagkataong nasa back tage ako at tinulungan ko magsara ng zipper, ang hirap isara [kasi] corset, then, tinulungan na namin hanggang sa shoes,” he added.
“And congrats, Mak Tumang, sa napakagandang gown!” Benj said, tagging the account of his fellow designer.
Benj designed the evening gown of Nadeen, a yellow ensemble fully beaded with glass and Swarovski crystals, complete with a flowing cape.
He shared that the gown was “inspired by the sun and the phoenix,” adding that it reflects “strength, renewal, and the light of Palestine.”
“A sunrise of hope, peace, and freedom,” the designer said.
Meanwhile, Ahtisa’s evening gown was a midnight blue ensemble adorned with intricate gold beadwork.
Mak Tumang, who designed the gown which he called “Pinctada,” and described it as a “gown born from the depths of the sea.”
“Draped in midnight blue and gilded with gold, it draws inspiration from Pinctada maxima. The silhouette glows with sunburst-like rays, a nod to the iconic Miss Universe crown,” he said in post.
Apart from Benj, another Filipino fashion designer involved in Miss Universe 2025 is Patrick Isorena, who created two national costumes for other candidates.
Ahtisa is vying for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown, with the coronation scheduled in Thailand on Friday, November 21.