Newly crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Elisa Gray was definitely on fire during the coronation night Monday, what with her powerful walks and stunning outfits that paid tribute to the Filipino heritage—most notably was her vibrant red and orange evening gown.
The 24-year-old beauty queen paid homage to her home province, Albay, with her sparkling crimson gown designed to resemble the lava that flows down Mayon Volcano.
Mak Tumang, in his Facebook post, shared the floor-sweeping number was indeed inspired by the active volcano.
“The prominent and iconic Mayon Volcano is the penultimate inspiration for this creation. It is dubbed as the ‘perfect cone’ because of its symmetric conical form,” said Tumang.
He added, “Folktales have it that it was named after the mythological heroine ‘Daragang Magayon’ (Beautiful Lady). Despite its pulchritude is the fact that it is the most active volcano in the Philippines erupting numerous times in the past half a millennium.
“Catriona can be considered as the modern-day Daragang Magayon. She embodies the Filipina’s beauty, intelligence, and burning passion. This lady is definitely on fire! Watch her erupt right before your very eyes and let the lava of grace, goodness, and hope flow.”
In an Instagram post, she posted late Monday evening, Gray said she wore red because when she was 13, her mom said she had a dream that she would win Miss Universe in a red dress.