Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray walked down the Miss Universe stage for the last time as she crowned her successor Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi on Monday (Manila Time).
Gray thanked her fans and her family for believing in her and how she was given the opportunity to promote her advocacies during her one year reign as Miss Universe.
“To beloved Philippines, isang karangalan po ito, you endlessly inspired me and believed in me,” Gray said.
Pampanga-based designer Mak Tumang took to social media the inspiration behind Gray’s final walk gown. Tumang was the same designer of Gray’s remarkable ‘Lava or Mayon’ gown during last year’s coronation night.
“The creation’s inspiration stems from the vision of the Philippine Eagle flying over the flawless turquoise seas embracing our archipelago. Despite its mighty ability to soar up high far beyond the clouds, it could still manage to look down until the point of reflecting itself on the shiny waters. This display of both might & humility is the call each of us heeds,” Tumang posted.
The gown was named ‘reflection’ according to Tumang.
“As a nation, we are to have a steadfast spirit yet we also take a moment to journey within ourselves. By doing so, we could be able to mirror the beauty that is within us, to mirror what is true and just and to mirror the light which illuminates our path. Silay; to mirror, Pagbubulay; to introspect – the Filipino nation’s moment of reflection,” he added.
