Asia Rose Simpson dazzles at Miss World in Filipino designs

The Philippines’ Asia Rose Simpson has been capturing the attention of fans who are following this year’s staging of the Miss World pageant in Vietnam with the help of an impeccable wardrobe consisting of outfits made by Filipino designers.

At the opening ceremony where the 111 delegates appeared in Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese attire, the ladies returned onstage in glamorous gowns of their choice, and Simpson opted for a fully embellished lavender number by Ryan Ablaza Uson.

The show-stopping piece by one of the country’s most prolific pageant wardrobe designers employed a halter neck with a ruffled train. Matching fingerless gloves completed the look.

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She then slipped into a pristine white “terno” devoid of any embellishments when she received her official sash. The Pablo Ragay-Cabahug creation had strategically placed ruching on the bodice as the main design element.

“Stepping onto the stage, I carry the bayanihan spirit–the unity of my country and my people. Philippines, oh beautiful Pearl of the Orient, I am proud to represent you to the world stage!” Simpson posted on social media when she shared photos that showed the details of the immaculate dress.

She wore earrings from Filipino accessories designer Christopher Munar and stepped in heels by international Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais to finish both looks.

The 18-year-old American-Filipino youth advocate has also been delivering impeccable fashion even for the less glitzy affairs of the pageant, such as the golden yellow jumpsuit by Pablo Ragay-Cabahug, and the structured pink frock by Lj Boiser.

Simpson is competing for the Philippines’ second “blue crown” at this year’s competition. It has been 13 years since another American-Filipino contender, actress Megan Young, posted the country’s first victory in 2013.

The 73rd Miss World Festival, marking the international pageant’s 75th anniversary, will conclude at a coronation show in the coastal resort city of Nha Trang on Sept. 5. /ra