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Miss Universe Nigeria’s winning national costume was made by a Filipino designer
Eighty lovely ladies walked the 2021 Miss Universe stage, but it was Miss Nigeria Maristella Okpala who took home Best National Costume.
The candidate stole the show in an eye-catching “Mmanwa” look inspired by a famous traditional masquerade of a southeastern tribe in Nigeria.
The ensemble features a three-foot tribal mask with a colorful cape and colorful patterns and embellishments that “portray the african dashiki which offers a visual appeal and forms meant to invoke the ancestral spirits.”
The costume was created by Filipino designer Kennedy Jhon Gasper, who notably also made the incredible “Lioness” ensemble worn by Miss Universe Cameroon 2020 Kossinda Angeles at the last Miss Universe pageant.
According to Kennedy, the costume was made with African beads, stones, and crafts. "This costume pays attention to the strong will of women in attaining what ever height they want to attain, no matter the challenges faced while reaching their desired goals," he wrote on Instagram.
On Facebook, Kennedy posted a photo of his creation on Miss Nigeria and expressed his disbelief.
"Thank you Lord!" He began crying out in gratitude.
"Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala talaga. Umiiyak ako kanina habang kayakap si mama," he said, thanking everybody who took the time to congratulate him.
The Miss Universe 2021 crown went to Harnaaz Sandhu of India, with Miss Paraguay and Miss South Africa as 1st and 2nd runner-up.
The Philippines’ out and proud bet Bea Luigi Gomez climbed all the way up to the Final 5 but failed to make the Top 3. — LA, GMA News
