Behind Miss World Megan Young's dress is Francis Libiran

Francis Libiran has gained new acclaim since designing the victory dress Megan Young wore in this year’s Miss World competition. 

 

But he has steadily been making his mark in the fashion scene all these years. An architecture graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, Libiran decided to follow his childhood dream—to work in fashion—after working in an architectural firm for years.

He has built a loyal following and counts among those he dressed the likes of American supermodel Tyra Banks. Last year, Libiran became one the featured designers on America's Next Top Model.

 

The design genius took some time off from his travels through Japan and the US to dish out on the whole whirlwind surrounding Megan Young's win and the dress that made it happen.

 

Q: What qualities of Megan did you keep in mind while designing the dress?

 

Libiran: Megan Young is the epitome of true Filipina beauty. Physically, I considered the color of her skin, her facial features and her body figure. She’s sexy indeed, but her personality is also one to consider. 

 

Megan, whether you know her in person or not, is confident and has an overall positive outlook. She knows what she wants and is firm on getting it. 

 

I wanted to create a gown that reflected her—a Filipina who wanted to bring glory to her country. I also wanted the gown to reflect the simplicity of Megan Young—the simplicity of Filipinos. We are known for being simple yet exquisite. The gown, if I may say so myself, show these qualities, a beauty with a purpose.

Q: What inspired you to do the coral reef pattern on her dress?

 

Libiran: I knew that Megan Young would represent the Philippines in a pageant where 137 countries will compete for the crown. I took it as an opportunity not just to expose Megan’s beauty, but the Philippines’ wealth when it comes to artistry and natural resources. 

 

I knew that the sea plume pattern would accentuate the dress. I used the design to highlight Megan’s figure along with the hugging fit of the gown itself.

 

Q: Can you take us through the creation of the dress?

 

Libiran: Every gown that I make has its own set of reasons, including Megan’s. From the material I use to the color I pick and the cut I will make. 

 

From our first meeting, Megan and I decided to use a color with a sweet tone, so we came up with the color coral. 

 

The gown is made with tulle fabric that was layered almost eight times to silhouette and highlight her perfect curves and figure. The serpentine cut on the other hand, emphasized her height and made her look more statuesque. 

 

It took me about two weeks to make Megan’s gown. Every detail on it was intricately placed by hand and we made sure that the fit was perfect.

 

Q: Were there any memorable moments during the design process?

 

Libiran: The whole design process was a memorable experience. To think that I were to design a gown that the representative of the Philippines will wear in the Miss World pageant was such an honor. 

 

Q: How did you feel when you saw Megan in the gown in the Miss World pageant? What were you doing at that moment?

 

Libiran: I was really nervous several days before the competition. I was excited to see Megan stand out in the gown I designed. 

 

I was in a party during the pageant but I already saw Megan in the dress prior because I saw rehearsal pictures that morning on the internet. 

 

I felt proud and honored, especially when she won. I felt really happy, not just because she was wearing my gown at that time, but because she did it!

She won the crown for our country. I was so proud. Parang when the previous Ms. World turned over the crown to Megan, parang kinoronahan na rin ako. I was really proud and happy. I think I’ll feel that way for a really long time.

 

Q: What will happen to the dress now?

 

Libiran: Not only is the gown a part of Philippine history, it’s also a part of Megan’s personal achievements.

Of course, it’s hers to keep. I know that it will be a perfect remembrance for her along with the crown. —KG, GMA News