Designer of Pia Wurtzbach's iconic blue gown to head Nat'l Gift Auction

Designer Albert Andrada, who designed Pia Wurtzbach's iconic blue evening gown in last year's Miss Universe pageant, will be heading the traditional "National Gift Auction," one of the popular pre-pageant events.

In an interview with GMA News' "News To Go" on Friday, Andrada said he will be serving as a project director of the National Gift Auction scheduled on January 23. 

 

It's about time for Filipino designers! Months before competing I thought about what change I can do to the Bb Pilipinas organization to improve and help future Miss Philippines'. It didn't take long before I made a promise to myself that after years of not really having a choice on our final look, it's about time we show a Filipino made gown. Especially at Miss Universe. Tangkilikin ang sariling atin, diba po? The story behind this evening gown is long but quite interesting. Maybe one day I can tell a more detailed story. Basically this blue @albertandrada gown almost didn't make it in time for the final night because of flight cancelations due to bad weather in Manila. But to the rescue was another Filipino designer who is based in LA, @theolivertolentino. He lent me his beautiful red gown that I wore for the preliminary competition. (Judges select top 15 to compete for final night during prelims. I wouldn't have made it this far onto the competition if I didn't pass that round.) But then this blue gown finally makes it 2 days before the final night. And with a little lambing I'm finally getting Madam Stella's (national director) permission to wear Filipino designers. Years of saving my brownie points from Madam Stella and she finally agreed. But on one condition, "Just make sure you win." ???? After all the drama and getting doubted for my color of choice, I stood by my gut feel and advanced to the next round ????????Wahey! #pressurenamansimadam #challengeaccepted #luckycolor ????

A photo posted by Pia Wurtzbach | Miss Universe (@piawurtzbach) on

Dec 20, 2016 at 11:14pm PST

In the National Gift Auction, the Miss Universe candidates will be presenting gifts they brought from their own countries. These gifts will be auctioned for charity.

The works of Filipino designers will be worn by the Miss Universe candidates during the event.

Andrada said that he is thrilled to be part of the Miss Universe pageant this way, as this is an avenue for Filipino fashion design to be showcased.

The event also recognizes Women of Excellence, which Andrada elaborated as "honoring Filipinas who gave pride and honor to the Philippines."

"They're empowered women," he added. "That's what Miss Universe is all about." — AT/VVP, GMA News