Michelle Dee says Apo Whang-Od knew the now-iconic Miss Universe 2023 gown was inspired by her

Michelle Dee may not have brought home the crown, but she definitely stole the heart of many pageant fans across the world with her performance.

Her black Mark Bumgarner evening gown has made the rounds on social media, with plenty FIlipinos taking inspiration from it and Harper's Bazaar Arabia including it in its list of best fashion moments from the Miss Universe pageant. 

The gown, inspired by Apo Whang-Od, was such a blockbuster that the Miss Universe Philippines organization even released an explainer to inform what the patterns of Michelle's dress meant.  

On "Unang Hirit" Monday, the Kapuso beauty queen said Whang-Od knew about about the dress.

"Alam niya that my gown was inspired by her," Michelle said. She explained they were supposed to meet sometime in early October, but "it was just the schedule and logistics, I couldn't make it."

"Pero magkikita kami," Michelle continued.

Michelle gave full credit to Mark Bumgarner and his team for creating the now-iconic gown. "Sila yung nag-present ng ideas sa akin," she shared.

The Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 finisher shared they "had around 10 sketches" for the gowns and "dialed it down to two concepts." 

“What we wanted from Day 1 is to really take inspiration from iconic women,” she added. 

Previously, Michelle said Apo Whang-Od has achieved global recognition and symbolizes timeless beauty, coinciding with the recent Miss Universe changes, including lifting age restrictions, championing inclusivity, and challenging age stereotypes.

Her gown was a tribute to a "legendary Filipina who has become an icon, preserving the rich cultural heritage of indigenous tattoo art."

"This evening gown draws inspiration from the icon, with every stitch crafted passionately and proudly dedicated to our country," she wrote.

Michelle ended her Miss Universe 2023 journey in the Top 10. She also took home four special awards, including the pageant's "Voice for Change" video competition with her advocacy for autism awareness.

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News