Furne One (Fernando Barrios) is one of the Dubai based well-known Filipino fashion designer. Furne One cannot stopped himself to give his opinion on the controversy of the non-Filipino dress worn by a Filipino-Arabian beauty pageant Miss Mary Jean Lastimosa in gown competition, during the 63rd Annual Miss Universe on 25th January 2015, in Miami Florida.
Many Filipinos are still not over Mary Jean Lastimosa’s loss at the last Miss Universe pageant. The Filipino beauty queen managed to secure a spot in the Top 10 but judging from the reaction on social media since the contest last week, many believe she could have advanced further — had she worn the right gown. During the competition, Lastimosa wore a creation by Colombian designer Alfredo Barazza, who has been commissioned by Binibining Pilipinas to make the gowns used by Filipino contestants to the prestigious beauty pageant for the last five years.
any Filipinos, including some of the nation’s designers, have asked why one of the nation’s many talented designers had not been commissioned. As Furne One also said that he believes Filipino designers should create the gown for their candidates [in international beauty pageants].
Lastimosa said in press interviews that she respects Binibining Pilipinas’ choice of gown and designer and she can wear any dress confidently. Binibining Pilipinas has commissioned the Colombian designer since Venus Raj (then Shamcey Supsup, Janine Tugonon and Ariella Arida). With the exception of Shamcey, all evening gowns worn during the pageant have earned the ire of Filipinos. Many attribute the runner-up finishes to the ordinary gowns that candidates have been using.
Dubai-based designer Furne One gave his take on the raging issue that has become the subject of a national debate.
The Filipino fashion designer has been making waves in the international fashion circuit and has created memorable dresses for royalty and international celebrities such as supermodel Heidi Klum, singing sensations Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, Nicole Scherzinger and Beyonce, among others.
Furne One was asked what he thought of Mary Jean Lastimosa’s performance at the 63rd Miss Universe pageant he replied that he strongly believed she had done well. She was very confident and truly represented what a Filipina beauty should be. Many were rooting for her during the preliminaries, even those from other countries. He liked that she carried herself very well on the stage, during the interviews as well as in the activities organized by the pageant.
When he was asked what he was taking on that dress, Binibining Pilipinas organisers had also drawn a lot of flak for making Mary Jean wear a “weird” national costume. He mentioned that he thought it could had been more inspired, that was the reason why he believed Filipino designers should create the better gown for their candidates- as they had the awareness of their own culture that they could use as inspiration to make something really exceptional one that would showcase the Philippines to the world. Pageants are a beautiful opportunity to showcase the diversity of cultures, the beauty of islands and people, and the colorful fiestas that they have — all these are creative sources that they could draw on to create something unique and exceptional; a gown that when people saw, they would inspire and say that is from the Philippines… it was gorgeous.
From Gulf News
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