Kapuso star Gaea Mischa paid homage to the iconic National Costume of former Miss Universe contestant MJ Lastimosa, leaving the pageant world abuzz with admiration.
Gaea Mischa’s Halloween costume closely resembled the unforgettable gown that MJ Lastimosa wore during the 2014 Miss Universe pageant. The uncanny resemblance did not go unnoticed by both pageant enthusiasts and the general public.
Naurrrrrrrrrrr😂 https://t.co/hr0jjhdInR
— MJ Lastimosa (@MJ_Lastimosa) October 22, 2023
MJ Lastimosa, the beauty queen herself, was highly amused by the Halloween homage. Addressing past critics who had polarizing opinions about her National Costume, designed by Colombian designer Alfredo Barraza, MJ shared her humorous take on the situation. Her gown had received mixed reactions, with some likening it to a flamboyant birthday cake, while others celebrated its extravagant design.
Nananahimik na daw si Barraza sa Colombia mga mariiiii https://t.co/6GvsTXIfv5
— MJ Lastimosa (@MJ_Lastimosa) October 22, 2023
Gaea Mischa’s bold choice of Halloween attire captured the public’s imagination and earned her widespread praise for creatively channeling MJ’s National Costume. Her unique tribute at the Sparkle Spell ball event became a social media sensation, attracting a significant following.
In an Instagram post, Mischa credited the inspiration for her costume: “For tonight’s Sparkle Spell ball, I’m channeling my inner @mj_lastimosa in her most iconic National Costume gown in the history of Miss Universe. Styling by @omarsantossali.”
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Criticism of MJ Lastimosa’s National Costume in 2014 sparked debates, with detractors suggesting that the extravagant design may have influenced her performance in the Miss Universe competition. The gown was crafted by Alfredo Barraza, a renowned Colombian designer. At the time, Stella Marquez-Araneta, the Chair Director of Binibining Pilipinas, clarified the decision to choose a foreign designer for the outfit.
Araneta explained that they sought a foreign designer due to their dissatisfaction with local designs submitted. In hindsight, it is evident that MJ Lastimosa’s National Costume, whether celebrated or critiqued, has cemented its place in the history of Philippine pageantry.
MJ Lastimosa enthusiastically shared and reposted photos and news articles related to Gaea Mischa’s homage to her iconic gown on her Instagram story, appreciating the tribute and its impact on the public.
