Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray poses for a photo before her contract-signing with ABS-CBN Books for her writing debut ‘Conquering Your Universe.’ Michael Bagtas, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Catriona Gray’s patriotic stylings, including her uniquely designed jewelry, were a highlight of her Miss Universe 2018 journey, prompting imitations sold online or on sidewalks.
There was also no shortage of questions about where to buy the genuine kind, every time the Filipino beauty queen proudly wore as gold or pearls or diamonds, her chosen symbolism of her home country.
The “Alab at Dangal” ear cuff she had on when was crowned Miss Universe, in particular, set off a trend among Filipinos, with the likes of singer Regine Velasquez and host Karla Estrada wearing their own in their television appearances.
Gray sported a similar ear cuff — depicting sun rays and three stars after the Philippine flag — during her earlier bid in the national Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
When Gray competed in the preliminary round of Miss Universe, she debuted her “Pearl of the Orient” dangling earrings — an homage to the national jewel, as well as the flag with its sun design.
Catriona Gray shows details of the earrings she wore during preliminary evening gown competition of Miss Universe 2018. ABS-CBN News
All three accessories were Gray’s designs, executed by Tessera Jewelry.
During her farewell walk just before crowning her successor, Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, early this week, Gray wowed her followers anew with a hand accessory also inspired by the flag. Like her previous jewelry, the piece was her original design, this time executed by Manny Halasan.
Having ended her Miss Universe reign, Gray finally has time to answer the demand for the release of her personally designed accessories.
During a media conference after her contract-signing with ABS-CBN on Thursday, Gray confirmed that she is venturing into jewelry-making, among other creative pursuits, as she builds her career in the Philippines.
“I am putting up my own jewelry line eventually,” Gray told ABS-CBN News. “I did design my cuffs, my jewelry, and my hand cuff, just to carry a little bit of Philippines with me every time I was on the international stage.”
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray takes her winning walk in that year’s pageant. Athit Perawongmetha, Reuters
“I also have some other ideas, so I am working on it now. Hopefully, I’ll be able to share that with everyone very soon,” she said.
First, Gray will pour time into her writing debut, “Conquering Your Universe,” an ABS-CBN Books collaboration about lessons from her experience as a pageant hopeful and winner.