The fiery orange gown that sealed the win of Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao is meant to ‘symbolize the regal rebirth of a phoenix,’ according to its designer Rian Fernandez.
The fashion designer shared a closer look at Tiglao’s winning gown on his Instagram page on Saturday, Oct. 18. The phoenix-inspired gown features a striking orange hue, a tube neckline, strategic cut-outs adding an illusion of height, and a full circular feather cape resembling the wings of a bird.
‘This majestic custom gown by Rian Fernandez exudes queenly grandeur, crafted in a fiery burnt orange that symbolizes the regal rebirth of a phoenix returning to triumph. Every inch of the gown is meticulously hand embroidered with intricate, details that evoke flames and feathers, embodying strength, resilience, and divine authority,’ Fernandez’s post read.
According to the designer, the gown was also meant to show Tiglao as a ‘majestic [and] fierce’ queen who’s ready to take on the responsibilities of being the reigning Miss Grand International titleholder.
‘The silhouette is commanding yet graceful, designed to radiate power and grace as Queen @emmatiglao rises anew from the ashes. Complete with a full circular feather cape that billows like wings in flight, this ensemble captures the essence of a triumphant phoenix queen-majestic, fierce, and ready to reign in Miss Grand International 2025,’ he said.
Fernandez also flew to Thailand to show his support for Tiglao’s Miss Grand International journey, saying being present for the latter’s triumph is a ‘dream [he] will cherish forever.’
‘Today, my heart is overflowing with pride and gratitude as I celebrate a momentous achievement. Being the designer for Miss Grand Philippines and witnessing her crowned Miss Grand International is a dream I will cherish forever,’ he said. ‘I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me and the support from everyone along this journey.’
The designer also said Tiglao’s victory is a testament to her ‘hard work, faith, and [her] power of believing in herself.’
‘All the glory belongs to God, whose blessings made this possible. RF Atelier is so proud of you!!! Hail to the new RF Queen! This victory is a testament to hard work, faith, and the power of believing in oneself. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible chapter – my heart is full of hope and inspiration for what’s to come,’ he said.
Fernandez has made a name for himself as a beloved designer among beauty queens in the Philippines and different countries. Some of his notable works include Tiglao’s Miss Grand Philippines golden coronation number, the winning gown of Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, Tarah Valencia’s Miss Supranational 2025 waves and coral reefs-inspired gown, and Krishnah Gravidez’s Miss World Philippines 2024 gown.