Michelle Dee *wowed* netizens with her performance at the Miss Universe 2023 preliminary competition, from introducing herself as "Michelle Marquez Dee, Filipinas!" to nailing the evening gown portion. Showcasing her signature "Snake walk", the proud Filipina graced the stage so elegantly in an emerald green gown designed by Mark Bumgarner.
There's actually more to Michelle's bejeweled dress than meets the eye: It's a tribute to her mom, Melanie Marquez, who also wore green when she was crowned Miss International 1979.
"A tribute to a Filipina Icon, Melanie Marquez, her mom, who won Miss International 1979. This evening gown is encrusted with over 30 thousand different shades of emerald green and black Swarovski crystals," Mark wrote in an Instagram post. "I wanted it to shimmer just like a skin of a green viper; a symbol of wisdom, power, and transformation."
To reflect Michelle's cool sense of style, he added: "Cut outs are strategically placed to give it a modern touch and a cinched waist. A high neckline, power shoulders, and a column silhouette to give it an elegant look."
Did you know? Aside from Melanie, Michelle's cousin, actress-beauty queen Winwyn Marquez, also wore green when she won Reina Hispanoamericana 2017!
The 72nd Miss Universe competiton will take place on Saturday, November 18 in El Salvador. Pinoy pageant fans can tune in through A2Z Channel 11, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC. These platforms will livestream the pageant finals for free on at 9AM Philippine time on Sunday, November 19. (READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About The Miss Universe 2023 Competition)
Good luck, Michelle!
