ICYMI: Nicole Borromeo just finished third runner-up in Miss International 2023! Apart from entrancing the audience in an iridescent evening gown, she also dazzled in another jaw-dropping ensemble for the pageant's National Costume segment. Take a closer look at her costume ahead!
LOOK: Nicole Borromeo's National Costume at Miss International 2023
While Nicole's final number was designed by Furne Amato, her national costume was crafted by Cebuano designer Axel Que. When Axel shared photos of the intricate piece on Instagram, she revealed that her design was inspired by the swaki or the sea urchin.
Reflecting Axel's avant-garde style, the dress featured a structured silhouette evocative of a sea urchin's spikes. The frock also came fully embellished with hand-sewn sequins in countless vivid hues, harking back to Yayoi Kusama's signature polka dots.
"This national costume embodies the mesmerizing allure of the sea urchin/uni, a culinary treasure cherished by the Philippines and Japan," Axel penned online. "Hand-sewn sequins, reminiscent of Yayoi Kusama's iconic polka dots, create a breathtaking masterpiece that captures a shared passion for gastronomy and coastal way of life."
To complement the colorful piece, stylist Edward James Castro dressed Nicole in green dangling earrings and matching lace-up heels that stopped right below her knees.
Makeup artist Nikko Dela Pena also stuck to the jewel-toned color palette, giving Nicole bold green eyebrows and contoured fuchsia blush. Her hair, courtesy of Nino John Solis and Wesley Jay, was pulled back into a sleek updo with micro-bangs.
Although Angola's Teresa Antonio Sara ended up taking home the Best National Costume Award, Nicole was all smiles as she danced in her costume on stage and dazzled the crowd with her beauty.
Congratulations, Nicole!
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