Miss Cameroon to wear a creation from an Isabela student for Miss Universe
A fashion student from San Mateo, Isabela is set to exhibit his creations at the 69th Miss Universe.
20-year-old Kennedy Jhon Gasper was chosen by Miss Cameroon Angèle Kossinda to create her national costume for the upcoming pageant this May 17.
On Monday, the Central Luzon State University congratulated their student, Gasper, for his achievement.
“At the age of 20, he has proven himself as an outstanding student and fashion designer. He has given extra effort in his studies whilst grabbing sidelines in making costumes, gowns, and participating in contests,” the post read.
Gasper, who is currently a third year student from CLSU taking up Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Textile Technology, major in Fashion Designing, reposted an Instagram Story from Kossinda, showing a photo of her and some of his sketches.
Gasper told Bombo Radyo Cauayan he was surprised to be chosen as the designer and that it is his dream to be in the international stage. “Iba yung pakiramdam. Binigyan ako ng opportunity para mapakita yung creation ko, hindi lamang sa ating bansa, kundi internationally po,” he shared.
According to him, Kassinda's gown is made of abaca, coconut shells, and wooden beads among others.
Previously, he has created pieces for Miss Universe Philippines 2020 bets Grace Flores of Catanduanes and Dr. Ruth Quin of Nueva Ecija.
Meanwhile, Kossinda shared that she is “overwhelmed” by support from the media and Filipinos and said that Gasper is a “very young talented man who also deserves this opportunity.”
“Indeed a national costume represents your country, legacy, culture and image. And to me the most important thing is to find someone who could best represent it in an outfit or costume no matter your origins - this is what we learn from beauty pageant - inclusion - tolerance - unity,” she wrote on Instagram.
Kossinda also revealed that she is being trained and mentored by a Filipino and that all her gowns are Pinoy-made. “There’s a big love story between the Philippines, Filipino fans and me and that is since 2017,” she added.
The 69th Miss Universe pageant will be held on May 17 in Florida, USA. Philippines’ bet Rabiya Mateo will try her luck in claiming the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown.
Photo from Miss Cameroon and Kennedy Gasper's Instagram (@misskossinda, @kennedy_gasper)