LOOK: Nicole Cordoves’ Binibining Pilipinas gown was made entirely of P120 thrifted neckties

Did you know that one of Nicole Cordoves' gowns during Binibining Pilipinas 2026 was made of upcycled materials?

On Instagram, fashion designer Bonita Penaranda shared that she created a gown made out of vintage neckties, which Nicole wore during the question and answer portion of the pageant last July 18.

"I’ve been working with @binibiningnicolecordoves for Binibining Pilipinas for the past eight years, and I’ve always dreamed of creating a dress made entirely from neckties for the Q&A portion," she said in her caption.

Penaranda said that she had thinking about doing so for years, until she found a collection of vintage neckties at the Dongmyo Flea Market in Korea.

"The moment I saw them, I knew it was finally time to bring that vision to life," she said. "Sometimes, the best designs aren’t rushed—they’re patiently waiting for the right moment, the right materials, and the right woman to wear them."

Elaborating on the concept behind the piece, Bonita explained why she chose the necktie gown specifically for the Q&A segment.

"It's 2026. Usually, women wear necktie with the polo, you know, the androgynous look," she told PhilSTAR L!fe. "A [necktie] represents masculinity, but making the silhouette classic and also unique. You know, the high slit, it shows femininity."

Bonita noted that each necktie cost P120, bringing the total cost to around P3,200.

"The neckties are very vintage. I believe it's in the 80s. And everything is branded—Armani, Dior, Chanel," she said.

She added that each piece was strategically placed and hand-sewn onto the corset to accentuate the gown's shape.

"The classic silhouette of a woman is still there; may sexiness parin kahit masculine yung rinerepresent ko. And also, you know, she means business. That's why it's in Q and A," she explained.

For the designer and founder of Just Bonita, Nicole served as the ideal muse for such a bold concept.

"Every time I create a dress for her, the intention is to be unique and to inspire the audience," she shared. "[Nicole is] the perfect muse to create something different, especially in the pageant industry because it's always glitz and everything. So I always think out of the box. What can I showcase to this stage [so] that it stand out?"

Beyond the pageant stage, the creation also highlights Penaranda’s broader commitment to sustainable fashion.

"I've been doing it (sustainable fashion)... But this is the first time I'm actually showcasing it to a bigger stage," she shared. "My brand has always been an advocate of sustainability. Every time I create a clothing, I always suggest to make it two piece, so you can rewear and dress up dressed out each pieces."

Nicole hosted the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 coronation night last Saturday with Catriona Gray, Miriam Quiambao, and MJ Lastimosa. Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna of Tarlac ended up winning Binibining Pilipinas 2026 Globe, while Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio City bagged the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 International title.