LOOK: Chelsea Manalo stuns in Día de Muertos-inspired look at Miss Universe 2024 gala
Chelsea Manalo ushered in the month of November in Mexico by dressing up in a Día de Muertos-inspired look during the Gala de las Catrinas event for Miss Universe 2024.
On her Instagram account, the Philippines' Miss U bet delighted her followers as she posted pictures of herself wearing a gorgeous gown with intricate embellishments of silver and black.
She paired her outfit with some elegant gloves that gave off the illusion of skeleton arms. Her face is bedazzled with jewelry that complemented her overall look.
Capping off her ensemble is her oversized, wide-brimmed fringe sombrero that took her look to the next level.
"A night of beauty and culture," Manalo captioned her post.
Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a significant holiday in Mexican culture traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2. It involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and remember friends and family members who have died.
The holiday is the central theme of Gala de las Catrinas, which is an event that "honors the memories of loved ones while celebrating the vibrancy of life through an evening filled with exquisite Mexican cuisine, captivating performances, and stunning cultural displays" according to the Mexican Cultural Center.
As the Miss Universe 2024 competition draws near, Manalo has been filling her social media page with some jaw-dropping looks inspired by iconic characters in film and television.
She recently brought the character of Princess Tiana from Disney's The Princess and the Frog to life when she wore an elegant chartreuse gown by Carl Arcusa, styled by Paris Roxas. Every flower on the gown was handmade from scratch to ensure a "unique and personal touch" while embodying "the journey of a queen ready to take on the world."
During her send-off event earlier in October, Manalo rated her readiness for the competition a nine out of 10, saying it's the support of her fellow Pinoys that would complete it. "I am so excited. I know everyone is excited, too. Let's just wait and see what it is I have to show in Miss Universe," she said in an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe.
Manalo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines in May, making history as the first Filipina of African descent to win the crown.
The Miss Universe coronation night will be held on Nov. 16 in Arena CDMX, Mexico. Manalo is aiming to take home the fifth crown for the country after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).
