WATCH: Michelle Dee struts in shoes from Jojo Bragais, her official footwear provider for Miss Universe 2023
Michelle Dee has jetted off to El Salvador to vie for the country's fifth Miss Universe crown. Apart from her own beauty and brains, the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 is out to prove that Pinoys got style through her own footwear.
For this year's biggest beauty pageant. Michelle is sashaying into the global stage with masterpieces from Jojo Bragais, a Filipino designer who is known for his uncompromising pageant shoes.
Michelle and Jojo announced the partnership in a video uploaded on the designer's YouTube channel on Sunday, Nov. 5.
Wearing Maureen heels, Michelle walked with grace as an advocate of autism who empowers and builds awareness on the spectrum, an adventurer who is "all in when it comes to self-growth," and a representative who stands with the LGBT+ community.
Moreover, the one-minute video also introduced Michelle as "Dee Filipina Queen" who is ready to walk and win for the "DEE Universe" while wearing a flowy slitted silver gown paired with the gold version of Jojo's Maureen sandals.
According to Jojo's website, the Maureen heels signify the "power of perseverance and prayer with straps like hands locked in deep devotion."
The four-inch heels come in four colors—cream, caramel, gold, and cocoa—and a P5,000 price tag.
Jojo was the official shoemaker of the 69th and 71st editions of Miss Universe with Jehza and Maureen heels, respectively.
Meanwhile, Michelle shared that she's more than ready to take home the Miss Universe crown during her last interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda before flying to El Salvador for the pageant.
"Tito Boy, I am born ready, but of course, I really put in 100% of myself in the efforts of training," she shared, adding that she continuously underwent strenuous training, especially in the weeks leading to the grand finals.
"[I'm] making sure that every aspect of my competition is ironed out because I’m very hands-on with my journey. Everything has my input, especially my creative input," she continued. "I believe we’ll be ready in a few days."
Michelle is vying for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown on Nov. 18. She's among the leading candidates in the fan vote so far, increasing her chances of progressing to the semi-finals of the prestigious tilt. You can help her secure the top spot by casting your vote on the Miss Universe app.
