THE iconic gowns designed and crafted by Kapampangan designer Mak Tumang for Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray are on exhibit at SM City Pampanga, right in his hometown.
The three gowns, Sinag, Adarna, and Mayon which made headlines locally and internationally, are on display at the mall’s Annex 3 from December 28 to Sunday, December 30.
The Sinag gown was worn by Gray when she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas- Universe 2018 which officially kicked-off her journey to the Miss Universe pageant, while she wore the Adarna gown during the preliminaries of the Miss Universe pageant and the fiery red "Mayon" gown when she was crowned Miss Universe 2018.
Tumang personally graced the launching of his personal exhibit, and was accompanied by his parents who are town Mayor Teddy Tumang and wife Febbie Tumang, and SM City Pampanga officials led by North Luzon IV Assistant Vice President for Operations Junias Eusebio, Mall Manager Aaron Montenegro, and Assistant Mall Manager Kaye Chua.
Eusebio said that the exhibit of Tumang’s Miss Universe collections aims to pay tribute to the artistry and creativity of the Kapampangan designer who brought pride and honor to Pampanga and the whole Filipino nation.
“It is but fitting that we exhibit the beautiful creations of Mr. Mak Tumang in his hometown here in Mexico, Pampanga for all of us to see and be proud of after it showcased if not only to the whole world, but to the whole universe the world-class Kapampangan talent” he said.
Eusebio also disclosed the possible roadshow of the Mak Tumang exhibit to other SM mall branches in the whole country to give a chance to other Filipinos to view the now-world famous gowns.
“We are still in the process of finalizing everything with Mr. Mak Tumang and hopefully, we will be able to push through with the road show to let our fellow Filipinos in other parts of the country to view his beautiful creations,” he said.
What’s next for the gowns?
During the mini press conference, Tumang disclosed his plan of building a gallery in his hometown, possibly near his Atelier in San Antonio, to permanently display the three world-famous gowns after the proposed roadshow.
“Catriona (Gray) told me that she needs to bring the Mayon gown to New York first and will be back in the homecoming, and then after all the exhibits, I am planning to build a gallery here in Mexico where I can display the gowns for the public to view,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tumang said that the almost hip-high slit design of the headline-making gowns may become the newest fashion trend in 2019, especially when it comes to gown-making.
“I believe that it is very likely that the gowns will set a new fashion trend because Catriona (Gray) is now an icon and many want to imitate everything about her, including the gowns that she wore,” he said.
A proud father
Tumang’s father, Teddy, also reiterated how proud he is of the Kapampangan designer’s newest accomplishment and the recognition from the local and international platform that the former is currently gaining.
“When Catriona (Gray) was pronounced winner while wearing the gown made by my son, my manliness didn’t help in stopping myself from being teary-eyed. It was really one proud moment for the country and more importantly to me because my son was part of it,” he said.
Teddy furthered that the recognition currently earned by Mak is the fruit of the hard work he invested in his passion which, he said, he supported all the way from the very beginning.
“I am happy that he is now reaping the fruits of hard work and as a father who supported him all the way, I am more than happy for him,” he said.