Samantha Panlilio’s final evening gown proves that she’s the grandest of them all
Samantha Panlilio may have missed the semifinals at Miss Grand International 2021, but that hardly diminishes her standing as one of the pageant’s most compelling candidates. The competition, held last night in Bangkok, Thailand, crowned Vietnam’s Nguyễn Thúc Thùy Tiên as the new titleholder.
News of Samantha’s exclusion blindsided many Filipino pageant fans. Adding to the sting was the fact that we never got to witness her command the stage in the evening gown competition—arguably her strongest suit.
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Wearing a creation by Rian Fernandez, Samantha’s final gown truly embodied the glamour and grandeur that Miss Grand International is known for.
A Gown Fit for ‘The Crown’
Dripping in intricate beadwork and shimmering crystals, the gown drew its inspiration from MGI’s iconic golden crown.
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In a social media post, Fernandez described the design as “a piece of art definitely handcrafted to perfection.” The form-fitting, sweetheart evening gown was entirely handcrafted, featuring embroidered glass beads, Swarovski crystals, and emerald acrylic beads and rhinestones intricately scattered throughout.
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The piece also served as a striking companion to Samantha’s preliminary evening gown, which took inspiration from the Balangay, an ancient Filipino boat symbolizing the country’s rich seafaring history and heritage.
When official photos of Samantha in the gown began making the rounds on social media, many fans couldn’t help but express their frustration over the fact that such a stunning creation never made it to the competition stage. For many, the gown was more than just a missed opportunity for a glamorous evening gown moment. It was another reminder of how much Samantha had to offer as a candidate.
Samantha’s Evening Gown for Miss Grand International Finals Night. Di man lang natin nakitang irampa niya sa Stage. Still, you made the whole Philippines proud SamPan!#MissGrandInternational#missgrandinternational2021#Samantha#nawat pic.twitter.com/yeO2q15kui
— DANA💫 (@ChasteDana) December 4, 2021
Although her journey ended earlier than many had hoped, Samantha Panlilio’s Miss Grand International 2021 stint remains one worth remembering. With two breathtaking gowns in tow, she proved that a crown isn’t the only measure of a candidate’s impact. Samantha didn’t make the cut, but she absolutely left her mark.
