Filipino fashion designer Leo Almodal recently shared his insights on CJ Opiaza’s evening gown during the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant, where Opiaza was crowned first runner-up. Almodal’s comments sparked discussions about the design’s effectiveness in showcasing the beauty queen’s physique.
Opiaza wore an embellished silver cutout gown with rose gold bead accents, designed by fellow Filipino designer Mak Tumang. In a now-deleted Facebook post, Almodal expressed his disappointment, stating, “Whoever designed CJ’s gown… First of all, I am very forgiving and easily pleased with other designers’ work, but her dress is wrong in so many aspects.”
He specifically criticized the gown’s ability to accentuate Opiaza’s figure. “First, her chest looked flat. What happened? They could have used seamless pads,” he remarked. Almodal elaborated on how the design affected Opiaza’s silhouette, noting that the gown made her torso appear long and straight, which detracted from her natural curves. “CJ’s curves weren’t visible because the patterns of the lines were unsuitable. She looked like a tree stump,” he added.
Emphasizing the importance of design in enhancing a figure, Almodal argued that a well-crafted gown should emphasize and enhance curves rather than hide them. He further pointed out that the length of the gown seemed inadequate, which might explain why Opiaza opted for shorter heels. “So that the gown wouldn’t look short? Opiaza looked shorter beside other candidates,” he remarked, highlighting the potential impact of the gown’s design on Opiaza’s overall appearance. Almodal also found fault with the gown’s rose gold belt, describing it as “out of place” and “coming out of nowhere.”
As of now, neither Tumang, Opiaza, nor the Miss Grand Philippines organization has publicly responded to Almodal’s critiques. Despite the controversy, Almodal’s designs were showcased during the event, as he crafted the gown worn by Miss Grand Colombia for the preliminary competition.
The Miss Grand International finals took place on Friday, October 25, in Thailand, where Rachel Gupta from India took home the crown. While fashion critiques can often stir debate, Almodal’s insights remind us of the intricate balance between design and the celebration of individual beauty in the world of pageantry.