Beyond Beauty

Designer to the beauty queens, Bessie Besana reflects on his current collection—one that is strong, bold and fearless

- JEB FRONDA

Dressing up the most beautiful queens will always be associated to the name Bessie Besana. From Pia Wurtzbach to Catriona Grey, name any beauty queen and Besana has probably dressed them. Beauty pageants, in fact, has been the life and blood of Besana—even as a kid. “In 1994, my aunt got married and this was the first time I got to see a custom couture gown,” he says. “I was in awe with the details of her and my cousin’s flower girl gowns with all the ribbon detailing at the back and the intricate beads and lace works. I vividly remember scolding my cousin for not taking care of the train of her gown. In the same year, Miss Universe was held in the Philippines and I was in awe watching the Filipiniana Costume showcase and the evening gown segment of the pageant. This is when my interest in custom gowns started,” he shares.