Emma Tiglao’s MGI Hosting Gown Originally Intended for Gazini Ganados’ Final Look, Designer Reveals

Fashion designer Ehrran Montoya revealed that the striking golden caped gown worn by Emma Tiglao during her hosting duties at the Miss Grand International (MGI) All Stars coronation night was originally intended for Filipino-Palestinian beauty queen Gazini Ganados.

According to Montoya, the elaborate creation was designed as Ganados’ final evening gown for the international pageant. The piece featured intricate beadwork and symbolic design elements inspired by both Filipino heritage and Palestinian cultural identity.

Montoya shared behind-the-scenes photos and videos of Ganados during fittings, showing the evolution of the gown as his team worked on the detailed gold ensemble. He described the piece as a tribute to “two homelands,” blending traditional Filipino artistry with motifs reflecting Palestinian strength and resilience.

However, during the coronation night, Emma Tiglao—Miss Grand International 2025—ended up wearing the gown while fulfilling her hosting responsibilities for the event’s opening segment.

When asked about the change, Montoya admitted that he was unaware of the reason behind the switch.

Ganados later appeared on stage in a different golden off-shoulder gown by designer Rian Fernandez, which also highlighted cultural symbolism through its design. Fernandez said the gown incorporated elements inspired by the Palestinian keffiyeh and Filipino metalcraft, representing hope, strength, and unity.

Despite the wardrobe change, Ganados delivered a strong performance in the competition, finishing in the Top 5—making her the highest-placing Filipina delegate in the pageant.

Colombia’s Vanessa Pulgarin was ultimately crowned the first-ever MGI All Stars winner.