Not long after Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco called the Miss Universe Canada team “ungrateful” and “professional users”, another Filipino fashion designer is speaking out about a purported mistreatment from the team.
Rian Fernandez broke his silence to tell his story about how “awful” and “dreadful” his experience was with the MUC that almost cost him his life. Fernandez, however, clarified that he was not venting out his frustrations to “ride” on the controversy stirred by Cinco’s post.
“Unfortunately, I did not have the courage to speak before because I am just a small brand. I was scared that it will boomerang on me. Now that I know that I was not the only one treated badly by Denis, but other Filipino designers as well…I cannot be silent anymore,” Fernandez said in a lengthy Facebook post, referring to Denis Martin Davila, Miss Universe Canada’s national director.
The issue started when MUC crowned Marta Magdalena Stepien as their representative for the international pageant in 2018. Denis Davila, a representative from MU Canada Org, was discussing with Fernandez about their candidate’s wardrobe.
“To make sure that Marta will have several options for her preliminary & final gowns (and other functions like Red Carpet & dinner events), I made 5 in colors of deep red, blue, green, gold, and nude. I have shown these gowns to Denis, Marta, before the fitting. They said they were excited.” Fernandez wrote.
He also stated that he and his team flew to Thailand in November 2018 for Marta’s fitting. They went back and forth three times to make sure Marta will get all the assistance. The designer also noted that all expenses for his team were shouldered by him. The gowns were also free and were made from “love” for the reason that MU Canada org will give him the exposure as a budding fashion designer.
When the preliminary competition began, the designer was shocked when he saw Marta wearing a Michael Cinco creation. Fernandez, however, clarified that he has nothing against Cinco, he was just saddened because he was promised that the gowns will be worn by the candidate.
All the five gowns he created were not returned by Denis and his team except for the one Miss Cambodia wore. Davila had also promised the designer that their candidate will finally wear the gown in the finals but the organization still opted for Cinco’s creation.
He also mentioned that the situation left him questioning himself: “I was devastated and cried in my hotel room!!! I FELT FRUSTRATED, CHEATED… and I questioned my talent and skill as a designer! Until the stress and anxiety level escalated and I felt half of my body paralyzed. It was the scariest moment of my life.”
Fernandez concluded the post by writing that he never received any explanation or apology from MUC. He also mentioned that he’s been talking to M5 about the situation.
“I wanted my voice to be heard NOW because I am one with M5 when he mentioned that FILIPINO DESIGNERS SHOULD NO LONGER TRUST Miss Universe Canada Organization, under the directorship of Denis Martin Davila. I will not allow this VILE & CHEATERY of Denis to continue!” he wrote.
What do you think of this shocking exposé? Let us know in the comments!
