Cover Miss Universe 2022 candidates with Jojo Bragais
Miss Universe 2022 candidates with Jojo Bragais
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Jojo Bragais, gets candid about what's it like to be in the shoes of a two-time 71st Miss Universe's official footwear provider
"The first time I was tapped for Miss Universe was the 69th edition in Florida," recalls Jojo Bragais. For eight years, beauty queens have placed their trust in the designer to create shoes that'll prepare them for their pasarela walk on the main stage. It wasn't long until Bragais' work caught on, reaching Miss Universe Vice President Shawn McClain.
See also: Celeste Cortesi: all of our favourite looks from the Miss Universe 2022 Preliminary Competition
"He [McClain] was the one who called me asking if I wanted to be the shoe provider for the show. To be honest, I thought it was not real and someone was playing a prank on me," shares the designer. It dawned on Bragais when he called his friend, the Miss Universe Philippines' head of marketing Mario Garcia, who revealed that he had recommended the designer.
Above Miss Universe 2022 candidates with Jojo Bragais
Miss Universe 2022 candidates with Jojo Bragais
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Bragais had a hard time accepting the offer—not because he wasn't sure he wanted it, but because he wanted to make sure he wouldn't fail to represent not only his brand but his country. "Pageantry is a comfort zone for me," he says. "When I first started doing shoes, I was at my lowest. I never really thought I would do this for so long. Back then, I just wanted to be busy so I could go on and survive each day without being drunk.
"Then one time, I had a special client—a debutant with a foot deformity. When I finished the shoes, the mother cried, hugged me, and thanked me. 'It's perfect,' she said, and I just started crying.
"I've been trying to be strong for the longest time and that hug meant a lot. It wiped away my doubts, me questioning my worth. I then was able to tell myself that I am valid and I have still a mission. From then on, I fell in love with creating shoes that make people feel good every time they wear a pair of Bragais.
Everything changed for Bragais. So much so when his brand was chosen to be the official footwear provider for Miss Universe twice.
The designer's newest creation, the 'Maureen', are heels with symmetrical overlapping straps. The heels were created for the candidates of the 71st Miss Universe competition.
See also: Why the Return of Platform Heels is Nothing But Timely
"Maureen is a design named after a good friend, Maureen Montagne. We were in Mindanao for an event and after the show, we shared stories of struggles and dreams. One of the things she shared was she wanted to be able to compete internationally and represent the Philippines because she's been joining pageants for years and still had no luck. I felt that—I understood what it meant—the hard work, that feeling of dreaming and achieving something in your life.
"The inspiration was prayers. If you look closely, the shoes are very simple, but the straps are reminiscent of hands clasped together as if praying. For me, I wanted this pair to remind a girl that their dream of becoming the next Miss Universe is valid. And every time they feel down, the shoes will remind them that I am with them on this journey, supporting them, as they walk closer to their dreams.
Above Miss USA R'Bonney Nola Gabriel (Photo: Dion Trinidad)
Miss USA R'Bonney Nola Gabriel (Photo: Dion Trinidad)
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Above Miss Universe 2022 candidate Celeste Cortesi representing Philippines (Photo: Dion Trinidad)
Above Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam (Photo: Dion Trinidad)
Miss Universe 2022 candidate Celeste Cortesi representing Philippines (Photo: Dion Trinidad)
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When asked what's next for Bragais, the designer admits that he's terrified of the future, yet he is full of hope.
"[To provide shoes for] Miss Universe is my dream, and to be able to do that earlier than I expected in my career, I felt lost for like five months. That's the reason why I was not part of the 70th year in Israel. I needed to find the answer within me to continue. Now, I want to explore more other than pageant shoes," shares the designer. "The last quarter of 2022 was more on product development. This 2023, you will see me doing more shoes and other products. It's a lot of work, but I'm committed to this new goal."
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Credits
Photography: Dion Trinidad
Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
