THE NATIONAL costume designed by a student of the Central Luzon State University won the Best in National Costume award for Miss Nigeria Maristella Okpala at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant held on Monday in Eliat, Israel.

Kennedy Jhon Gasper, 20, from San Mateo, Isabela, a fourth-year student taking up BS Textile and Garment Technology majoring Fashion Designing and Merchandising, was ecstatic over his win.

“Thank you Lord! Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala talaga. Umiiyak ako kanina habang kayakap si mama. Thank you sa lahat ng mga bumati!” Gasper posted on Facebook.

The CLSU community extended its greetings to Gasper for his second entry in the pageant. He also designed the national costume of Miss Cameroon for Miss Universe 2020.

“Congratulations to our student Kennedy Jhon Gasper for winning BEST IN NATIONAL COSTUME at Miss Universe 2021. Tatak CLSU. We are so proud of you!” the Department of Textile and Garment Technology said.

The winning costume was inspired by Nigerian tribe traditional masquerade, “Mmanwa,” which protects women and children from abuses.