SEXY, simple and classic.
These words best describe the black one-piece swimsuits worn by the 54 candidates of Binibining Cebu during the Swimsuit Competition held at Grand Convention Center of Cebu on Friday evening, September 29.
The ladies rocked the stage wearing SOLTI Activewear, the official swimsuit for Binibining Cebu designed by Kymberly Maitland-Smith.
“The inspiration was the classic Filipina. I don’t want to be too showy but I also want to be sexy. I just want a simple swimsuit. A bodysuit that fits really well,” said Maitland-Smith.
All the pieces were handmade in Cebu, using textile recovered from fabric cast.
“We do a lot of shearing along the back so it is very fitting on the female figure,” she added.
The swimwear is versatile and can be worn for any activity. Maitland-Smith said she used black for all swimsuits because she wants that the candidates be judged equally.
The Swimsuit Competition is 25 percent of the criteria for judging that will determine the top 20.
The other criteria include Philippine Terno Competition (20 percent), Evening Gown Competition (25 percent), Preliminary Interview (20 percent), and Organizers (10 percent).
The judges during the Swimsuit Competition were photographer Dan Douglas Ong, fashion designers Arcy Gayatin and Mia Arcenas Branellec, actor Jose Maria “Jomari” Ylana and multi-awarded furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.
The all-female sing and dance group, Pop Girls from Viva Entertainment performed during the opening number.
After the Swimsuit Competition, candidates will next compete in the Evening Gown Competition on October 4 to be held at the Centerstage of SM Seaside City Cebu.
The preliminary interview will be on October 25 at the Oakridge Pavilion. Coronation night will be on October 28 at the Pacific Ballroom of Waterfront Hotel and Casino Cebu.