Designer Zarah Juan returns to Binibining Pilipinas stage after 26 years with a bold collection for 2026 National Costume Competition.
For Zarah Jane de Jesus, now widely recognized as fashion designer Zarah Juan, Binibining Pilipinas has become more than a beauty pageant—it is where a dream first took shape and, 26 years later, where her creative journey has come full circle.
In 1997, Zarah joined the prestigious national pageant as a hopeful beauty queen. Although she did not win a crown or advance to the finals, the experience became part of a journey that would eventually lead to a different kind of success.
Today, Zarah is one of the country’s leading lifestyle designers, known for pieces that blend Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary design. Through her eponymous brand, she has turned nostalgic Filipino icons into fashion statements, creating handcrafted bags inspired by vintage televisions, boomboxes, rotary telephones, and cassette tapes.
Beyond creating statement pieces, Zarah has consistently championed local artisans by collaborating with weaving communities and incorporating traditional Filipino textiles into modern designs. Her advocacy for preserving indigenous craftsmanship remains a defining pillar of her brand, highlighted by the launch of her printed piña tapis collection at ArteFino last year.
This year, Zarah returns to the Binibining Pilipinas stage in a different role. Instead of competing, she is helping shape one of the pageant’s key segments by presenting a 40-piece apparel and bag collection for the 2026 National Costume Competition, in collaboration with fellow Bulakeño and veteran Filipino designer Arnel Papa.
Her return underscores how success can take many forms. While her pageant journey did not end with a title, it paved the way for a career that continues to celebrate Filipino creativity, heritage, and craftsmanship.
READ:
Designer Jojo Bragais enters crowded pageant scene with launch of Reina Filipinas
Kiko Escuadro
June 10, 2026
Fashion masters Gino Gonzales, Lulu Tan Gan, Ricardo Eric Cruz mentor next gen of terno designers
Marinel Cruz
May 22, 2026
Elevated bayongs or baskets could be the luxury accessory that Filipino designers can truly rule
radar Lifestyle
April 23, 2026
