Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. Karen Davila/YouTube
Catriona Gray was asked if she would consider pursuing a path as a style influencer and attend Fashion Week shows abroad, just like actress Heart Evangelista and fellow Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach.
Appearing on the latest vlog of "TV Patrol" anchor Karen Davila, the Miss Universe 2018 titleholder admitted that Fashion Week is not for her, especially after experiencing it herself years ago.
"It's not something that really resonated with me," said Gray, who has always been known for translating her artistic vision into clothing, jewelry, and even furniture.
"It's not to say that I can't appreciate a good look and to have pasabog on social media and all that. Siguro I just put my attention elsewhere," she explained.
Gray started out as a model in the Philippines in her teens before entering the pageant scene. She sees the idea of getting all dressed up for Fashion Week as "modeling but in the street." And while she sees nothing wrong with it, it's not her cup of tea.
But the host and advocate is nevertheless proud of those who have been making their mark as style influencers.
"I admire the people who are there, who are elevating the Philippines in that platform. I think it's fantastic," she said.
In the interview, Gray looked back on the time she first ventured into pageantry, which appealed to her as it did not just allow her to glam up, but also gave her a platform to promote causes close to her heart.
And it's something that she does until today as an advocate for children, HIV awareness, and the country's arts and culture scene, among others.
"I really felt like I was where I was meant to be... I was doing something that I really loved and I felt like I was equipped for uniquely, and I felt called to," Gray said. "Being a beauty queen, having that platform, being able to speak, it was the combination of those things."
"I always saw that pageantry could have the potential to be something greater," she declared.