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Every year, the contestants of the Miss Universe pageant stun the world in the National Costume Contest. In the 71st edition, hosted in New Orleans, Louisiana, 84 women took to the stage to show off their elaborate outfits honoring their countries and culture. Some of these ensembles were larger-than-life, featuring massive headdresses and accessories, while others shined in their exquisite details.
Perhaps the most memorable costume of the night was Ukraine's Warrior of Light. Designed by Lesia Patoka and worn by Miss Ukraine, Viktoria Apanasenko, this incredible feat of creativity and empowerment comprises a golden jumpsuit, emulating a suit of armor; a white dress with full sleeves; and a long, 10-meter (32-foot) skirt; and a pair of gold and blue wings. Altogether, this one-of-a-kind look embodies the strength of the Ukrainian people.
In addition to this empowering outfit, there were many other striking costumes worth taking a look at. For instance, Miss Curaçao's Gabriëla Dos Santos sparkled in a blue and green beaded bodysuit with an attached ruffled skirt that celebrates the wives of fishermen. Miss Greece's Korina Emmanouilidou recalled ancient goddess Hera in her draping white dress, which featured a glowing bodice and fake peacock—one of Hera's symbols. And Miss Colombia's Maria Fernanda Artizabal paid homage to her country’s Cafetera region by replicating its gorgeous sunsets with Swarovski crystals and real feathers—like a living phoenix rising from the ashes.
While most Miss Universe costumes include some sort of prop, the scale of these accessories varies greatly among the contestants. In the case of Miss Guatemala's Ivana Batchelor's costume, the accessory was larger than Miss Guatemala herself. When Batchelor walked onto the stage, she pushed a recreation of the Mayan pyramid Tikal, which tied in with the depiction of the Mayan calendar and the image of a jaguar's face added to the back of her outfit.
Scroll down to see more amazing costume's from the 71st Miss Universe pageant.
The 71st Miss Universe pageant featured incredibly creative costumes that celebrated each country's culture and history.
Ukraine
Ukraine is SLAYING on stage, along with her beautiful feathered wings. What an inspiration to all. 💙 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/bP3LA4gDsx
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Colombia
Miss colombia was the best of the night… preliminary competition and national costume pic.twitter.com/drjNMiVdIw
— archerguy 🇨🇴 (@archerguy5) January 12, 2023
Vietnam
What an astonishing costume to end on! 👏🏽 Such a creative costume to represent. Tune in NOW to the 71st #MISSUNIVERSE Preliminary Competition airing LIVE on the official YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/pQprJv3LFz
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico IS OWNING the stage in her costume, WOW! #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/4lmhwDkdnA
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Great Britain
This dress is EVERYTHING. 💃🏿 🤍 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/RQYV45Q9s0
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
India
The detail is amazing. SO PRETTY. #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/MjQXST7f5G
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Guatemala
The gold with a pop of color is popping off! 🌟
Tune in NOW to the 71st #MISSUNIVERSE Preliminary Competition airing LIVE on the official YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/8eot3BcX3j— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Ecuador
What a cool story! SLAY💛 Tune in NOW to the 71st #MISSUNIVERSE Preliminary Competition airing LIVE on the official YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/ARKJzF6CIN
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Greece
The Greek Mythology inspiration is coming to LIFE!! #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/h0ydvdAR2q
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Trinidad and Tobago
What an inspiring and unique costume, she is rocking it on stage. ✨
Tune in NOW to the 71st #MISSUNIVERSE Preliminary Competition airing LIVE on the official YouTube channel. pic.twitter.com/tFOzUwTEfT— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Cameroon
Cameroon walking the stage with her costume focusing on agricultural movement! WHAT A BEAUTY! #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/7sefZt3ft2
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Indonesia
INDONESIA is rocking it on the stage. 😱 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/vyiW0blXQt
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Switzerland
what a SWEET TREAT, looking beautiful. 🍫 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/Rf5lMgc0Qo
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Curaçao
The details in this costume are stunning. ✨💙#MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/1NkN7VHlq7
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) January 12, 2023
Watch all 84 contestants' full display for the National Costume Show at the 71st Miss Universe pageant:
Miss Universe: Website | Instagram | Twitter
h/t: [Insider]
All images via Miss Universe.
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