The National Costume Contest of Miss Universe took place on Thursday.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
The 73rd edition of the Miss Universe pageant is being held in Mexico.
On Thursday, contestants showcased their national costumes featuring vibrant designs.
Highlights included extravagant feathers, striking backpieces, and cultural tributes from each contestant.
The most anticipated week in the pageant calendar has finally arrived as the 73rd annual Miss Universe competition commenced in Mexico City.
A new titleholder will be crowned on Saturday, but prior to that, contestants participated in a preliminary event on Thursday that featured the national costume contest.
This segment allows participants to express their cultural heritage through elaborate costumes, and they consistently impress with dazzling and colorful outfits.
Here’s a glimpse at some of this year’s most eye-catching ensembles, ranging from intricate faux wings to sparkling headpieces.
Miss Nicaragua Geyssell García showcased a stunning costume inspired by León Cathedral.
Miss Nicaragua 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Dressed as a tribute to this UNESCO World Heritage site, García adorned herself with cathedral elements and long peacock feathers extending from her arms. As she moved gracefully across the stage, her rhinestone-studded leotard revealed flame motifs inspired by a mythical phoenix. She completed her look with a round headpiece decorated with vibrant colors symbolizing Nicaragua’s lakes.
At 29 years old, García is an entrepreneur specializing in manufacturing and marketing.
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Miss Serbia: Trisic’s Regal Tribute
Miss Serbia 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
30-year-old Trisic dazzled the audience with a stunning ensemble inspired by the Serbian coat of arms. Her outfit featured a luxurious golden corset adorned with feathers, complemented by a dramatic cape. The design included two eagle heads gracefully emerging from her shoulders, while she completed the look with sparkling chainmail trousers, bold black platform boots, and an eye-catching crystal belt.
As a law school graduate, Trisic aimed to celebrate and honor the rich heritage and traditions of Serbia through her striking attire.
Miss Sri Lanka: Melloney Dassanayake’s Majestic Creation
Miss Sri Lanka 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Melloney Dassanayake, at 25 years old and working as both a banker and TV host, made an unforgettable impression with her elaborate backpiece inspired by Sigiriya—also known as Lion Rock. The structure towered above her head and extended well beyond her shoulders.
Dassanayake paired this striking feature with a metallic bralette, an elegant green skirt cinched with a copper belt, colorful scarves cascading from her waistband, and numerous bangles adorning her arms. To add vibrancy to her look, she wore a pink floral crown while carrying matching water lilies—a flower native to Sri Lanka.
Miss Netherlands: Faith Landman’s Ceramics-Inspired Attire
Miss Netherlands 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images
The bodice of Faith Landman’s gown was embellished with blue sequins depicting various flowers alongside iconic windmills against its white fabric backdrop. Her long sleeves were crafted from delicate fishnet material. The mother of one also sported an intricate floral headpiece while carrying an ornate double-sided backpiece that reflected the renowned Delft ceramics artistry.
The bodice of Faith Landman’s gown was embellished with blue sequins depicting various flowers alongside iconic windmills against its white fabric backdrop. Her long sleeves were crafted from delicate fishnet material. The mother of one also sported an intricate floral headpiece while carrying an ornate double-sided backpiece that reflected the renowned Delft ceramics artistry.
Miss Trinidad & Tobago: Jenelle Thongs’ Coral Reef Inspiration Miss Trinidad & Tobago Jenelle Thongs brought vibrant coral reefs to life on stage during the competition. At age thirty-two aspiring author Thongs illuminated proceedings in neon-hued attire featuring large feathered wings designed in shades reminiscent of tropical marine life. A coral-themed headband adorned with seashells jewels complemented those embellishing leotard creating cohesive visual harmony throughout presentation.
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Miss Mexico’s Dazzling Debut
Miss Mexico 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
The 24-year-old communications expert, currently pursuing a master’s degree in artificial intelligence, made a striking entrance on stage wearing an oversized green mask.
This unique piece was crafted to transform Figueroa into “the daughter of the sun,” as announced during the event.
Her ensemble included eight components, featuring a spherical backpiece, an elaborate feathered hat, and a sparkling corset paired with a matching skirt.
Warrior Spirit of Miss Indonesia Clara Shafira Krebs
Miss Indonesia 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Krebs embraced her warrior persona with an eye-catching shoulder piece and staff adorned with birds. Her outfit featured a golden corset complemented by matching shorts and red hip accents. The shoulder decoration resembled wings while her headband echoed the larger gold elements that made her costume pop. At just 22 years old, this model drew inspiration from the herons frequently seen soaring over Nusantara. .
The Colorful Storytelling of Miss Honduras Stephanie Cam’s Ensemble
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The Colorful Storytelling of Miss Honduras Stephanie Cam’s Ensemble
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The Colorful Storytelling of Miss Honduras Stephanie Cam’s Ensemble
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The Colorful Storytelling of Miss Honduras Stephanie Cam’s Ensemble .
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Cam showcased her vibrant outfit at age 32 as she walked down the runway in a black cropped top paired with an intricately beaded skirt. She wore an elaborate cape attached to her arms that flowed gracefully to the ground. Each layer depicted various aspects of Honduran culture through colorful fabric designs that she revealed as she moved along the runway. A wide-brimmed hat completed this stunning look.
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Cavalcante is not only modeling but also pursuing higher education in communications at university.
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Cavalcante is not only modeling but also pursuing higher education in communications at university. “““html
Stunning National Costumes at the Miss Universe Pageant
Ancheta’s Divine Tribute to Oshún
Ancheta, a 31-year-old businesswoman and model.
Inspired by the goddess Oshún, symbolizing fertility and love, Ancheta dazzled in a golden ensemble. Her outfit featured a shimmering bodice that transitioned into a skirt with dramatic side cutouts, complemented by an eye-catching gold cape flowing behind her.
The look was completed with an elaborate headpiece adorned with sunflowers, encapsulating the essence of this revered deity.
Celinee Santos: A Celebration of Oceanic Beauty
Miss Dominican Republic 2024.
Celinee Santos drew inspiration from the surrounding Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea for her ethereal costume. Her swimsuit set resembled seashells, enhanced by sparkling arm cuffs and an intricate headpiece. The backpiece featured a large shell draped in delicate fabric, embodying the beauty of marine life.
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Stunning National Costumes at the Miss Universe Pageant
Miss Argentina Magalí Benejam’s Jungle-Inspired Outfit
Miss Argentina 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Magalí Benejam, a 30-year-old model and advocate for animal rights, drew inspiration from the lush jungles of Argentina for her costume. Her ensemble featured a dazzling white-and-blue bodysuit embellished with sparkling details, complemented by feathered and jeweled accents cascading down her arms. The design paid homage to the region’s waterfalls while her vibrant headpiece, adorned with multicolored feathers, symbolized the towering trees of the jungle.
A striking tucan headpiece completed this lively look.
Miss Aruba Anouk Eman Channels Her Country’s National Bird
Miss Aruba 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Anouk Eman transformed into Aruba’s national animal—the burrowing owl—during her performance. The centerpiece of her outfit was an eye-catching owl headpiece that captured attention, while arm pieces featuring feather details enhanced this avian theme. She paired these elements with a sparkling bodice adorned with a heart motif.
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Miss Universe 2024: A Celebration of Culture and Creativity
Miss Vahneshan: A Tribute to Persian Heritage
Miss Vahneshan 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Vahneshan, aged 26, showcased a stunning ensemble adorned with metallic gold wings symbolizing the Faravahar, an emblem of ancient Persia. Her outfit was complemented by a dazzling gold crown that harmonized beautifully with her bodice and an expansive white skirt.
As noted in her Miss Universe biography, she is not only a pageant queen but also a talented Persian-Portuguese singer, model, and practitioner of Chinese medicine.
Miss Saint Lucia Skye Faucher Celebrates Olympic Glory
Miss Saint Lucia 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
The costume worn by Faucher pays homage to Julien Alfred’s historic achievement as the first athlete from Saint Lucia to secure an Olympic medal—gold in the women’s 100-meter final held in Paris. The vibrant cobalt-blue jumpsuit featured accents reflecting the colors of Saint Lucia’s flag.
The 24-year-old also donned a large gold medal around her neck along with a backpiece showcasing the iconic Olympic rings. According to her Miss Universe profile, Faucher is engaged in cancer genomics research while actively participating in volleyball and advocating for women’s sports.
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Miss Universe 2024: A Showcase of Cultural Heritage Through National Costumes
Miss USA: A Tribute to Nature’s Beauty
Miss USA 2024.
Hector Vivas/Getty Images
The dazzling embellishments on her opera gloves and headpiece represented the “crystals of snow,” while the blue hues in her costume’s gems symbolized the sky, as noted by the Miss Universe commentators.
This 23-year-old beauty queen is a passionate advocate for mental health. In a video shared on her Instagram, she expresses her desire to raise awareness about anxiety and depression.
Opal Suchata Chuangsri, at just 21 years old, showcased an elaborate gold ensemble known as “Siam Manustree,” which translates to “the outfit honoring Siam’s heroine.” This design pays homage to Queen Suriyothai, who valiantly fought for Thailand’s sovereignty.
The caption accompanying her Instagram post states, “This reflects the limitless strength of Thai women who have led and sacrificed for their kingdom.” Chuangsri is currently pursuing a degree in international relations with aspirations of becoming a diplomat. She also champions breast cancer awareness initiatives.
A Disney-Inspired Tribute: Miss Samoa Haylani Kuruppu
Miss Samoa 2024. Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Kuruppu donned an outfit reminiscent of Moana from Disney’s animated classic. Her black-and-orange bandeau top paired with a matching skirt echoed Moana’s iconic look. The ensemble was completed with coconut shell accents and a spear that she carried confidently across the stage. The announcers highlighted that this portrayal symbolizes “the resilience of an entire nation.” At age 26, Kuruppu made history by returning Miss Samoa to the Miss Universe stage after nearly four decades.
