The Miss Universe National Costume Competition never disappoints with originality. And the 2023 contest is no exception. This contest is a way to represent a country and spread a meaningful message through the medium of fashion.
For example, back in 2022, the contest was won by Ukraine’s representative, who wore a costume called ‘'The Warrior of Light'. This costume was a personification of the inner strength, courage, determination of Ukrainians, and their love for freedom.
So, let’s take a look at this year’s costumes and what kind of messages they were meant to send.
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#1 Ukraine

This costume is a dedication to the unconditional love of a mother and the defenselessness of children in the face of war. Mothers all over Ukraine are begging and dreaming of a sky without missiles.
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56points
#2 Peru

The Tumi, a word meaning knife, was once used as a ceremonial instrument in pre-Columbian coastal civilizations. Today it's used as a good luck symbol that can be found in doctor's offices across Peru.
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54points
#3 Mexico

This mystical heroine with a Mexican heart protects the lives of magic beings in her world. The mask headpiece and wings present the perfect fusion of an owl and a deer - animals that represent wisdom and focus.
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47points
#4 El Salvador

Introducing the volcanic and empowerment costume. It honors the transformative power of nature and the human spirit. It features an eruption of volcano elements symbolizing the rebirth of the country.
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40points
#5 Brazil

This costume is a tribute to the majestic blue macaw. As a wing guardian, this delegate brings a message of conservation as danger threatens these birds and the biodiversity they represent.
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36points
#6 Nicaragua

Check out this great-tailed Grackle. The costume consists of a tight-fitting leotard, a plume decorated with feathers, two immense shiny wings, and an extensive tail decorated with thousands of crystals.
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35points
#7 Iceland

This costume represents the midnight sun - a natural phenomenon that occurs during certain months in Iceland. There are several days in which the sun never sets dramatically affecting the country's summer daylight hours.
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33points
#8 Malta

In Malta there used to be nearly 50 species of butterflies but overdevelopment caused that number to dwindle. This is both an ode to the insect and an homage to Euro Pride which was recently held in the country.
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31points
#9 Myanmar

In Myanmar Buddhist culture there's a tradition called virtue tree, where donations from savings are collected for the monasteries during festivals. This costume represents a lady dressing up for the ceremony prepared to do good deeds.
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31points
#10 Thailand

Behold The Mother Earth goddess highly revered in worship throughout Thai history. She's often depicted twisting her long hair and producing holy water, which is eventually used to nourish mankind.
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31points
#11 Chile

Inspired by the condor and made with feathers to create an impressive wingspan this look represents the majestic bird that's native to Chile. Humans are the greatest threat to condors so this delegate wants to raise awareness and prevent extinction.
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29points
#12 Honduras

This look pays tribute to the working spirit of Lenca women - a group dedicated to crafting the colorful designs that haven't changed much in the past 500 years, thanks to ancestral knowledge passed down from mother to daughter for generations.
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29points
#13 Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a small country with diverse ecosystems located between two bodies of water that irrigate the land. This dress represents the rich marine spaces and beautiful beaches while the trident is an ode to coral reef.
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28points
#14 Ireland

Celtic goddess of the sea, protecting Irish waters from pollution. Made from recycled plastic lids and reclaimed wool, this costume reminds us that the future of our planet depends on sustainability.
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28points
#15 Venezuela

This handcrafted ensemble is a masterpiece of embroidery and crystal beating. It features red flames, orange and gold, and a mass paying homage to the Dancing Devils - a set of popular religious festivals.
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28points
#16 Norway

This costume pays tribute to Queen Sonia of Norway, a great artist who studied dressmaking and is known for wardrobe recycling. Inspired by old folk styles using modern techniques and upcycled materials, this look features the national colors of red, white, and blue.
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26points
#17 South Africa

This costume is inspired by the Indian sari, and uses traditional Zulu beadwork to protect this delegate's African and Indian heritage.
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26points
#18 The Bahamas

This costume pays homage to a 19th-century doll, a souvenir from the Bahamas world famous international straw market. Woven in burlap and straw accents its gems and stones feature the patriotic colors of gold black and aquamarine.
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25points
#19 Denmark

This Nordic ocean dragon is a fusion of fantasy and reality portraying a mythical creature that peacefully resides within the depths of the Nordic Ocean. The costume symbolizes the enduring spirit of the Vikings.
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25points
#20 India

Behold a resilient modern Indian who stands tall with grace her diversity, integrity, and strength are embroidered in this armored goddess look. Powerful shoulders highlight the feminine form and the Lotus Halo carries religious symbols.
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25points


