When you enter an international competition, you feel like you have to do your best to represent your country and when you get the chance, to make the world know where you come from. Miss Universe gives its participants such an opportunity by organizing an entire show dedicated to their national costumes.
The 71st Miss Universe Competition National Costume Show was held on January 11 and people still can’t stop talking about the outfits as they appreciate the effort and thought that went into making them.
So we present to you all the participants that joined the National Costume Show and where the inspiration for their costumes came from as described by themselves.
#1 Miss Ukraine, Viktoriia Apanasenko
This Warrior Of Light costume symbolizes Ukraine’s fight for freedom. The Warrior Of Light protects her country like archangel Michael who is guardian of soldiers and considered to be the patron of Kyiv, the capital city.
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377points
#2 Miss Jamaica, Toshami Calvin
Meet Green Nanny. She expertly commanded her people in the fight against oppression and for freedom against slave masters. As Jamaica celebrates 60 years of independence, we celebrate this female icon.
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243points
#3 Miss Costa Rica, Maria Fernanda Rodriguez Avila
Maria is a hummingbird meant to remind us of perseverance, stamina, strength and tenacity. This costume features a recycled corset and wings as a way to protest against disposable fashion.
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186points
#4 Miss Korea, Hanna Kim
This hanbok shows the beautiful Korean sunset and features elegant lines throughout. Magnificent colors flow through the 27 different layers of the skirt. The outfit has been naturally dyed with flowers and plants.
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183points
#5 Miss Ghana, Engracia Mofuman
This woman of wonder costume is an elegant hybrid of royalty and courage. It features golden armor, a ball gown and a trident, depicting the bravery displayed by Ghana’s first and only known female war leader.
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178points
#6 Miss Greece, Korina Emmanouilidou
This costume depicts the goddess Hera. You’ll notice that Greek mythology’s protector of the family has some peacocks by her side. The eyes aim to turn the all the world’s gaze on this costume.
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176points
#7 Miss Netherlands, Ona Moody
This look was inspired by a Dutch sweet called stroopwafel. This cookie with caramel is very popular in the Netherlands. The hat is a cup of tea that helps the stroopwafel melt, making it even more delicious.
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176points
#8 Miss Colombia, Maria Fernanda Aristizabal
Feel the strength of the Phoenix Queen representing a country of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking sunsets. She emerged from the ashes and was adorned in 1,100 Swarovski crystals.
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160points
#9 Miss Cambodia, Manita Hang
This contemporary design combines those of the prehistoric and Funan eras. This look represents a goddess who educates people to love humans, animals and nature.
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156points
#10 Miss Mexico, Irma Cristina Miranda Valenzuela
Serenada Mexicana is inspired by the charro suit, a style of dress originated in Mexico. The costume is a mermaid cut. A wide-brimmed hat and a jacket complete the look.
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154points
#11 Miss Slovak Republic, Karolina Michalcikova
This national costume is an ode to blueprinting, the practice of dyeing fabrics with indigo. Blueprinting is an important Slovakian technique as well as a European tradition of textile decoration.
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145points
#12 Miss Vietnam, Neuyen Thi Ngoc Chau
This costume was inspired by the image of a long-standing handicraft village located in the south of Vietnam. Associated with patriotic traditions and full of vitality, it is made entirely from a natural and environmentally friendly material.
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140points
#13 Miss British Virgin Islands, Lia Claxton
The White Cedar is the national flower of the British Virgin Islands. They are often pink and can be found in clusters throughout the spring and summer. The costume has 5 petals highlighted by the yellow splash in the center.
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139points
#14 Miss Great Britain, Noky Simbani
In 2022 Great Britain lost its much revered head of state, Queen Elizabeth. Her Platinum reign from 1952 to 2022 inspired this national costume. It pays tribute to the incredible mother, wife and role model.
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135points
#15 Miss Paraguay, Lia Aymara Duarte Ashmore
This bold look pays homage to the Paraguay flag, the only one in the world that has two national coats of arms. The star in front represents hope and the lion in the back symbolizes bravery.
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133points
#16 Miss Argentina, Barbara Cabrera
The Goosey Falls are one of the 7 Natural Wonders Of The World. Completely handmade, this creation combines embroidery with crystal rhinestones, beads and fringe in back. The waterfall is represented by synthetic bows.
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132points
#17 Miss Belize, Ashley Lightburn
This costume represents the first and only Jaguar Reserve in the world located in the luscious rainforest of Brazil. It’s a reminder of the beautiful natural resources found in the Central American nations.
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125points
#18 Miss Nepal, Sophiya Bhujel
This costume takes inspiration from shakti, the dynamic feminine principle that is often personified as a goddess. It reminds us of our own strength and reiterates the fact that each woman is a boundless source of energy.
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123points
#19 Miss Aruba, Kiara Arends
This mermaid set is made out of recycled materials used in the Grand Carnival Parade. It celebrates the great work Aruba does with its Ocean Action Plan and the country’s return to celebrating Carnival post Covid.
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118points
#20 Miss Italy, Virginia Stablum
This costume was inspired by the carnival of Venice. Since ancient times carnival allows anyone to be who they want to be without being judged. The dress is made of red silk adorned with gold and sequins applied by hand.
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118points