Miss Universe: Sights and Glitz from the National Costume Show

The 72nd Miss Universe Pageant holds in José Aldofo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador, Latin America.

With about 84 contestants vying for the coveted crown, the stage is set for a spectacular event aimed at dethroning the reigning champion, R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States.

The National Custom Show held yesterday and became a highlight of the competition, where Miss Universe delegates showcased their cultural heritage and uniqueness through captivating displays of their national costumes.

Against the backdrop of Latin America’s shining jewel, the queens mesmerized the audience, each vying to claim the title and wear the prestigious crown for the year 2023.

Embodying a Celtic sea goddess, Miss Ireland’s costume was made from recycled plastic lids and reclaimed wool — materials chosen to represent the importance of protecting Irish waters from pollutants. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

This year’s pageant is breaking barriers and rewriting the rules, with the introduction of married contestants and the inspiring inclusion of two trailblazing transgender women, representing the Netherlands and Portugal.

But that’s not all – the stage is graced by the presence of Miss Nepal, Jane Garrett, a trailblazer as one of the first “curvy” contestants to sashay down the Miss Universe runway.

And let’s not forget Erica Robin, making history as the first woman to represent Pakistan in this glitzy competition.

Though hardly a textbook example of a pageant gown, Miss Great Britain’s national costume was all about the English language — the Oxford English Dictionary, specifically. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Earlier, the preliminary competition kicked off with a bang, featuring days of rehearsals, dazzling photo shoots, heartwarming charity events, and exciting excursions.

The anticipation is building up for the main event on Saturday night, where not only the new Miss Universe will be crowned but also the winner of the best national costume will be revealed.

Who will steal the spotlight and capture the hearts of millions? Saturday will reveal but for now, this is how the 2023 Miss Universe delegates represented their different countries during the National Costume show.

Featuring richly woven and beaded details throughout, Miss Nigeria’s look was inspired by powerful queens and warriors from her country’s history. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

A veritable smorgasbord of American landmarks adorned Miss USA’s costume, with the Statue of Liberty a seemingly important reference point for the Venezuelan American beauty queen. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Image

The inspiration for Miss Denmark’s costume? Vikings, if you can believe it. Broadcast commentary on her look said it represented a mythical ocean dragon and the enduring spirit of Viking sailors. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Image

A trio of blue macaw parrots sat on the shoulders, literally, of Miss Brazil, whose costume sought to highlight that the species is under threat. Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Another floral moment came from Miss Netherlands, whose runway reveal saw her peel back the petals of a rainbow-patterned tulip — a metaphor for her evolution “into the proud woman she is today,” pageant commentators explained. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Miss Switzerland’s look was modeled on the Swiss Guard’s uniform (though her sword was bedazzled). Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Miss Myanmar’s national costume took inspiration from a tradition in Buddhist communities where a portion of a family or individual’s savings are donated to their local monastery. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

SAN SALVADOR, EL SALVADOR - NOVEMBER 16: Miss Costa Rica Lisbeth Valverde Brenes attends the 72nd Miss Universe Competition - National Costume Show at Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda on November 16, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Miss Costa Rica highlighted her country’s “rich marine spaces” and lush beaches in her costume, which perhaps read as “Frozen” as much as “The Little Mermaid.” Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Performing an in-flight safety demonstration on the runway, Miss Philippines paid tribute to her status as a reservist in the country’s Air Force with an aeronautical costume (complete with large-scale wings, of course). Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Miss Honduras paid tribute to the Lenca people and their indigenous crafts and artistry — skills that have survived for centuries thanks to oral history and ancestral tradition. Panels on her intricate feathered, beaded and embroidered costume revealed portraits of some of the artisans. Credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images