Ukraine's 'Warrior of Light' national costume wins at Miss Universe 2023
The votes are in. Ukraine's Viktoria Apanasenko was named the winner of the 71st Miss Universe national costume.
The Miss Universe Organization made the announcement via their official app on March 15—two months after the coronation night in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Viktoria's "Warrior of Light" costume is said to be a representation of the "inner strength of the Ukrainians."
"While creating this costume we wanted to put the idea that war cannot break our strength and discolor our hearts. Even blazing, Ukraine will be reborn like a phoenix and will shine with bright rays of kindness and faith," she wrote.
The costume features an all-white balloon sleeve dress and a gold monolithic jumpsuit that's worn underneath. She also had a headwear that is decorated with spikelets, which are traditional in Ukraine.
Likening the costume to Archangel Michael, Viktoria also held a sword in her hand and covered her body in armor. She also had huge wings decorated with blue and gold (the colors of the Ukranian flag) armors.
The costume, she said, was created in the country "in four months in extreme conditions, to the sound of sirens, without electricity, and by candlelight." But despite it, the team was able to "create something beautiful" and meaningful.
"You can be a Warrior of light for yourself and change this world for the better! It also supports and symbolizes every woman who is fighting for her rights, freedom, and her future. Each of us is The Warrior of Light," she said.
In case you missed it, here are the other National Costumes worn by the other candidates.
