LOOK: Sneak peek of some of the National Costumes for the 69th Miss Universe
Less than a week until the 69th Miss Universe pageant, and the competition is getting tougher and tougher each day. One of the most anticipated segments of the pageant is the National Costume, wherein the candidates are given a chance to showcase their country's history and culture through their outfits.
Some of the candidates have already revealed what they're going to wear, while others, including Miss Philippines Rabiya Mateo, have opted to keep it a secret until the National Costume segment on May 13.
Miss Ukraine Elizaveta Yastremskaya's costume is a white laser cut gown aptly called Vytynа́nka Soul, a popular art form of papercutting in Ukraine. The color white symbolizes "life, peace, happiness, and the pureness of a human's soul."
Miss Chile Daniela Nicolas showcases her outfit inspired by the imaginary creature from Chilean mithology, La Pincoya.
Helen Hernandez from Aruba looks like a Goddess of the Sea in this barely there costume inspired by the beautiful beaches of Aruba. It is also said that her costume "symbolizes the strong and powerful women of Aruba."
Miss Italy Viviana Vizzini's costume shows the resiliency of the Italian people. Witnessed by the world during the early months of COVID-19, Italy was able to surpass their challenges during the pandemic and grow into a "beautiful butterfly of a thousand colors"—one that spreads a message of hope and courage.
Miss Bolivia Lenka Nemer D’rpic's vibrant costume is inspired by her country's traditional dance, Waca Lachera, wherein participants are dressed in heavy, milticolored clothes. The gown is made of 10,000 pieces of hand-sewn small beads and sequins, and Swarovski crystals.
All the things you could think about Netherlands such as windmills, tulips, delft blue , Amsterdam houses, Dutch foods can all be seen in Miss Netherlands Denise Speelman's national costume. Her gown is made of cotton suga and Dutch color silk designed with acrylic hand painting.
Miss Malaysia Francisca Luhong's costume actually includes a backdrop of the kampong scene—a house, chickens, and coconut trees. She is seen wearing a Borneo Doll—named after her and wearing an identical gown as hers—as a headpiece.
Miss Panama Carmen Jaramillo V's gown tells the 500-year-old story of Panama's legend, culture, and tradition—a story about how sailors discovered wooden boxes of religious images that later on brought the expansion of Christianity in the country.
Tell me you're into astrology without telling me you're into astrology. Miss Puerto Rico Estefania Soto Torres gown features the works of Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado, who has inspired millions of people around the world. "Walter pioneered freedom and universal acceptance, and in this costume we embrace his unique sense of style and honor his message of timeless character. A message that managed to transcend generations, identities and cultures: union, heart, and much, much love," said Torres.
Photos from @carmenjaramillov, @lenkanemerdrpic, and @helenhernandez_official
