LOOK: Gorgeous national costumes of all 74 contestants of 69th Miss Universe pageant

The national costume competition is one of the most awaited segments of the Miss Universe for its combination of extragavant fashion and wacky, over-the-top concepts. And the national costumes at the 69th Miss Universe are no expection. Some used the pageant stage to share a powerful, political message. The others simply wanted to entertain.

Rabiya Mateo’s Philippine flag-inspired costume has some fans among pageant denizens, but other contestants brought their A-game to the stage as well. Here are all the looks presented at the 69th Miss Universe national costume competition: