LIST: Top 10 capes that made big statements at the 71st Miss Universe swimsuit competition
This year's swimsuit competition at the 71st Miss Universe didn't just have the queens flaunt their gorgeous figures, it had the delegates walk in capes that carry statements important to their hearts.
The Miss Universe hopefuls made their messages loud and clear, using their voice to raise awareness on different social topics spanning violence against women, environmental issues, child abuse, and more. The queens either painted the capes themselves or had the help of some artists from their country.
Philippines' Celeste Cortesi donned a multicolored handprinted cape made with the help of children from Marawi.
"The handprints show the color and joy that children bring into this world," she said. "The help that we give not only provide basic needs, but it gives them the ability to dream and to hope."
Here are other capes with messages that stood out from the night.
Bahrain
Evlin Khalifa's cape is inspired by the works of Heart Evangelista, who draws different faces of women with riveting stories. Miss Universe Bahrain honors her Muslim heritage and the women that came before. Her cape dons the words "Arab women should be represented" and "A Muslim woman can also become a Miss Universe" along with an illustration of a woman in a hijab.
Cameroon
On the pageant stage, Monalisa Mouketey addressed the challenges women and children face in Camareeon's communities with a cape bearing the message "Stop violence."
Finland
Miss Finland Petra Hämäläinen donned a beautifully painted cape with the landscape of Finland in the hopes to raise awareness about the need to protect the environment for future generations.
India
India's Divita Rai gave her cape the title "Dil Se," which translates to "from the heart" in English. Her garment embodies love beyond any discrimination and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and those that love without fear.
Italy
Wearing another cape that highlights the LGBTQ+ community, Miss Italy Virginia Stablum followed the central theme "I want to break free," fighting for the women who fight for freedom against prejudices and discrimination. The cape bore an image of Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury from the music video I Want to Break Free to embody the gender equality message.
Jamaica
As a proud advocate of kids with special needs, Miss Jamaica Toshami Calvin flaunted Autistic pride on the Miss Universe stage, donning a cape celebrating differently-abled children.
Paraguay
Miss Paraguay donned a gorgeous painted cape depicting and embracing the different body types that women may have. The design stems from Lia Ashmore's own insecurities as a child at school, where she was bullied for being too skinny and having big teeth.
Puerto Rico
With the text "Be and let be" written, Miss Puerto Rico's cape is based on a tarot card oil painting by Isabella Mellado about balance and calm amidst the chaos. The cape hopes to encourage people to be kinder to each other by holding space and making others feel respected and safe. The cape also features women holding masks, which symbolize how people put up a facade out of fear of being judged.
Ukraine
"Be brave like Ukraine." This was the message Viktoriia Apanasenko paraded on the Miss Universe stage, inspired by her country's courage amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The cape is painted with an image of the beauty queen with wings, a Ukrainian wreath, and a coral necklace. In spite of the wounds on her wings, she continues to be strong and fly.
Venezuela
Amanda Dudamel carried the message "Kids are not your toys," symbolizing her commitment to ensuring kids grow free of harm and abuse. The design of the cape is inspired by children who live in the urban sector of Las Casitas, one of Venezuela's biggest slums.
Check out how the rest of the queens showcased their capes at the 71st Miss Universe preliminary competition.
