It takes a lot more than an outfit to win the Miss Universe pageant, but a good costume can make or break a potential beauty queen.
With the competition just a few weeks away, the ladies of the biggest pageant in the world— the universe, rather — have started sharing some of their sparkliest and most amazingly elaborate (crazy?) costumes on social media.
Will anyone top Miss Thailand Aniporn Chalermburanawong and her very literal interpretation of a “tuk-tuk” in last year’s pageant? We’re super excited to find out!
1. Miss Universe Malaysia
Recognize the inspiration? Miss Universe Malaysia 2016 Kiran Jassal is wearing a shiny futuristic jumpsuit with the unmistakeable steel beams representing the KLCC Twin Towers on the shoulders. Designed by Rizman Ruzaini, the dress is meant to “represent the uniqueness” of Malaysia.
2. Miss Universe Australia
Miss Australia’s national costume is inspired by the great Barrier Reef. Perth fashion designer Steph Audino explains that he drew inspiration from “the beautiful colours and textures found in over 600 types of coral and countless species.” The designer added that it’s a great opportunity to send a message about saving Australia’s natural wonder.
3. Miss Universe Thailand
After designing the winning national costume in last year’s competition, Hirankrit Paipibulkul returns with a modernized and Westernized version of a traditional Thai costume for 2016 Miss Thailand,Chalita Suansane. According to Coconuts Bangkok, “The elegant costume is decorated with a hundred thousand Swarovski crystals while its shape takes inspiration from vintage photos of Queen Sirikit.”
4. Miss Universe Finland
What a fun costume! Miss Universe Finland Shirly Karvinen is wearing a Christmas-inspired outfit for the costume competition, complete with a candy cane! On Instagram, the beauty queen thanked designer Teuvo Loman for the dress of her dreams.
5. Miss Universe Switzerland
It’s a swimsuit in front, and a gown at the back! Miss Swiitzerland Dijana Cvijetic’s costume probably makes her feel like a party princess. With intricate details and a nice head dress, the costume looks majestic and modern.
6. Miss Universe Myanmar
A puppet! Miss Universe Myanmar is actually dressing up as a puppet for the national competition. “The National Costume represents the Princess figure of Traditional Burmese Marionette Puppetry in hopes of letting the audience know that marionette professionalism is our renowned inheritance of the entertainment industry,” Htet Htet Htun wrote on her Facebook page. She will actually imitate the performance of puppets on the actual competition! How creative!
7. Miss Universe Philippines
Meanwhile, the country’s own bet Maxine Medina has not yet posted updates about her national costume. According to rumors, Rheat Eala is going to design her national costume — but there’s still no final word about it. The famous designer posted this photo with Maxine and Mrs. Stella Araneta of the Binibining Pilipinas. We’re crossing our fingers.
