The Miss Universe pageant returns in 2024 and the costumes are as dazzling and extravagant as ever.
On Thursday night in Mexico City, the glamorous contestants put on an extravagant display at the 73rd Miss Universe Preliminary and National Costume Competition, showing off sparkling costumes that represent what they love about their home countries.
127 pageant queens took to the stage in dazzling ensembles, including British contestant Christina Dela Cruz, who dressed up as an oak tree, and Japan’s Kaya Chakrabortty, who wore a dazzling kimono and roller skates.
The stunning women gave their all in a bid to reach the top 30 which will be announced at the Miss Universe final on Saturday night before the winner is crowned.
This is a record year for the competition, as it is the first year in which 30 contestants will advance to the final, compared to 20 in previous years.
Although the grand finale is the main event of the competition, the national costume round in the preliminary phase is a fan favorite and this year’s queens did not disappoint.
Nature and botany were the inspiration for many of the costumes, including Miss Guatemala, Ana Gabriela Villanueva’s beaded leaf display and Miss Belarus, Eleonora Kachalovskaya, in a fantastic floral outfit.
Miss Argentina, Magalí Benejam wore a shiny toucan atop her head in a rainforest-themed display with blue feathers cascading from her arms to represent a waterfall.
Miss Universe began in Mexico City as the preliminary competition began before Saturday’s final. In the photo: Miss Venezuela
Miss Great Britain dressed in a leaf-adorned jumpsuit and a huge golden crown to represent the UK’s 121 million oak trees.
Similarly, Miss Guatemala, Ana Gabriela Villanueva, had palm fronds and ferns exploding across her silhouette as she wore a sequined jumpsuit that paid tribute to her country’s indigenous women and children.
Miss Great Britain dressed in a leaf-adorned jumpsuit and a huge golden crown to represent the UK’s 121 million oak trees.
With a unique approach, Miss Chile, Emilia Dides represented one of her country’s favorite game shows, Sábado Gigante, by showing off the show’s roulette wheel.
Miss Ecuador, Tema Mara’s spectacular costume featured a model of the historic churches of Quito, the capital of her homeland, balanced on her shoulders.
Miss Netherlands, Faith Landman stunned onlookers when her blue and white dress was transformed to look like a huge piece of pottery as a nod to traditional Dutch craftsmanship.
On Saturday, 30 finalists will be announced, including a fan-voted favorite who will then take the stage for the swimsuit round.
From there, the 30 finalists will be narrowed down to just 12 pageant queens and will compete in the evening gown and trivia rounds.
This year’s judges include social media star Lele Pons, Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner, Colombian singer Fariana, Telemundo host Jéssica Carrillo, music producer Emilio Estefan, Brazilian artist Romero Britto, music icon fashion Eva Cavalli and designer Michael Cinco.
Miss Bolivia, Juliana Barrientos, wore a spectacular skirt and owl-shaped headdress
Miss Jamaica, Rachel Silvera, wore a magnificent ruffled dress in homage to the flag of her home country.
Miss Switzerland channeled a look reminiscent of Disney’s Frozen as she adorned a sparkly corset with a ruffled skirt and gem-encrusted sleeves.
Miss Sri Lanka Melloney Dassanayake adorned a stunning feature engraved with traditional markings
Miss France, Indira Ampiot, wore a stunning diamond corset and a silk skirt in the colors of the flag.
Host and former Miss Universe winner Olivia Cuplo will end the night by announcing who will be crowned this year’s winner by current 2023 winner Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
The 2024 crown, baptized ‘Lumiere De L’Infini’, has been described by the president and founder of Miss Universe, Raúl Rocha, as “the most beautiful in the history of Miss Universe.”
Designed and handcrafted by Filipino jeweler Jewelmer, it features 23 rare golden pearls, the national gem of the Philippines.
Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea and the United Arab Emirates will be represented for the first time at the Miss Universe event this year.
Seven nations have returned to the competition, including Cuba, which was last represented in 1967, and Fiji in 1981.
Unfortunately, Panamanian contestant Italia Mora was disqualified just a few days ago after she allegedly violated the contest’s strict rules by leaving her hotel to visit her boyfriend without permission.