Clothing of a particular style and colours worn to represent a country at international events, or as part of national celebrations.
Ahead of the Miss Universe 2018 pageant, contestants representing their countries from around the world participated in the “National Costume Show.” In the show, the women showcased elaborate outfits inspired by their nation’s respective cultures and unique features. Many of the outfits’ colors reflect their nation’s flags, while others took their cues from the flora and fauna indigenous to their country; each woman’s walk was accompanied by explanations of what the costumes were meant to represent.
“Each of the 94 contestants will showcase a costume that represents their nation in an elaborate display of color and culture from around the world.”
Miss Laos On-anong Homsombath, said on Instagram “I had so much fun and felt so proud carrying this token of my country’s pride in such an International arena as Miss Universe pageant.” While she walked, it was revealed that it was inspired by a “half-human half-bird spiritual creature in tradition Laos folklore.” Source: Heavy.com
As Miss Canada Marta Stepien, walked across the stage’s runway, the announcers revealed that the costume was called “The Queen of the Maple Leaf, inspired by Canada’s most famous symbol.” The body of the dress was made up of maple leaves in various shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the costume’s standout features were its elaborate gold accented headdress and maple leaf staff. Source: Heavy.com
Miss Brazil Mayra Dias, walked in a costume inspired by “a beautiful bird to represent the need for environmental protection.” The costume is made of thousands of yellow feathers and took three months to make. Source: Heavy.com
Miss Ecuador Virginia Limongi: Miss Ecuador’s costume was a stunner as she walked along the stage, bursting with colour that only seemed to brighten as glittery confetti surrounded her. Her costume highlighted the flora and fauna of the Amazon, with what looked like wings along her side that were brilliantly bedazzled, and the head of a bird to cap off her look. Source: Strait Times
Miss Philippines Catriona Gray‘s costume was inspired by the Luzviminda, which is a portmanteau of the names of three major Philippine island groups – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines didn’t just win the whole pageant; they also shone in the national costume category.The costume includes a stunning brass headpiece and customised footwear embroidered with indigenous textile patterns. Source: The Straits Times
Miss Mexico Andrea Toscano, this is what happens when you girls get a little full of yourselves. Rein it in on the giant backpieces and get yourself some jungle cats to spice things up. MEXICO! Because we’re demure like that.” Source: Tom + Lorenzo
Miss Barbados Meghan Theobalds’ costume, the announcer said “This costume represents the remarkable flying fish. The color scheme of cobalt, turquoise, and silver tones with crystal highlights shows the gorgeous colors of the famous fish that can be found jumping out of warm ocean waters. Source: Heavy.com
, Miss Thailand Sophida “Ning” Kanchanarin,posed in the “Chang the Icon of Siam” costume [Editor’s Note: Chang means elephant in Thai]. The national costume represented the importance of elephants in Thailand’s history. Apart from the elephant head and trunk, that were made of a shimmery fabric, the outfit also features a traditional Thai gown. The white and gold accents on the costume were a classy and elegant touch. Source: The Straits Times Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Vietnam H’Hen Nie: Who doesn’t love a nice bánh mì? It’s often the first choice for lunch, and even the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once described the Vietnamese bread as ‘a symphony in a sandwich’. Source: VietNamNews
Miss Puerto Rico Kiara Ortega‘s costume had three pairs of hands that extended from her back, and was topped off with a huge silver star headpiece.Her costume was said to be a representation of the people of Puerto Rico, rebounding after the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017. In her hands she held a white sphere, signifying the archipelago’s rise to become a pearl of the Caribbean. Source:The Straits Times
Miss Guam Athena Eva Su McNinch , “Guam! Land of my people, The Flower Fairy Folk! We are a simple people; devoted to the flowers that sustain us and also sewing sick showgirl costumes.” Source: Tom + Lorenzo
Miss China Meisu Qin,“LADY CONFUSIA dazzles her enemies with lights, colors, and philosophical puzzles about ethics!” Inspired by Chinese drama series characterized by fast masks. Source: Tom + Lorenzo
Miss Cambodia Nat Rern: It took over 60 days to create, inspired by the Kingdom, with a background map showing famous landmark Angkor Wat Source: Vaaju Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Guatemala Mariana Garcia: Based on Mayan architecture and civilization and Mayan calendar. Image credit: Pinterest
Miss India Nehal Chudasama’s : A warrior princess symbolizing women’s empowerment and diversity. Nehal Chudasama’s national costume at the pageant was inspired by scenes from the movie Rudrama Devi. The costume weighs 105 pounds. Source: Vaaju
Miss El Salvador Marisela De Montecristo : Based on a pre-Columbian festival with 500 years of history. Source: Vaaju
Miss Kazakhstan Sabina Azimbayeva : It represents wealth of land in gold; Blue represents unity, while the wings are for freedom. Source: Vaaju
Miss Peru Romina Lozano : Inspired by the jungle region spirits and story of a woman who becomes a mermaid by singing.Source: Vaaju Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Sri Lanka Ornella Gunesekere :Represents a party parade and women’s empowerment. Source: Vaaju Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Russia Yulia Polyachikhina : This designer dress represents an noble woman. Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Indonesia Sonia Fergina Citra : Paradise bird Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Singapore Zahra Khanum : Based on the Trump-Kim Summit and Singapore’s role as a global peace broker. “It had a very serene and calming effect,” said Miss Singapore Zahra Khanum. Source: Vaaju
Miss Panama Rosa Montezuma : inspired by a princess from pre-Columbian history; made of 3500 gold beads. Source: Pinterest
Miss Australia Francesca Hung: Inspired by the national flower. Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Aruba Kimberly Julsing : Inspired by the country’s largest carnival event. Source: Pinterest
Miss Chile Andrea Diaz : It represents an American Indian tribe who was originally nomadic hunter collectors. Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Bahamas Danielle Grant shows pineapple from a Bahamas island Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Ukraine Karyna Zhosan : Suits made with traditional ornaments used for houses; red means love, white for purity. Image credit: Pinterest
Miss Belize Ispired by Maya Sun Good, voted by three options presented to fans on social media. Image credit: Tom + Lorenzo
Miss Haiti Samantha Colas: Haiti’s costume, donned by Ms Samantha Colas, was a colourful masterpiece of warm tones.The main costume was in a shade of dark red, and was accompanied by a bright and fiery red and orange feathered headdress, and a large gold cape. Source: Strait Times
Miss Spain Angela Ponce:The Spanish representative Angela Ponce made headlines as the first transgender contestant in Miss Universe’s 66-year history.Her costume was also newsworthy, as she portrayed a flamenco dancer, with hints of red on her headpiece, fan, and dress bodice that contrasted sharply against the pure whiteness of the rest of the costume. Source: Strait Times
Miss Nepal Manita Devkota: Depicts goddess that relieves suffering. Source: Pinterest
Miss Mongolia Dolgion Delgerjav : Inspired by Genghis Khan’s Queen, made with over 1000 details handmade. Source: Vaaju
Miss Portugal Filipa Barroso : Fishing net dress that represents Sebugal’s shipping. Source: Pinterest
Miss Great Britain Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers Source: Pinterest
Miss Paraguay Maria Belen Alderete: Source: Pinterest
Miss Bolivia Joyce Prado: Source: Pinterest
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