The Miss Universe pageant is an exciting time to watch contestants from across the globe represent their countries. One part of the competition, which occurs ahead of the final telecast, is the highly-anticipated national costume contest, in which the candidates get to showcase their country with an elaborate costume. This year’s costumes garnered lots of chatter as the contestants showed up with some unforgettable looks.
It’s no surprise that the women from Latin America know how to celebrate our cultures uniquely and vibrantly. The costumes we saw transported us to our countries of origin or taught us something new about them or other countries within our communities.
We put together a list of some Latin American Miss Universe contestants and the national costumes that stopped us in our tracks. Some showed their deeply-rooted cultural heritage, while others highlighted the newest changes in their countries. Here are the national costumes that caught our eye.
Miss Argentina: Barbara Cabrera
We cannot even begin to fathom how heavy this impressive national costume is, but Miss Argentina strutted her ensemble on stage like it was nothing. The large feather wings, coordinated with the Argentinian flag colors, were mesmerizing and gave us a moment of genuine wonderment. It radiated luxury, comfort, and true pride in Argentina, and that’s what this is all about.
Miss Belize: Ashley Lightburn
Miss Belize walked in with the entire rainforest on her back; we love seeing this kind of creativity. Her costume allowed the audience to truly appreciate the Belizean community’s connection with nature, and the animal print boots and accents complemented the look perfectly. This was one outfit that focused on a key moment of drama, and it paid off.
Miss Bolivia: María Camila Sanabria Pereyra
From the bird on the bowler hat to the embellished coat, Miss Bolivia brought a part of Bolivian culture that many have come to know and love. It is clear that her inspiration was the extraordinary women who make up the Cholitas. We have all seen them in photos with their specific outfits that have made them the fashion icons they have become in this world.
Miss Brazil: Mia Mamede
Miss Brazil delivered mermaid vibes with a statement-making jumpsuit adorned with feathers and sequined fringe. Her arms are dripping in stoned opulence, and we can’t get enough of it. The clamshell popping up gave it all the drama and reveal possible with the simple yet outstanding national costume.
Miss Costa Rica: María Fernanda Rodríguez Ávila
How many people can pull off a look inspired by an animal? Miss Costa Rica belongs on that list because she made her way down the stage, stunning the crowd dressed as a hummingbird. The beak and wings give one of the most impressive silhouettes to grace the Miss Universe stage, and the muted colors really popped.
Miss El Salvador: Alejandra Guajardo
El Salvador made history when it became an investor in Bitcoin and transformed the nation’s economy. So, of course, it makes sense that Miss El Salvador would show up in an outfit paying homage to the digital currency that changed everything we know about national economies. Her ability to pull off such a specific theme and look shows how much can be accomplished with a national costume.
Miss Guatemala: Ivana Batchelor
Mayan culture took center stage when Miss Guatemala stepped out in more than just a national costume. The candidate showed off that you can make any architectural feat a national costume. The show-stopping pyramid she wore to give love and respect to the land’s indigenous people was everything. We love to see this representation and hope to see more in the future.
Miss Mexico: Irma Miranda
The mariachi outfit is one of Mexico’s most recognizable and quintessential outfits, and Miss Mexico knows it. Her take on the historically masculine outfit brings a vibrancy and playfulness that we don’t typically see in the straight-cut musical uniform. The colors and florals are just screaming Mexico, and we are fans.
Fútbol is a way of life, and Miss Venezuela is making the case. She took the stage in a burgundy jumpsuit with a gold cape. The gold patterned embellishments on the jumpsuit are just perfect. Adding in the fútbol drives home the point that the sport is more than just a pastime. It brings people around the world together, just like Miss Universe.
Good luck to all the candidates competing!