The Miss Universe pageant of 2023 has been about inclusion, and while that should’ve always existed, we’re glad there’s some effort now. However, there’s so much more to remember this years’ pageant for. Let’s start with fashion as a statement, because isn’t that the main element? So, this time, Miss Universe’s national costume competition was all about making a point. This meant that a number of countries chose costumes that put emphasis on social and political issues that exist in the world. Clearly, fashion is not only power, but also a means to say things without actually saying them.
These ensembles from the pageant are all the proof you’d need:
1. Miss Curaçao
Miss Curaçao’s outfit is being referred to as one of the most daring looks from the costume contest. It was a tan bodysuit majorly covered with crystals that seemed like the perfect addition to the bodysuit. The rest of the outfit included Olympic rings across the shoulder, while she carried a torch that resembled that of the game’s. This was a commentary about the inability of the country’s athletes to under Curaçao’s flag.
2. Miss Ireland
To out emphasis on the pollution caused to Ireland waters, Miss Ireland, Aishah Akorede, wore a costume that represented the sea goddess. The thing that makes more difference is the fact that it was made out of reclaimed wool and recycled plastic lids. The outfit was a metallic blue fabric with different elements – like the beads, fringes and the cape. The look was meant to portray a goddess-like symbol, and it was able to do that.
3. Miss Ukraine
Given the ongoing war in Ukraine, the costume that Miss Ukraine picked, put emphasis on the impact of war in general. Referred to as the ‘mother protector’, the costume represented a mother who was protecting her child as the world crumbles around them. The dress constituted of a body suit covered in a blue fabric that took shape of a flowy cloth – like a flag. Adding to it was a model of a golden baby with wings, with other gold elements that symbolize the armour of protection.
4. Miss Brazil
Miss Brazil’s costume was a feathered bodysuit in shades of blue and yellow – the colours of the Blue Macaw. Other elements included wings and a cape with flowy feathers. All of this combined with a headpiece of the bird. It served as a compelling symbolic statement, urging people to recognize the shared duty in safeguarding the Blue Macaw, and other animals or birds that make up for the ecosystem in the country.
5. Miss Greece
Miss Greece wore an a gold draped outfit that represented ancient high priestesses. It was supported with a placard that said: Take our history back. The idea was to attach emotions to the important artifacts that have been taken from the country in the past. It was a way to put emphasis on calling for the country’s artifacts from foreign museums. The outfit was symbolic to ancient Greece’s culture, so it made up for a powerful statement with the messaging.
6. Miss Nepal
Another costume that made it a point to talk about the adversity of war was Miss Nepal’s. The ensemble, a gown was accompanied with a prop of a caged dove on the runway. It was to add emphasis on Nepal’s stand on war, in general, and in-turn a call for peace after everything that has been happening around the world. According to CNN, the headpiece was homespun to give the effect of an explosion from weapons. It was rounded up with a missile on the top.
So, if we try hard enough, and make the effort, we can find a way to take a stand.
