The Miss Universe organization (MUO) hosted the preliminary competitions for the 70th edition of the pageant on 10th December, 2021 in Eilat, Israel. Delegates from all over the world put their best foot forward to impress the judges in the evening gown, swimsuit and the fan favourite, the national costume round.
The divas strutted in extraordinary designs, that took months of preparation, in the national costume round, where the dresses made bold statements and represented the country’s culture in one fit. While all the delegates gave great performances and showcased their costumes with elan, some simply stood out to us as strong contenders for the title. So, without any further ado, here are our favourites from the National Costume Preliminary Competition of Miss Universe 2021 –
Miss Universe Peru 2021 Yely Rivera
Yely quite literally shone at the stage in her captivatingly lit ensemble, representing the White Queen of the Andes, honouring her country flag and spreading the message of unity and peace. Rivera embodied the true strength and courage of Peruvian women in her costume.
Miss Universe Aruba 2021 Thessaly Zimmerman
Taking everyone away with her dazzling smile was Thessaly Zimmerman of Aruba in her national costume that represented Aruban aloes, the best aloe vera in the world. The island is also known as ‘Island of Aloes’ due to its richness of aloe vera, the costume was designed by Richard Ramirez and simply stood out for its clean look.
Miss Universe Cambodia 2021 Ngin Marady
Marady’s costume represents Khmer ladies in the work of promoting Khmer cultural art through various theatre and dance styles. The traditional ensemble is conceptualised and designed by Tek Kreong and Krom Kmeng Wat. And the beautiful fabric is brought to life by Mr. Den Dano, who tailored the costume to perfection.
Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott-Kemmis
One of the strongest contenders for the title is ‘Nang Khad’ (Woman of Steel) costume of Thailand. The national costume is designed by none other than Jaturon Raepech who took inspiration from the traditional martial art from known as ‘Muay Thai’. Before the advent of cushioned boxing gloves, Thai fighters used to wrap hemp ropes around their hands and forearms; thus, giving the name ““Muay Khad-Chueak”, which literally means “boxing with hand ropes”. The Thai costume is crafted with rope hitching, knotting and lacing technique called ‘macramé’, to form an outfit that represents the art form. The woven ropes symbolize the unity and strength of the nation.
Miss Universe Greece 2021 Sofia Arapogianni
Sofia carried her shield and armour like bodysuit for the event like a true warrior. The diva definitely owned the platform and left us all in awe, a perfect combination of grace and strength displayed on the stage.
Miss Universe El Salvador 2021 Alejandra Gavidia
El Salvador’s Alejandra Gavidia made a bold statement dressed as the monument of constitution of her country. The candles represented hope for justice for the families of 71 victims that succumbed to femicide. The chains on the right arm represented the social and political pressure that hinders the search for justice. The blindfold is black symbolizing mourning, but is dark green towards the end reflecting hope.
Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez
Beatrice’s dress for the national costume round was inspired by the final form of the lunar dragon and is created by Axel Que of Cebu City and Bulacan’s Manny Halasan. The design is perfect example of pure artistry and craftsmanship.
Miss Universer Panama 2021 Brenda Lezma Smith
Panama’s dress is conceptualised and designed by Daniel Cortina and represents the country’s culture, anecdotes and experiences. The costume is allegedly a bus with Panama-Israel written on top of it depicting the country’s ties with the host.
Miss Universe Argentina 2021 Julieta García
Looking absolutely ravishing was Julieta García of Argentina in her costume that represented glaciers in Argentina susceptible to melting. The dress was an urge to pay attention to what is happening around the world due to global warming and to do our part to take care of the planet that provides us with this life.
Miss Universe Nepal 2021 Sujita Basnet
Last but not the least on our favourites is Sujita Basnet of Nepal who gave a stellar performance in her golden ensemble named ‘Balance With Nature’. Taking inspiration from mother nature and including ethnic undertones from Nepal’s 'Himal’, ‘Pahad’, and ‘Terai’, the costume was designed by Maharjan Vijay.
(Photo Source: Miss Universe Official)