Miss Universe Belize 2020 Iris Salguero revealed her national costume for Miss Universe 2020 at Belize’s favourite morning show, Open Your Eyes. The costume represents a part of Belizean history and is designed by Roberto Pasos Dominguez and David Matus.
The designers took a different route for this year’s costume, instead of doing something cultural, they decided on something representing a part of Belizean history, the lighthouse, the story of Baron Bliss and the tradition of flying kites on this special holiday.
The Baron Bliss Lighthouse pays tribute to one of Belize's greatest benefactors, Henry Edward Earnest Victor Bliss, commonly known as ‘Baron Bliss’. Having never actually setting foot in Belizean shores, he died with the request of being buried in a granite tomb, enclosed by iron fencing, near the sea with a lighthouse nearby.
Baron Bliss Day is a national festival honouring a British resident who died while on vacation in Belize and donated his fortune to the construction of local libraries, schools, and other institutions (including the Baron Bliss Institute).
During the interview with Open Your Eyes, the designers said, “We wanted something that would represent Belize and something that would represent Iris. Something really fun and different to make a statement on the stage, it has all the detailing, all the lights just like the light-house. We’re excited to see our light-house on the Miss Universe stage. Everything was in compassion to this costume to give Belizeans a feeling of joy and pride and educate people around the world what the costume stands for and why we chose for this costume.”
Explaining how she feels about the costume she’ll be carrying, Iris said, “I feel very proud and patriotic to depict the history of Baron Bliss Day. I wanted to show something different at Miss Universe and it makes me feel empowered. Being an island girl, I feel very comfortable in this.”
Miss Universe 2020 will host the National Costume competition on 13th May 2021 with a live broadcast. Miss Universe Belize 2020 Iris Salguero will represent Belize at the 69th edition of Miss Universe on 16th May 2021 in the United States. The winner will succeed Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa for the title.