Miss Universe Malta 2022 Maxine Formosa has revealed the national costume that she will be presenting at the national costume competition of Miss Universe 2022. The inspiration behind the costume is the Maltese Lira, which was the currency of Malta from 1972 to 2007, after which it was replaced by Euro.
The costume is a collection piece from worldwide renowned Maltese fashion designer duo ‘Charles & Ron’. It depicts the LM 10 banknote which has been digitally manipulated into graphic design. Banknotes issued by the Government of Malta and then by the Central Bank of Malta were written in English up to 1972. From 1973 to 1985, they were written in Maltese on the obverse (with the currency identified as ‘lira’), and in English on the reverse (identifying the currency as pound). From 1986 to 2007, Maltese was used on both sides.
The jewelry are collection pieces from popular Maltese sibling jewellery makers with their brand name ‘Carisma Collections’ and depicts the coins used in the Maltese Lira currency. A new coinage was issued in 1986 in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c and Lm 1. A third series was introduced in 1991 due to the change in Malta's coat of arms. The one-of-a-kind statement set of earrings consist of 2 Cents Maltese coins issued in 1995, which symbolize the Peace and Prosperity of an olive tree alongside their brand logo signifying Diversity, Charisma & Self-Love.
Other coins depict the octagonal shape Maltese 25 Cent which displays a typical Maltese coastal scene including a rising sun and a traditional Maltese boat - The ‘Luzzu’, the Great Siege Monument and Queen Penthesilea depicting the ‘Woman as Hero’. The Big Back Piece, in the shape of a coin, depicts the Maltese coat of arms, which signifies the Courage & Determination of the Maltese nation, which is found on the back side of some of the Maltese Lira Coins. The 2000 on the coin symbolizes the year of Maxine’s birth.
Miss Universe 2022, the 71st Miss Universe pageant, will be held at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States on 14th January 2023. Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu of India will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.