Miss Universe has been prominently known as the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world, established in 1952, that celebrates the strength of womanhood and annually crowns the woman who is not only beautiful but also elegant and strong enough to help the society.
The reigning queens of Miss Universe tend to have their final walk before they pass on their crown to their successor by the end of the event finale. One of the things that has sustained throughout the history of Miss Universe is the final walks of the reigning queens. It is an emotional moment for the queens as they pass their crown to someone new. The queens share their words of wisdom for the new queen and bid their reign a proper and an emotional goodbye. In this decade, we have seen some spectacular and very impressive walks by the reigning queens at the Miss Universe stage.
We’ve picked our top favorites from the group:
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray from Philippines made her final walk at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on 8th December 2019 in a glittering gown by Mak Tumang. Gray told her compatriots that they “endlessly inspire her” and it was an “honor” to represent them. Gray in her final powerful speech as Miss Universe 2018 stated, “To everyone with a dream, know that your dreams are valid. And on your path, you are never denied, only redirected.” She walked like a queen and has left a mark on her fans even today. The queen’s heart was filled with a lot of emotions and it showed.
Mak explained that the gown, called "Reflection," was inspired by the Philippine eagle. He further explained, "The creation's inspiration stems from the vision of the Philippine Eagle flying over the flawless turquoise seas embracing our archipelago. Despite its mighty ability to soar up high far beyond the clouds, it could still manage to look down until the point of reflecting itself on the shiny waters. This display of both might & humility is the call each of us heeds." Catriona has been wearing Mak Tumang gowns since 2016, when she joined Miss World. She also wore his creations during the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant, the Miss Universe 2018 pageant, and her homecoming.
Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa walked her final walk before crowning her successor on 17 December 2018 at IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi Province, northern suburb of Bangkok, Thailand. Demi initially appeared on-stage adorning a white suit with bedazzled lapels and wide-leg pants. In her final speech, she said that she will continue her advocacy even after her reign: "No woman deserves to be a victim of violence and crime." She was emotional yet very proud of whatever she has achieved till date and her walk showed.
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters chose a green and gold handmade dress by designer Gert-Johan Coetzee to wear for her final walk as the reigning Miss Universe. Designer Gert-Johan has given fans a glimpse into the dress that he created especially for the beauty queen. He said over 100,000 Swarovski crystals were hand-applied for the garment. Demi posted pictures of her dress on her social media and gave tribute to South Africa. "I couldn't have been prouder to have word our flag on my heart throughout my Miss Universe journey. Thank you for trusting me and choosing me to represent our rainbow nation," she wrote on her social media.
Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere from France walked her final walk on 26th November 2017 at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Iris was very confident and very particular about the gown she needed when she walks her final walk at Miss Universe stage.
Iris Mittenaere made her final walk as bearer of the crown, wearing a Michael Cinco creation. It was shimmering with Swarovski crystals from the chest down to the skirt. As for the design, Michael said Iris asked to make the gown a mermaid-cut with a detachable train. Plus, the Swarovski crystals, of course. Before her walk, Iris said that she wanted to look regal during her last moments as Miss Universe 2016. She achieved that and more as all eyes were on her.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach from Philippines walked her final walk on 30th January 2016 at Mall of Asia Arena. Because of her controversial win, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach couldn’t do her first walk in Las Vegas when she won the crown. So her final walk was her really Miss Universe walk and just like every other queen, Pia was emotional and proud of herself and her reign.
Wearing a sparkling blue ball gown, Pia shined as she walked around the stage and waved before the crowd to give her thanks and bid goodbye to her reign. Michael Cinco dressed outgoing winner Pia Wurtzbach in a resplendent jewel-toned gown for her final walk. After she thanked her family, the Miss Universe Organization, and her fans, Pia said: "To the next Miss Universe, fasten your seatbelt. At the end of your reign, you will grow in confidence, maturity, and faith. For me, the title was a dream come true, but the work continues.”