Miss Universe 2024: Vote on the best national costume, from countries like Canada, Philippines and Colombia
The preliminaries of the 73rd Miss Universe competition took place in Mexico City this week, with more than 120 contestants.
Miss Universe 2024 has already gotten underway, with dozens of women from the around the world competing for the top international beauty pageant title. The 73rd edition of the event is set to be held in Mexico City on Nov. 16, but preliminaries already saw more than 120 contestants show off their first looks at Arena CDMX on Thursday night.
Naturally, we want to honour some of the best national costumes to grace the Miss Universe stage in the Mexican capital this year — and we want you, Yahoo Canada readers, to choose the best outfit. From Western countries like Canada and New Zealand, to Latin American nations including Colombia and Cuba, which contestant represented their country best with their costume?
Below, read more about eight of the best national costumes to grace the Miss Universe 2024 preliminaries stage. Then, cast your vote on which contestant you think had the best look this year.
Canada
Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull represented the "strength of our Indigenous women" with her ball gown. The actress and model, who's the first Indigenous person to win the Miss Universe Canada crown, lit up on the runway in her tiered dress, and wore a beaded crown to top off her look.
The lights on the dress represented the "galaxies of the universe" and "how our matriarchs light the way for others," Callingbull shared in an Instagram post.
Malta
Miss Universe Malta Beatrice Njoya was the oldest person to win her country's title at age 39 — but her age certainly didn't hold her back from rocking a stunning national costume on Thursday. The now-40-year-old mother-of-three wore a red and white mini dress with long trumpet sleeves, offering a "tribute to boating."
The look, which included a wide-brimmed hat, tall red boots and a rod wrapped with rope, represented the "cultural and leisure marvel" of the European country's sailing tradition and maritime culture. It also aimed to increase awareness of the environment and the benefits of protecting the marine ecosystem.
Zimbabwe
Miss Universe Zimbabwe Sakhile Dube brought out her "Soaring Eagle" for her national costume, a look that represented the identity, natural wonders and culture of the African country. The outfit featured colourful wings and an eagle's face on the bodice, as well as a long train designed to look like rocks.
The wings were a hint at the vibrant rainbows that arch over the country's famous Victoria Falls, while the eagle presented the "majesty of Zimbabwe" and the rock-pattern skirt paid homage to the nation's historically-significant structures.
Philippines
Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo stepped out in a regal outfit for her national costume, which was named after ancient Tagalog word "hiraya," or "a vision of what will become." The white and gold rhinestoned dress was a representation of various religions in the Philippines, according to reports.
The outfit featured a blue train with a picture of the Virgin Mary, while two fans she held in her hands were similar to Philippine Muslim ethnic dance, the singkil. A silver and gold headpiece in the shape of a sailing ship completed the grand look.
Colombia
Miss Universe Colombia Daniela Toloza decided to represent the "cultural fusion" between her home and the host country, according to the preliminaries host. The look featured an extravagant feathered headpiece that showed off numerous gemstones and colours.
The rest of the gemstone-clad look included a halter-style top as well as a glittering bikini-style bottom and bedazzled heels. But the centrepiece of the look was a long cape which, when opened like wings, revealed a painting of a small child reaching out to a woman dressed in historic clothing.
Cuba
Miss Universe Cuba Marianela Ancheta was one of a few contestants to dress as a deity for her national costume, representing Yoruba orisha Oshun, who's associated with love, fertility and beauty. "Oshun is one of the most-revered orishas in Cuban sanctity," she wrote in Spanish in an Instagram post.
The shining look was full of yellow and gold elements, featuring a rhinestoned bodice that fell to a silk skirt with beaded sides. The ensemble was complete with long cape-like sleeves, and an extravagant headpiece that resembled a sunflower.
New Zealand
Miss Universe New Zealand Victoria Velasquez Vincent went for a black and white look for her national costume called "The Fantail Bird." It's a look that drew inspiration from one of the country's native birds, the New Zealand fantail, which is "often seen as a messenger and spiritual kaitiaki (guardian)," she wrote in an Instagram post.
"This small but mighty bird is one of the few native New Zealand birds that have successfully adapted to an environment significantly altered by humans," she continued. Her look, a black and white mini dress featuring wings and a dramatic cape, also included a tall headpiece that she chose to omit wearing on stage.
Mexico
As the representative of this year's host country, it was only natural for Miss Universe Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran to go all out with her national costume. The eye-catching look featured a multitude of red and green feathers, paying tribute to Mexico's Indigenous culture.
On top of a large feathered crown and a huge circular back piece, the ensemble featured a shining column dress made out of numerous coloured crystals.
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