The Miss Universe National Costume Competition never disappoints with originality. And the 2023 contest is no exception. This contest is a way to represent a country and spread a meaningful message through the medium of fashion.
For example, back in 2022, the contest was won by Ukraine’s representative, who wore a costume called ‘’The Warrior of Light’. This costume was a personification of the inner strength, courage, determination of Ukrainians, and their love for freedom.
So, let’s take a look at this year’s costumes and what kind of messages they were meant to send.
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#1 Ukraine
This costume is a dedication to the unconditional love of a mother and the defenselessness of children in the face of war. Mothers all over Ukraine are begging and dreaming of a sky without missiles.
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#2 El Salvador
Introducing the volcanic and empowerment costume. It honors the transformative power of nature and the human spirit. It features an eruption of volcano elements symbolizing the rebirth of the country.
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#3 Myanmar
In Myanmar Buddhist culture there’s a tradition called virtue tree, where donations from savings are collected for the monasteries during festivals. This costume represents a lady dressing up for the ceremony prepared to do good deeds.
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#4 Brazil
This costume is a tribute to the majestic blue macaw. As a wing guardian this delegate brings a message of conservation as danger threatens these birds and the biodiversity they represent.
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#5 Iceland
This costume represents the midnight sun – a natural phenomenon that occurs during certain months in Iceland. There are several days in which the sun never sets dramatically affecting the country’s summer daylight hours.
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#6 Great Britain
Great Britain gave the world English – the official language of 67 countries. This national costume is a tribute to both the English language and the Oxford Dictionary – an unsurpassed guide that documents around 600,000 words.
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#7 France
This la vie en rose costume was custom made for youth at Moulin Rouge, French singer Edith Piaf sang at the world-famous Cabaret in 1944 and this look pays homage to the iconic figure on an international stage.
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#8 Denmark
This Nordic ocean dragon is a fusion of fantasy and reality portraying a mythical creature that peacefully resides within the depths of the Nordic Ocean. The costume symbolizes the enduring spirit of the Vikings
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#9 Malta
In Malta there used to be nearly 50 species of butterflies but overdevelopment caused that number to dwindle. This is both an ode to the insect and an homage to Euro Pride which was recently held in the country.
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#10 Mexico
This mystical heroine with a Mexican heart protects the lives of magic beings in her world. The mask headpiece and wings present the perfect fusion of an owl and a deer – animals that represent wisdom and focus.
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#11 Honduras
This look pays tribute to the working spirit of Lenca women – a group dedicated to crafting the colorful designs haven’t changed much in the past 500 years, thanks to ancestral knowledge passed down from mother to daughter for generations.
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#12 Panama
#13 Germany
Rapunzel is a German fairy tale about a girl crossing borders and looking for the light. This brave German princess never stops believing in the force for good, inspiring this delegate to keep fighting.
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#14 Peru
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#15 The Bahamas
This costume pays homage to a 19th-century doll, a souvenir from the Bahamas world famous international straw market. Woven in burlap and straw accents its gems and stones feature the patriotic colors of gold black and aquamarine.
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#16 Saint Lucia
This look is a tribute to Nobel Prize winners from her country as St Lucia has the highest number of Nobel laureates per Capita. The laurate Insignia is embedded in this gold and bronze costume.
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#17 Puerto Rico
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#18 Switzerland
This ensemble honors the Swiss guard steadfast protectors of the Pope. The Renaissance style uniform is adorned with stones to make it more feminine and comes complete with a bedazzled weapon.
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#19 Philippines
It’s a bird. it’s a plane, it’s the Philippines. Crowned with a captain’s hat this costume is a salute to the delegate’s role as an Air Force reservist. This look is representative of her country, resilient and radiant.
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#20 Canada
This costume is a testament to the values of diversity and acceptance that Canada upholds. It features elements from countries competing at Miss Universe intertwined with Canada’s Flag
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#21 India
Behold a resilient modern India who stands tall with grace her diversity and integrity and strength are embroidered in this armored goddess look. Powerful shoulders highlight the feminine form and the Lotus Halo carries religious symbols.
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#22 Aruba
This indigenous queen safeguards what matters most – our planet. In her care she defends not just her people, but the very earth beneath our feet. Standing firm against the threat of climate change.
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#23 Albania
The eagle is a symbol of Albanian nobility. And it’s no coincidence that its wings are golden, as in the country it represents beautiful and prosperous. This proud, graceful bird is not afraid to soar to new heights.
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#24 Guyana
80% of Guyana is covered in rainforest, so this costume represents the country’s abundance of wildlife. Aside from the array of animals, the skirt features lilies – a beautiful aquatic plant that’s native to South America.
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#25 Bahrain
This costume is called a beat of pearl and is a please to preserve by Bahrain’s pearl heritage. The glistening objects are one of the world’s great treasures and a key part of the gulf country’s culture and economy.
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#26 Bolivia
The Bolivian Amazonian Warrior sent to defend against the extinction of the blue-bellied wildbird. The bodice and skirt were embroidered with seeds and the whole costume is made from recyclable materials. Behold this bird defender and all of her splendor Bolivia
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#27 Argentina
Inspired by the sun of May, this costume represents the national symbol or Argentinian flag. The look comes complete with a cape showcasing the iconic World Cup and traditional cuisine.
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#28 Angola
The Mumuhuila women manage their husbands’ fortunes and beads necklaces they wear are symbols of their wealth. These women are a vital part of Angolian culture, even wear their many necklaces to sleep.
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#29 Slovakia
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#30 Spain
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#31 Namibia
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#32 Mongolia
This look draws inspiration from 13th century Mongolia. in those days women’s hair stood so tall it reached for the heavens, and their head was topped with Hats like that, much like their aspirations reach Skyward.
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#33 Nepal
A world flawed by conflict often leads us to confine the peaceful dove to a cage. This attire embodies Nepal’s desire to promote peace, both as an enduring legacy within their country and around the world.
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#34 Netherlands
The tulip is the most famous flower in the Netherlands, and every color has meaning. The orange represents enthusiasm but this delegate is enthusiastic about all the colors, as she has evolved into the proud woman you see here.
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#35 Nicaragua
Check out this great tailed Grackle. The costume consists of a tight fitting leotard, a plume decorated with feathers, two immense shiny wings and an extensive tail decorated with thousands of crystals.
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#36 Mauritius
Vaco is a Mauritian artist known for his depictions of Island life. This native design topped with a shell Crown was inspired by the artist and reflects the beauty and colors of the island nation. you won’t hear us wine about a native design from Mauritius.
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#37 Thailand
Behold The Mother Earth goddess highly revered in worship throughout Thai history. She’s often depicted twisting her long hair and producing holy water, which is eventually used to nourish mankind.
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#38 Nigeria
This look represents the power and impact women have had on Nigeria throughout history. It’s an ode to three notable Queens in particular whose influence as heroines and warriors shaped the great nation.
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#39 Zimbabwe
Covered in cowry shells to represent womanhood, the orange fabric on the back of this outfit symbolizes Zimbabwe Setting Sun. On the shoulders you’ll notice Mighty Lions covered in Gold, a mineral found beneath their land.
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#40 Norway
This costume pays tribute to Queen Sonia of Norway, a great artist who studied dressmaking and is known for wardrobe recycling. inspired by old folk styles using modern techniques and upcycled materials, this look features the national colors of red white and blue.
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#41 Pakistan
This costume is all about individuality. The delegate aims to celebrate the rich and diverse culture, history and lifestyle of her country through this outfit. Pakistan is home to multiple ethnicities and 74 Languages.
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#42 Paraguay
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#43 Vietnam
This costume was inspired by the worship of the Tom Fu mother, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2016. Combined with the Lotus it showcases the temperament and soul of the Vietnamese people. In case you didn’t notice she’s a fan of the lotus in Vietnam.
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#44 Venezuela
This handcrafted ensemble is a masterpiece of embroidery and crystal beating. It features red flames, orange and gold and a mass paying homage to the Dancing Devils – a set of popularreligious festivals.
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#45 Poland
Here we see white and red, the colors of Poland’s flag, but the costume’s unique design is meant to represent all the other contestants’ homelands as well. It’s an ode to pageantry and the world’s most beautiful women.
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#46 USA
Behold America’s famous landmarks. As the daughter of a Venezuelan immigrant the Statue of Liberty is especially meaningful to this delegate. also featured our red white and blue fireworks and thousands of crystals.
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#47 Portugal
This swan inspired costume features a white lace corset and a long fluffy gown made of bell fabric. The dress embodies a rich mix of Russian culture, inspired by artwork that can be seen at a gallery in Moscow.
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#48 Trinidad And Tobago
Tobago the Scarlet Abyss is a small bird with long legs to help it wave through water. as they grow the bird’s color intensifies and that brilliant red you see embodies the vibrance and passion of the people in this delegate’s country.
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#49 Singapore
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#50 South Africa
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#51 Chile
Inspired by the condor and made with feathers to create an impressive wingspan this look represents the majestic bird that’s native to Chile. Humans are the greatest threat to condors so this delegate wants to raise awareness and prevent extinction.
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#52 Equador
Behold the Ecuadorian Railway completed in 1908. On the back is a wagon featuring a steam-producing chimney and on top you’ll find a crown representing the lanterns used by the rail world workers.
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#53 Egypt
When flooding the Nile River used to leave behind silt that was rich in minerals allowing crops to flourish. These days the river is tainted due to tons of waste being dumped in it, so this costume is a call to stop the pollution.
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#54 Dominican Republic
Plantains are one of the top crops in the Dominican Republic and a favorite local food. This costume called plantain power features the beautiful flower that produces the plantain and ready to eat headpiece.
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#55 Czech Republic
The inspiration for this natural costume is a beautiful jewel – the Czech garnet. Because the gem is known for its red color a nude fabric was used so both the delegate and the stones would stand out creating the appearance of one large gem.
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#56 Curaçao
This costume represents Curaçao’s inspiring athletes who want to one day compete at the Olympic games beneath their island flag. It embodies determination and resilience while blending regal beauty with athletic symbolism.
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#57 Croatia
This look was inspired by the natural beauty of the Lika region – the largest national park in Croatia and a world heritage site. The costume features the area’s rarest flower and a leak of a cap that’s a mod modern version of a Roman empire headdress.
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#58 Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a small country with diverse ecosystems located between two bodies of water that irrigate the land. This dress represents the rich marine spaces and beautiful beaches while the trident is an ode to coral reef.
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#59 Colombia
This piece is inspired by an iconic river in the Llanos region. It’s a testament to the enchanting landscapes of the Colombian Eastern plains crafted with Swarovski crystals and adorned with glass beads.
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#60 Equatorial Guinea
This costume is inspired by Equatorial Guinea’s national emblem – the Ceiba is one of the largest trees in the tropics, its strength is a metaphor for the country’s power against colonial chains. The crystals represent the divine liberation through Independence.
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#61 Cameroon
This costume honors women who’ve made an impact on the women’s empowerment movement in Cameroon. It’s meant to inspire girls who may not yet believe in themselves that they too can change the world.
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#62 Cambodia
This goddess outfit honors the Mekong river. Much like the pure powerful waters in the Mekong, the women of Cambodia embody strength and power. This costume represents the flow of health, happiness and prosperity.
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#63 Cayman Islands
One of five subspecies found only on Cayman Island the pygmy blue butterfly is one of the smallest in the world. About the size of a pinky nail they have black and white banded antennae and despite their name, they are primarily copper brown.
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#64 Bulgaria
Handmade using faux feathers it’s the golden owl – Bulgaria’s largest nocturnal bird of prey. It personifies courage and fearlessness – a perfect reminder to pursue and achieve our goals.
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#65 British Virgin Islands
Lady Ursula and her 11 lamps represent the 11,000 virgins who according to legend were martyred along with the Romano British princess St Ursula. The white in her dress signifies purity and the gold triumph.
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#66 Belgium
This stunning costume is an ade to Latin dance and features red – the color of the Belgian flag. The train’s fabric is from her Royal Highness Princess Devine van de Prinsenhof, who’s an artist and fashion designer.
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#67 Australia
Drawing on one of Australia’s most prized assets, this dress is a celebration of its incredible and unique native wildflowers. On display the flowers symbolizing the land, sea, sun and people.
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#68 Malaysia
Sonet is a decorative handwoven fabric made by interesting gold or silver thread in between the base design. traditionally worn by royalty today it is used all over the country for weddings and other festive occasions.
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#69 Finland
Growing up as a redhead Paula admired Scandinavian and fairy tale characters with red hair. they gave her confidence so this costume is an ode to Finish children and the characters that inspire them to succeed.
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#70 Greece
Behold o the Priestess of the Goddess Aphrodite. This costume consists of an all-silk tunic brown to symbolize Mother Earth. A handmade metal piece was designed above the tunic which symbolizes vegetation.
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#71 Guatemala
This outfit was inspired by the national flower of Guatemala – the white nun orchid. These delicate beauties inhabit the cloud forest of her country. So, the back of this costume features its gorgeous petals.
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#72 Hungary
This Modern take on a traditional Hungarian folk costume features a red velvet jacket that closes under the bus with a sash. Underneath is a fine silk peasant blouse and one of a pattern skirt.
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#73 Indonesia
This costume pays homage to the characters in an interpretation of the epic saga Mahabharata. It highlights resilience and wisdom in the face of adversity, encouraging virtuous living and justice.
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#74 Ireland
Celtic goddess of the sea, protecting Irish waters from pollution. made from recycled plastic lids and reclaimed wool, this costume reminds us that the future of our planet depends on sustainability.
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#75 Italy
This dress chronicles Italian scientific history. It represents the light of reason illuminating the great female minds of the past and present. From the darkness of illiteracy at the bottom to the bright sun on top.
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#76 Jamaica
Port Royal was the wealthiest city in the Caribbean, destroyed by the great earthquake of 1692, the sunken city still boasts a vivid profusion of marine life and breathtaking treasures.
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#77 Japan
Here we see a kimono that was crafted by a female leader in Japan’s beauty industry. Made in a traditional style with a sprinkle of sparkle, the red represents the sunrise of a new day, while the white signifies pureness.
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#78 Kazakhstan
Queen Tomiris is a significant figure in Kazakh history. This costume celebrates the courage and bravery of the great ruler of the past. while the details and patterns symbolize the country’s culture.
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#79 Korea
This outfit was made by the same designer who crafted looks for the girl group blackpink, who performed at Coachella this year. It’s a modern interpretation of a tire worn by royalty at a coronation ceremony.
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#80 Kosovo
This look was inspired by singer and actress Nexhmije Pagarusha. Known for music and fashion she experimented with different styles and had a profound impact on the country.
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#81 Laos
This dress is made of red lao silk with golden stripes and symbolizes patience. it was inspired by the craftsmanship and wisdom of her country’s people, that has been passed down from generation to generation.
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#82 Latvia
The daisy is the national flower of Latvia. Its presence in Meadows and Fields has long inspired poets and it is often depicted in traditional latvian art, embroidery and even folk songs.
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#83 Lebanon
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