Miss Universe 2021: The Best, Worst, and Most Glamorous National Costume Looks
After months of rigorous competition, the Miss Universe 2021 National Costume Show finally took place. Held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, the world's most beautiful women represented their home countries a glamorous parade celebrating their national culture and heritage.
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Creativity abounded on the runway, with many taking myths and motifs from their homelands and turning them into fantastical fashion statements. But feathers and glitter aside, this year also saw the emergence of contestants using their turn in the spotlight for activism as well. "What is this platform for if I can’t use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence," Miss Singapore, Bernadette Belle Ong, wrote on her Instagram after the show. "Thank you Miss Universe for giving me this opportunity!"
Below, the most show-stopping looks from the Miss Universe 2021 National Costume Show.
Related: Miss Singapore Bernadette Belle Ong Sends #StopAsianHate Message With Miss Universe Costume
Most Powerful Moment: Three-Way Tie Between Miss Myanmar, Thuzar Wint Lwin, Miss Uruguay, Lola de los Santos, and Miss Singapore, Bernadette Belle Ong
Taking activism to the runway, this year's Miss Universe contestants made statements—both sartorial and political—to their audience.
Best Use of Feathers: Miss Peru, Janick Maceta Del Castillo
Rising above the rest, Miss Peru's feathers were the most futuristic and streamlined that didn't overwhelm the senses.
Most Likely to Get Lion Queen Spin-Off: Miss Nicaragua, Ana Marcelo
Broadway's Lion King has got nothing on Miss Nicaragua's regally leonine costume.
Best Hatching: Miss Vietnam, Nguyen Tran Khanh Van
Vaguely reminiscent of Lady Gaga's own egg hatching at the 2011 Grammys, Miss Universe Vietnam's elegant emergence from a cocoon was a cracker.
Most Theatrical: Miss Malaysia, Francisca James
Miss Malaysia brought on a full-on theatrical production to the stage, complete with a colour transition and quick costume change.
Most Sexy Cyborg: Miss Canada, Nova Stevens
This is one superhero we desperately want to see up there with Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel.
Most Amount of Feathers Used: Miss Denmark Amanda Petri
The sheer amount of feathers that went into the making of this costume just blew our mind.
Best Interpretation of an Animal: Miss Thailand, Amanda Obdam
Taking inspiration from the Siamese fighting fish, Miss Thailand's ethereal, flowy number captured the undulating beauty of the aquatic animal.
Most Astrologically Aligned: Miss Puerto Rico, Estefanía Soto
Want to know what the stars have in store for you? Don't worry, Miss Puerto Rico's got you covered.
Most Likely a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Costume: Miss Philippines, Rabiya Mateo
With two enormous wings connected by gold stars, Miss Philippines could take a turn on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway and we wouldn't bat an eye.
Most Likely to Give a Papercut: Miss Ukraine, Yelyzaveta Yastremska
This angelic outfit inspired by the art of paper cutting was a clear cut winner in our books.
Best Booty: Miss Panama Carmen Jaramillo
Why be a diamond in the rough, when you can be the whole treasure trove?