GALLERY: Miss Universe 2022 candidates showcase world's wonders in national costumes
84 candidates of Miss Universe 2022 showcased the world's wonders as they walked the runway in this year's National Costume competition.
Held at the Moral Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana today, Jan. 12, the pageant's preliminary contest presented delegates in Avant grade garments that interpreted each nation's rich culture, heritage, and natural treasures.
The beauty queens donned ensembles that paid tribute to famous personalities and icons, represented their currencies and food, and illustrated wedding and historical traditions into artful wearable masterpieces for the grandest beauty pageant in the world.
Notable looks include Australia's ocean goddess-inspired gown, Great Britain's grand ballgown paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, and Malaysia's interpretation of Mount Kinabalu, among many others.
Surprises abounded as some candidates carried out look transformations using their innovative costumes. This includes Guatemala's pyramid- and jaguar-inspired masterpiece which included a portable staircase the candidate descended on. Puerto Rico likewise wowed the audience with her high-tech costume inspired by the Arecibo Radiotelescope that flashed images at the back.
And, of course, who would forget the ravishing Darna costume showcased by the Philippines' Celeste Cortesi?
Without further ado, here are all the show-stopping entries featured in the Miss Universe 2022 National Costume competition:
The coronation night of the 71st Miss Universe competition will be held on Jan. 14 (Jan. 15, 9 a.m. PHT) in New Orleans.
Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu will be crowning her successor after a year since she took her reign on Dec. 13, 2021.
Celeste Cortesi of Pasay will be representing the Philippines in the international pageant, which will be streamed live on the Miss Universe YouTube channel.