Miss Universe 2018 is inching closer and already, some of the candidates are showing off their national costumes. Just like previous years, these garments not only represent their country’s culture, but can also stop traffic worldwide. We’re not even exaggerating. Have you seen how massive they can get?
Don’t answer that first. We’re here to round up the most over-the-top ones we’ve seen so far. Keep checking back here because we’re certainly adding more once they’re revealed.
Miss Vietnam
H’Hen Niê is still in the process of choosing her final look for the pageant. According to Saigoneer, local designers submitted costume ideas they think represented Vietnam, and netizens will vote on which one she should wear. So far, this bánh mi ensemble is leading and we’re not mad at it.
Miss Puerto Rico
Kiara Liz shared that the inspiration of her costume is “the strength and impetus of the Puerto Rican spirit in the face of adversity” in light of Hurricane Maria. The dress was constructed with hands, symbolizing help and reconstruction, LED lights that mimic wind gusts, and there’s a sphere representing the Pearl of the Caribbean. There’s a lot going but the message is moving.
Miss Panama
Panama is known for their fiestas so it’s only fitting that Rosa Iveth opted for a gold bodysuit and blue feather headpiece. How she’s able to walk in this is a feat in itself.
Miss Mexico
Andrea Toscano is also bringing the fiesta with her Aztec-inspired outfit. I honestly don’t know where to look first because of all the elements, but I can see a lion’s head, some jaguars, feathers, and whole lot of colors.
Miss Japan
Yuumi Kato went for a a ninja costume that transforms into Sailor Moon’s uniform, and the anime lover in me is freaking out. Someone call Arci Muñoz because we’re sure she’ll love this too. (If you haven’t seen her Sailor Moon collection, you should watch her vlog now.)
Miss Cambodia
Rern Sinat will be wearing a replica of Angkor Wat as part of her ensemble. Her clothes are kept simple with a cream top, gold necklace, and green and gold patterned pants.
Miss Thailand
Sophida Kanchanarin looks elegant in an all-white ensemble with gold accents for her national costume. She’s also carrying a flowy fabric shaped like an elephant’s head on her shoulders. Here she is posing with the trunk.
Miss Korea
Baek Ji-Hyun is set to wear a traditional red and gold hanbok. In an Instagram photo, she’s seen sporting an elaborate hairstyle adorned with pearls, butterflies, and tassels.
Miss Malaysia
Perahu Bangau looks like a warrior princess with her armor-like ensemble. The costume has the colors of the Malaysian flag. All that’s missing is a sword or a spear.
Miss Australia
Fashion critics were thrilled when Francesca Hung unveiled her gold and red wattle-inspired dress. The design and the pompom-like headpiece paid homage to Australia’s national flower, the golden wattle. Francesca shared on Instagram that it “signifies the unity and resilience of Australian people.”
Miss Nepal
Manita Devkota embodied the goddess Durga for her national costume. Durga is considered “The Mother of the Hindu Universe” and is often depicted with multiple arms sticking out from her back.
Miss Guatemala
It’s all feathers for Mariana García, who looks like a walking dandelion in the photo below. She’s wearing gilded bikini and shoulder pads, and completing the look are two pairs of large wings.
Miss Brazil
Mayra Dias’ national costume is inspired by Brazil’s native parrots. So expect to see colorful feathers and bird’s face when she turns around to spread her wings.
Updated on Nov. 27, 2018, 10:06 a.m.
Art by Marian Hukom
For the latest in culture, fashion, beauty, and celebrities, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Viber
Related stories:
The wildest national costumes from Miss Universe 2017
The meaning behind Rachel Peters’ national costume
What we know so far about Miss Universe 2018
Miss Universe judges women’s beauty, not their sexual identity