The Miss Universe competition may still be a couple days away, but these contestants are already making their way towards the crown as early as now
Pageant season is taking a universal craze once again at the start of 2023 as the 71st Miss Universe commenced with the preliminary show just yesterday. With their beauty and brains advocating for their respective causes, the 84 delegates are proudly representing their countries’ culture in the competition.
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In the swimsuit, evening gown, and national costume segments, the queens gave us a sneak peek on the grace and grit they have embodied in the whole process of their training for this event. And as early as now, a number of contestants are already standing out from the rest, getting press and public attention. With that said, here are the top 10 Miss Universe contestants that may just win the crown:
Bahrain
Evlin Khalifa made headlines for her respect and honor of the Muslim culture, evident in her Furne One hijabi long gown and full-piece pink swimwear. A real queen of her own right, she truly represents her country with flying colors.
Colombia
Focused on shedding light to water scarcity, María Fernanda Aristizábal made an impression with her #SOSWater-inspired cape in the swimsuit preliminaries. Meanwhile, she transformed into a phoenix with her national costume, emulating the beautiful rising and setting of the Colombian sun.
France
Floriane Bascou’s confidence was an easy win, and it stood out as she paraded her country’s colors in a feathered national costume with an Eiffel Tower model headdress. The 20-year-old orthodontist maintained this streak looking divine in her intricately-embellished white gown.
India
Doe-eyed Divita Rai was all smiles in all segments yesterday, and that may be for the reason that she came ready to win. Her love for her country was evident not just in the non-government organizations that she represents, but also in her consistent showcase of her country’s culture in every part of the preliminaries.
Philippines
Celeste Cortesi paid homage to the country through the handprints of the children in Marawi spread across her cape, showcasing her support for Save the Children Philippines. Veering from the ternos of the past contenders, the 25-year-old donned a Darna-inspired national costume. The said Filipino superhero has always been a symbol of strength and compassion, and these are qualities that Celeste has shown in journey towards the crown.
Puerto Rico
If there is someone who knows the power of the universe, it is Ashley Cariño. Reflecting her personal affinity to space was her telescope-inspired national costume from the Arecibo Observatory Radio Telescope. She dreams of becoming the first Miss Universe to go in space, and this doesn’t seem out of this world given her recent performance.
South Africa
23-year-old Ndavi Nokeri is truly well-versed in asset management as she displayed her homeland’s rich culture in all parts of the preliminary show. A particular standout was her gown that took inspiration from her grounded roots in Gabaza, where she has walked barefoot for years.
Spain
Alicia Faubel’s everglow in the competition stems from her cause of loving one’s body in any shape or form. Her strong presence was cemented in her modern flamenco created by Filipino designer Ehrran Montoya. Shedding light on her country’s progress in gender equality and justice, she represented the first transwoman Miss Universe finalist Angela Ponce in her cape.
USA
A proud Asian-American residing in the land of opportunity, R’Bonney Gabriel is the first Filipino-American to covet the Miss USA crown. Having her own sustainable fashion brand has allowed her to understand the power of sartorial choice, and she definitely understood the assignment in her head-turning outfits. She made a statement for the first woman who will set foot on the moon in her national costume, a glamorous astronaut costume creation from Patrick Isorena, another Filipino designer.
Venezuela
The powerhouse of pageantry has its eyes set on the crown with Amanda Dudamel leading the country this time round. Her wine-colored national costume represented the blood, sweat, and tears that the country would devote to everything that they do. Meanwhile, her evening wear served as a break from this piercing passion by opting for a green color that symbolized nature, serenity, and balance.
Featured Image from DION TRINIDAD (Celeste Cortesi)
