LIST: Standout Miss Universe 2024 national costumes according to style experts
This year's Miss Universe national costume competition was once again a visual feast for pageant fans everywhere as their favorite candidates got to show off their ensembles that were crafted with culture and tradition in mind.
There's no question that every costume was made with hard work and a passion for the arts, but some caught the eye of viewers more than others. PhilSTAR L!fe asked Filipino style experts, such as experienced fashion designers and stylists, to share the national costumes that they think had a winning moment during the Miss Universe 2024 preliminary competition held on Friday, Nov. 15 (Philippine time).
Here are their favorites from the national costume competition:
Philippines
The Philippines' very own Chelsea Manalo's costume was a winner in the eyes of designer Ehrran Montoya.
Her gold and blue gown by Manny Halasan depicted the roots of Christianity and Islam in the Philippines, which was regarded by Montoya as "something to celebrate."
"The marriage of Mexican heritage with the Philippines was a bold choice. I love the fact that Manny Halasan stayed true to his core in which the costume still has his signature bejeweled elements that give intricacy to it," he said.
He also praised the color combination inspired by Christianity and religion for being "spot on" as they "perfectly harmonize with Chelsea's skin color."
"The headpiece is also something different from our past Miss Universe looks and for me, it was the perfect choice to go with it instead of the usual halos that we see. The fan accessories made it more Filipino and the perfect touch to complete the entire look," he added.
Paraguay
Paraguay's Naomi Méndez showed that she is equally determined to shine in the competition with her ensemble that's inspired by the "bravery and resilience" of Paraguayan women.
Her costume incorporates a military-inspired armor and a stunning back piece adorned with 1,000 meticulously arranged feathers representing the "radiance and grace of the Paraguayan woman." The look is completed with a striking headdress that represents the shield of the Paraguayan flag.
Montoya called her costume a "delight for the eyes."
"It's so lightweight and I like that they didn't go for full feather wings. The dandelion vibes with its size with extra spaces gives the right balance of huge and at the same time manageable," he said.
He added, "I like the construction of it that the wires stayed firm throughout the presentation. The movement of the feathers was so graceful. The gold bodice was a perfect combination with white."
Egypt
It's only fitting that Egypt's most famous queen, Cleopatra, takes center stage in the Miss Universe preliminaries through Logina Salah's national costume.
Dubbed "The Rise from the Tomb," the outfit aims to symbolize the "comeback of the powerful legacy of leadership" back when "women ruled with unparalleled power." It's covered in all sorts of glittering embellishments fit for a queen and boasts a cape that shows hand-painted pyramids and the Sphinx protected by a pair of wings.
Designer and stylist Monika Ravanera praised Salah for "carrying the costume beautifully."
"The colors of the costume suited her. She is an advocate of vitiligo. And the costume looked like her second skin. Plus, the costume was made by a Filipino designer," she said, referring to designer Simeon Cayetano.
Italy
Cinephiles will surely love Glelany Cavalcante's costume just like Ravanera.
The extravagant attire pays homage to Italy's famous Cinecittà Studios, a film studio in Rome that has the distinction of being the largest one in Europe. Considered the hub of Italian cinema, Cinecittà is evident in Cavalcante's black and white costume with its name plastered on her headpiece.
Another distinct feature of her gown is her skirt which is fashioned in such a way that it takes the form of several film reels.
Ravanera was enchanted by costume because of its concept and color.
"I like the concept—movies. It's black and white. A welcome palate cleanser among the huge and colorful costumes that are too many. It's playful and spunky," she said.
New Zealand
The costume of New Zealand's Victoria Vincent was also undeniably outstanding. Her costume takes inspiration from the fantail, and like the songbird, Vincent spreads her wings and soars to new heights with the impressive way her outfit fans out to give the illusion of wings.
Its colors are also why it's the top pick for designer Jamela Reginaldo, who likened the outfit to that of a doodle art.
"The use of black and white is brilliant, as it truly stands out from the rest. Additionally, the fan-like design and the feather art are incredibly impressive," Reginaldo said.
Zimbabwe
While Zimbabwe's Sakhile Dube may appear like an ethereal fairy in her national costume, she is representing a "Soaring Eagle," which embodies the "majesty and heritage" of her nation.
Her costume's most striking feature is the colorful wings that aim to evoke the "vivid rainbow that arches over the falls," serving as a reminder of Zimbabwe’s "natural beauty and the unyielding connection between the nation and its land."
You'll also notice that the foundation of the costume is draped in a striking rock pattern. This pays homage to the ancient stone ruins called the "Great Dzimbadzemabwe" which served as the seat of a powerful kingdom.
Reginaldo commended the outfit for being "cool and unique."
The rock-like elements incorporated into the gown, making it look as if an eagle is standing on it, create a powerful impact. The gown feels distinctive and eye-catching, with the tones and details blending beautifully," she said.
"Although there’s some contrast due to the intricate details from the top to the skirt, overall, I found it stunning and well-executed," she added.