Miss Universe 2021 costumes: What did they symbolise?
Miss Universe is an annual global beauty pageant organised by the US-based Miss Universe Organisation. The recently concluded Miss Universe 2021 was the 70th edition of the pageant where Harnaaz Sandhu from India was crowned as the winner. This accolade came for India after two long decades of wait.
Every year, during the Miss Universe pageant, there’s a competitive round called national costume round, where all the participants from across the world choose costumes that hold symbolic importance for the nations they represent. This is often regarded as the game changing segment of the pageant. While the new Miss Universe chose a traditional Indian wedding parasol (symbolic of protective instincts of women) that had won over the judges, her competitors too had worn remarkable costumes that were not only unique but also symbolic. Here’s taking a look at them.
Essi Unkuri of Finland
Essi Unkuri had chosen a yellow and blue costume for the national costume round of Miss Universe 2021. Through this, she took a stand against climate change. As she had explained to the media, her costume represented the sun and melting poles, while her heavenly blue cape was a shout to stop deforestation.
Hannah Seifer of Germany
Eloisa Jo-Hannah Seifer chose a costume that represented the South German dirndl (a dress for European women consisting of a blouse, a bodice, a long skirt and an apron) while she held an eagle on her hand that is representative of Germany’s federal symbol. It stands for the nation’s unity.
Ora Ivanisevic of Croatia
Ora Ivanisevic’s national costume with multiple shades of blue represented the coastal part of Croatia and the beauty of the deep Adriatic Sea, that surrounds the island country.
Elle Smith of USA
Miss USA Elle Smith’s national costume at the Miss Universe 2021 represented the popular Emmy award. The costume was a collaborative effort by Smith and her designer, the world-renowned Randall K. Smith, to encourage every young woman with dreams and ambitions to walk whichever carpet they want to and be fierce and fearless. It was a show of women solidarity.
Juri Watanabe of Japan
Japanese Juri Watanabe’s pink gown was a celebration of Japan’s indigenous Harajuku aesthetic as well as a tribute to the hosting nation Israel. This costume was influenced by Israeli singer Netta’s outfit which she had worn during the Eurovision Song Contest, back in 2018.