Showcasing the best of national costumes: A glimpse into the 2023 Miss Universe pageant's national costume competition

The 2023 Miss Universe pageant's preliminary competition showcased national costumes inspired by dictionaries, fighter planes, plantains, and the Swiss Guard. Miss Great Britain, Miss Philippines, Miss Dominican Republic, and Miss Switzerland wore these unique looks. This year, the event is being held in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, with representatives from eighty-four countries. Notably, this year's competition includes the first-ever married contestants, as well as two transgender women representing the Netherlands and Portugal, following an amendment to the eligibility requirements.

Miss Nepal, Jane Garrett, is one of the initial participants with a curvier figure to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. On the other hand, Erica Robin holds the distinction of being the first representative from Pakistan in this competition.

The preliminary round of the pageant commenced on Wednesday, after contestants had already engaged in several days of rehearsals, photo shoots, charity events, and excursions. The highlight of the event will occur on Saturday night, when the winner of the best national costume will be announced, alongside the crowning of the new Miss Universe, who will succeed the current titleholder, RBonney Gabriel from the USA.

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See some of the contenders for the best costume award below.

Can you believe that Miss Denmark's costume was inspired by Vikings? According to the broadcast commentary, her look symbolizes a legendary ocean dragon and the unwavering determination of Viking sailors.

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A trio of blue macaw parrots sat on the shoulders, literally, of Miss Brazil, whose costume sought to highlight that the species is under threat.

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Though hardly a textbook example of a pageant gown, Miss Great Britain's national costume was all about the English languagethe Oxford English Dictionary, specifically.

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Miss El Salvador's gown, inspired by volcanoes, received a resounding appreciation as she took the stage. The audience erupted in applause, captivated both by her status as the hometown hero and the stunning illumination of her costume, symbolizing hot lava. (Source: Hector Vivas/Getty Images)

Miss Iceland paid tribute to the midnight sun phenomenon, which sees 24/7 daylight for a period during the summer months.

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Miss USA's costume was a captivating blend of various American landmarks, prominently featuring the Statue of Liberty as a significant homage.

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Miss Ireland's costume, embodying a Celtic sea goddess, was meticulously crafted using recycled plastic lids and reclaimed wool. These carefully selected materials symbolize the significance of safeguarding Irish waters against harmful pollutants.

The color palette of Miss Spain's flamenco-inspired gown, which featured dramatic ruffled cuffs and a long train, was inspired by carnations.

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Miss Netherlands had a captivating moment on the runway when she uncovered the vibrant petals of a rainbow-patterned tulip. This act symbolized her transformation into the confident and empowered woman she has become, as explained by the pageant commentators.

Featuring richly woven and beaded details throughout, Miss Nigeria's look was inspired by powerful queens and warriors from her country's history.

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Miss Switzerland's look was modeled on the Swiss Guard's uniform (though her sword was bedazzled).

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The national costume of Miss Myanmar draws inspiration from a cultural practice observed in Buddhist communities. It involves donating a part of one's savings to the nearby monastery.

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Miss Costa Rica highlighted her country's "rich marine spaces" and lush beaches in her costume, which perhaps read as "Frozen" as much as "The Little Mermaid."

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The Olympic rings adoring Miss Curaçao's outfit served as a callout for the country's athletes, who apparently yearn to compete in the Games under their own flag.

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While Miss Greece's ancient-style ensemble came with a placard that appeared to call for the repatriation of the country's artifacts from foreign museums.

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An armored look from Miss Portugal, Marina Machete, who is one of two transgender women competing at this year's final.

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Miss Philippines, a reservist in the country's Air Force, showcased her dedication by donning an aeronautical costume complete with impressive wings during an in-flight safety demonstration on the runway.

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In honor of the Lenca people, Miss Honduras celebrated their enduring indigenous crafts and artistry, passed down through generations via oral history and ancestral tradition. Adorned with feathers, beads, and intricate embroidery, her costume showcased the portraits of skilled artisans whose legacy lives on.

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An elegant costume worn by Miss Malaysia, Serena Lee.

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Miss Jamaica, Jordanne Levy, on the runway at Thursday's costume competition.

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Miss Slovakia's costume featured an ornate headdress crafted from straw.

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True to form for the competition, Miss France ventured into Moulin Rouge's costume department.

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Miss Thailand, Anntonia Porsild, in an intricately crafted costume.

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Miss South Africa, Bryoni Natalie Govender, takes to the stage on Thursday evening.

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"Big hat, big aspirations," the competitions commentators quipped of Miss Mongolia's outfit.

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Among the numerous ensembles presented that evening, Miss Nepal's outfit stood out for its distinctive and remarkable features. She showcased a handmade headpiece that appeared to be crafted from foam and spray paint. Interestingly, the design symbolized the devastating consequences of war, as indicated by the explosion depicted and the missiles above it. However, the headpiece also conveyed an even more significant message, which was Nepal's unwavering pursuit of world peace.

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