MANILA, Philippines — The national costume show of the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador saw contestants attempt to showcase their respective countries on a global stage, promoting their nations in full stride.
The Philippines' Michelle Dee went the tourism route by wearing plane-like outfit by fashion designer Michael Barassi, with a solihiya pattern torso and captain's cap and wings bearing the colors of the Philippine flag, a mural of local destinations, and the slogan, "Love The Philippines."
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However, it came as no surprise that hometown bet Isabella García-Manzo received the most deafening applause, especially with an outfit that literally lit up the already-bright stage.
Isabella wore an orange and black dress designed by Emmy award winner Marina Toybina meant to resemble El Salvador's volcanoes and the country's rebirth from eruptions.
As if the dress wasn't awe-inspiring enough, Isabella's sun headdress lit up and illuminated streaks of orange appeared down the dress appearing like flowing lava.
The venue even dimmed its lights so Isabella's outfit would be more pronounced, but the beauty queen wasn't done as she unveiled another illuminated design behind her.
The technology by filmmaking studio Spectral Motion ultimately made Isabella resemble the outfits of Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen in the "Hunger Games" films.
Not to be outdone was fan favorite Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, whose outfit by Jorge Salazar was inspired by the great-tailed grackle bird found in the Americas.
A number of contestants' national costumes were inspired by birds, but none received more love than Sheynnis as she waved her arms to flap her black wings and spun around to show off her tail.
The plume consisted of thousands of crystals, and Sheynnis even got down on one knee to further flaunt Salazar's expert work.
Also making a remarkable impression was Ukraine's Angelina Usanova whose "Mother Protector" costume consisted of a sky blue gown as Angelina held a golden infant.
"Children do not start wars, but they are the ones who are unable to defend themselves... Mothers all over Ukraine are begging and dreaming of a sky without missiles. They pray for the lives of their children, who are mercilessly taken away by the war." Angelina said on Instagram.
The beauty queen dedicated her costume to Ukrainian and refugee mothers; Angelina's predecessor Viktoria Apanasenko won the Best National Costume as well as the Spirit of Carnival award.
The Netherlands' Rikkie Kollé, one of two transwomen in this year's pageant, continued her advocacy for trans rights and visibility with her tulip costume bearing the colors of the trans and pride flags, much like her evening gown during the preliminaries.
Other standouts at the Miss Universe 2023 national costume show were Canada's flag-filled outfit promoting inclusivity, Germany's costume inspired by Rapunzel, and another fan-favorite Nepal whose attire another statement calling for an end to conflict.
Filipino-American and reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel will crown her successor on November 18 (the 19th in the Philippines), with Michelle hoping to win the Philippines' fifth crown. — with reports by Jan Milo Severo
RELATED: Fly high, Pinay: Captain Michelle Dee soars at Miss Universe 2023 National Costume competition