IT may not have any bearing on a candidate’s finals scores, but the national costume competition at Miss Universe has risen in significance for the platform that it provides. It used to be that this segment was a showcase of a queen’s national culture and traditions; now, the 2021 edition in Israel became an avenue for her to express her views on vital international issues.
Here are the delegates with outstanding advocacies, plus our own Pinay powerhouse whose urgent concern in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette needs our attention:
FRANCE: Clémence Botino
THE glamazon from Guadeloupe said she was inspired by Joséphine Baker, the dancer, singer, civil-rights activist, wartime spy and LGBT icon who was recently granted one of France’s highest honors: a tomb in the Panthéon in Paris, the country’s monument to its heroes. Born in the US but a household name in France, Baker is the first woman of color to be so honored.
The scintillating costume was created by Manzel by Vanessa Boimond, who implores: “Focus on the details. I believe that if I could, I would live in a bubble filled with rhinestones. I love this part of my joy, laying stones together. I feel like I created a little gem for [Clémence]. It can never be said enough; it’s the details that make the difference.”
CZECH REPUBLIC: Karolína Kokesová, costume by Indonesian Hengki Kawilarang
“Essentially this costume is of a Lionness Warrior representing the strength and freedom of its coat of arms. In protecting women’s rights, I wanted to highlight this unique three-layered shield of my costume, which features three symbolic parts: the rampant lion—national emblem of our republic, the Afghanistan’s flag colors with the text saying ‘Protect Women’s Rights Worldwide,” and the Texas flag with the text ‘I’m One Voice, but Together We Can Roar.’ The concept behind this shield is to simply showcase that regardless of race, First or Third World countries, women’s rights issues are all over the world.”
EL SALVADOR: Alejandra Gavidia, costume by Francisco Guerrero
I AM the monument to the Constitution. The dress is a representation and honors the 71 victims of femicide (registered) who are all missing. The candles represent the hope of families finding justice on behalf of their loved ones. The candles that no longer have light are from those people who have lost hope and are upon my shoulders to continue seeking justice for them.
The hands around the dress were painted by real people who have lost a family or loved one to the crime of femicide or disappearance. The chains of the right arm represent all the social and political pressures that sometimes hinder the pursuit of justice.
The blindfold is black as a symbol of mourning, but it ends in a very dark green that symbolizes hope for all. Although my sash says El Salvador, the crimes of femicide and disappearance are a reality lived around the world.
IRELAND: Katharine Sara Walker
THE costume was made by the Belfast-based brand Call Me Sophia, which also creates outfits for Fil-Am drag queen Rock M Sakura, and Krystal Versace, the winner of Drag Race UK Season 3.
“I knew I wanted my costume to have a message. I wanted something that was personal to me but also extremely relevant and impactful. I wanted to celebrate the work of my fellow health-care workers and also to make a statement on nurses’ pay.
“I am not just representing Ireland, but every single health-care worker who goes above and beyond caring for others, those who work through their breaks and work overtime for no extra pay, those who help the most vulnerable through their darkest days. It is time to pay nurses fairly. Enough is enough!”
FINLAND: Essi Unkuri
THE costume, created by Finnish costume designer and sewer Merja Thil takes a stand on climate change and encourages the protection our forests. The inspiration was from an award-winning drawing made by Essi when she was 12, where the sun is eating a melting globe, which is on top of an ice cream cone. “As the country with the most forest in Europe, Finland has a special responsibility. Let’s stop the failure of forests together and work to control climate change and maintain biodiversity all around the earth. Let’s take care of our forests. Together, we are more.”
PHILIPPINES: A public service announcement from Beatrice Luigi Gomez
“It’s only a few days away until Christmas and yet my heart bleeds for Cebu. My family’s home is just one of many devastated by one of the strongest typhoons that hit Cebu and the surrounding provinces. I am now knocking on your hearts to help me in partnership with Simply Share Foundation and the Naval Reserve Center of Eastern Visayas to respond to this calamity,” pleads the Cebuana beauty who placed in the Top 5 at Miss Universe.
Incidentally, the Miss Universe Philippines Organization recently forged a partnership with Sendwave, a money-transfer app that makes sending funds to loved ones as easy and affordable as sending a text. It prides itself on remaining fee-free here.
Through Sendwave (try.sendwave.com/kjap/muph), Filipinos abroad and foreigners can send help to the survivors of Typhoon Odette. Download the app, introduce the promo code MUPH and you will get $10 for free on your first transaction, and send either a portion or the full amount as donation to SimplyShare’s GCash or BPI accounts.
The details are GCash (Pamela B./0917-6292220) and BPI Account Name: SimplyShare Foundation Inc./Account Number: 2931 0059 63/Swift code: BOPIPHMM.
The MUP will donate for every individual transaction on top of your first donation when you use the code MUPH. However, Sendwave is available in the US, Canada, UK, Spain, Italy, Belgium, France and Ireland only.
Image courtesy of Benjamin Askinas
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