What do dictionaries, plantains, fighter planes and the Swiss Guard have in common? All inspired national costumes on display at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant.

The 72nd annual Miss Universe national costume contest took place on Thursday. Contestants wore feathers, bold backpieces, and barely-there bodysuits.

On Thursday night in Mexico City, the glamorous contestants put on an extravagant display at the 73rd Miss Universe preliminary and national costume competition.

The 2024 Miss Universe costume contest took place on Thursday. The boldest looks included feathered backpieces, sparkly details, and daring cutouts.

Miss United States of America, Alma Cooper (center), speaks during The 73rd Miss Universe Competition – show at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on November 16, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.

The Most Over-the-Top Miss Universe Costumes, From High Camp to High Cringe We’re talking Lady Gaga levels of theatrics, people.

The National Costume competition at Miss Universe is one of the most anticipated events of the pageant. It showcases the cultural heritage, creativity, and unique identity of each contestant's ...

Miss United States Noelia Voigt attends the 72nd Miss Universe Competition’s National Costume Show on Nov. 16, 2023, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Hector Vivas/Getty Images) ...

At Miss Universe 2024, it was all those things — and much more — as the annual pageant kicked off with its flamboyant national costume competition Thursday evening.