Miss Thailand Sophida Kanchanarin displays her costume during Miss Universe National Costume Show in Chon Buri, Thailand Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. Gemunu Amarasinghe/AP Images ...

That’s a serious question, but with a delightfully nonsensical answer: All served as inspiration for national costumes on display during the 2023 Miss Universe pageant’s preliminary competition.

T he 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 ...

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.

Miss Russia, Anna Linnikova walks onstage during the 71st Miss Universe Competition National Costume show at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on Jan 11, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Miss Philippines Michelle Dee, secured the award of Best National Costume at Miss Universe 2023, after fans voted on the organization’s app.Here’s the script of the National Costume Show as ...

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