Ukraine's Viktoria Apanasenko reveals national costume for 71st Miss Universe


Miss Universe Ukraine 2022 Viktoria Apanasenko finally revealed her symbolic national costume for the 71st Miss Universe pageant.

The "Warrior of Light" costume symbolizes her nation's fight against the darkness, like an archangel Michael with a sword protecting Ukraine. It was completed in four months of extreme conditions, to the sound of sirens, without electricity, and by candlelight.

In addition to a weapon in her hand, the costume also features a monolithic jumpsuit that covers Viktoria's body like armor, a vyshyvanka-styled white dress with puffy sleeves and skirt with over 10 meters of fabric, a beautiful headpiece, and wings inspired by the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

"It is the personification of inner strength, courage, determination and will flowing in our veins. War cannot break our strength and will not discolor our hearts. Ukraine will bloom like a phoenix even in a fire. It shines with bright rays of kindness and faith," Viktoria shared on social media.

"We are all true warriors of light - unbreakable, made of steel, who will definitely defeat the darkness and evil that has come to our land," she added.

Designed by costume designer Lesia Patoka, the meaningful national costume will be showcased during the upcoming 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA this January.

Photos: Olena Rozbytska / Miss Ukraine

Popular posts from this blog

Miss Universe Ireland 2026 is Aideen Howard from Limerick

Image
Aideen Howard beat over 20 other contestants to win Miss Universe Ireland 2026 on Saturday, June 20 at the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin. The 22-year-old model and student from Castletroy, Limerick, was crowned by her predecessor Aadya Srivastava from Galway. She will now prepare to represent Ireland at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico this November. Leah Sheehan, also from Limerick, and Eileen Coyle from Derry were named the first and second runners-up, respectively. Originally from Boston, the new Miss Universe Ireland moved to Limerick at age 12. In her bio for the pageant, she said, "Moving countries at a young age taught me the importance of kindness, empathy, and making others feel included." "Having experienced major life changes throughout my childhood, I understand how overwhelming and lonely life can feel, which is why I value creating a positive, welcoming environment for others," she added. Aideen also said: "I aspire to be someone young girls and boy...
Read more

Kamilla Kiss crowned Miss Universe Hungary 2026

Image
Kamilla Kiss, 25, was crowned Miss Universe Hungary 2026 on Friday, June 19 at Kálmán Imre Theater in Budapest. She beat 11 other contestants to win the national competition and will now prepare to represent Hungary at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Lilien Sarka and Kinga Óvári were named the first and second runners-up, respectively. The new Miss Universe Hungary succeeds last year's winner Kincső Dezsényi. Kamilla is a freelance model, interior designer and makeup artist. Road to the 75th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe Hungary (@missuniversehungary_) Photos: Tamás Nánási / Miss Universe Hungary
Read more

Miss Universe Norway 2024 is Lilly Sødal from Kristiansand

Image
Lilly Sødal was crowned Miss Norway 2024 (Miss Universe Norway 2024) during the national competition held last Saturday, August 10 at Rebel in Oslo. The 21-year-old sustainability advocate from Kristiansand received her crown from her predecessor, last year's winner Julie Tollefsen. She will now prepare to represent Norway at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico this November. No stranger to pageantry, Lilly is a former Miss Earth Norway who competed in Miss Earth 2022 in the Philippines where she made the Top 20. She also went to The Miss Globe 2023 pageant in Durrës, Albania, and placed in the Top 15. "Words can’t describe how grateful I feel right now. My big “unrealistic” dream since I was 17 became true this weekend, and I don’t know how I could ever express in words what this means to me, and how thankful I am," said the new Miss Universe Norway. "I am beyond excited to start this new chapter as Miss Universe Norway 2024, and to travel to Miss Universe in M...
Read more

Miss Universe Myanmar 2026 is May Grace Parry

Image
Miss Hpa-An, May Grace Parry, was crowned Miss Universe Myanmar 2026 on Wednesday, June 17 at the Hexagon Complex in Yangon. The 31-year-old Australian-Burmese model and actress edged out over 30 other contestants to win the national title. She succeeds last year's winner Myat Yadanar Soe. Han Theint Theint Aung of Taungoo and Kyaw Kyaw Eaindra of Yangon West were named the first and second runners-up, respectively. Former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova and Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo from the Philippines were among the judges. Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union also graced the glittering event as a special guest. The new Miss Universe Myanmar will represent her country at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Road to the 75th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe Myanmar (@miss_universe_myanmar_official) Photos: Htet Aung Hlaing ( Studio Htet), ...
Read more

Miss Supranational Slovakia 2023 is Simona Leskovská

Image
Former Miss Slovensko finalist Simona Leskovská has been officially appointed as Miss Supranational Slovakia 2023. Miss Slovakia organization made the announcement on Monday, April 3 via social media. The 31-year-old beauty is a well-known influencer and sports editor from Bratislava. She took part as one of the 12 finalists of Miss Slovensko 2015 and bagged the special title Miss Pierot for her beautiful hair. Simona succeeded last year's titleholder Jana Vozárová and will now prepare to represent her country at the Miss Supranational 2023 final in Poland this July. Slovakia, officially the Slovak Republic, has yet to win the Miss Supranational competition since its debut in 2013 with Luciána Čvirková. The country's highest achievements at the Poland-based international pageant were Top 10 placements in 2015 and 2016 courtesy of Petra Denková and Lenka Tekeljaková. Here's the new Miss Supranational Slovakia: View this post on Instagram A post shared by ...
Read more

Miss World Italy 2026 is Mia Zottoli Montanaro from Puglia

Image
Mia Zottoli Montanaro was proclaimed the winner of Miss Mondo Italia 2026 (Miss World Italy) last Sunday, June 14 at the Ecoresort Le Sirenè in Gallipoli. The 21-year-old model and former volleyball player of Argentine descent from Taranto, Puglia was crowned by her predecessor Sofia Viola. Basma Zaid of Basilicata and Azzura Sandrini of Lombardia were announced the first and second runners-up, respectively. Caterina Noghera of Veneto, Lara Boemio of Toscana, and Ginevra Pagano of Campania rounded out the Top 6 finalists. The new Miss World Italy is expected to represent her country at the 75th Miss World (Miss World 2028) competition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Mondo Italia (@missmondoitalia) Photos: Miss Mondo Italia / Instagram
Read more

SPOTLIGHT: Miss Grand Czech Republic 2023 Sophia Maria Osako

Image
A fashion model and political science student from Prague, Sophia Maria Osako, will represent the Czech Republic in the upcoming Miss Grand International 2023. The 19-year-old was proclaimed Miss Grand Czech Republic 2023 in a national final held last May at Forum Karlín where reigning Miss Grand International Isabella Menin and MGI President Nawat Itsaragrisil attended as special guests. Sophia succeeded last year's winner, Mariana Bečková, who clinched an impressive fourth runner-up finish among 68 competitors at the 10th Miss Grand International pageant held in Bali and Jakarta, Indonesia. Born to a bicultural family, the new Miss Grand Czech Republic inherited her looks from her model and designer Czech mother, and her musical singing talent from her Japanese father. Her exquisite beauty made her a successful international model working for some of the world's leading luxury brands. Aside from her talent and undeniable physical attributes, she has a passion for helping othe...
Read more

Jennifer Barreto crowned Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2026

Image
Jennifer Barreto of San Sebastián triumphed over 30 other contestants to win Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2026 on Thursday, June 25 in Caguas. The 27-year-old psychologist will represent Puerto Rico at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant to be held in the Caribbean island this November. Génesis Dávila of Arroyo was named first runner-up while Vivianie Díaz-Arroyo of Aguas Buenas, Nicole Marie Colón of Aibonito, and Chelsey García of Añasco were the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. Ariana Pagán of Orocovis, Natalia Molina of Salinas, and Krystal González of Utuado made the Top 8 while the representatives of Caguas, Carolina, Coamo, Dorado, Juana Díaz, Manatí and Toa Baja completed the Top 15 semifinalists. Born in Isabella, the new Miss Universe Puerto Rico holds a bachelor's degree in research pyschology and master's in psychology and clinical social work. She is currently a prevention specialist  for the United States Department of Defense. Jennifer was crowned by h...
Read more

Miss Universe Croatia 2026 is Antea Mršić from Zagreb

Image
Antea Mršić edged out 14 other contestants to win Miss Universe Croatia 2026 on Monday, May 25 at Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb. The 24-year-old sports management graduate from Zagreb will now prepare to represent Croatia at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Monika Vojvodić was named first runner-up while Laura Vujica, Magdalena Fofić and Beata Šimat were the second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively. "I am endlessly grateful for every single person who believed in me," the new Miss Universe Croatia shared online. "I am excited to have the opportunity to represent Croatia on the world stage," she added. This year's pageant marked the 30th anniversary edition of the national competition. Last year's winner Laura Gnjatović crowned her successor at the end of the event. She made the Top 30 at Miss Universe 2025 last November in Thailand. Road to the 75th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared ...
Read more

Miss Slovenije 2022: Vida Milivojša to represent Slovenia at 71st Miss World

Image
Vida Milivojša was crowned Miss Slovenije 2022 (Miss Slovenia) on Sunday, September 4 in the beautiful municipality of Braslovče. The 23-year-old beauty from Ljubljana bested 15 other finalists to win her national title. She is a dancer and student pursuing a degree in marketing communication and public relations. Hana Klaut, 26, and Talita Sofija Komelj, 22, were named the first and second runners-up, respectively. To live up to its theme "Podjetništvo na podeželju" (Entrepreneurship in the countryside), this year's national competition was held in a venue rich in cultural and natural heritage and is home to successful domestic companies. The new Miss Slovenije succeeds Maja Čolić and is now expected to represent her country at the 71st Miss World pageant on a date and venue yet to be announced. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MISS SLOVENIA for MISS WORLD (@miss.slovenia) Photos: Anže Krže / Miss Slovenia for Miss World
Read more