Ukraine wins best national costume at 71st Miss Universe


Miss Universe Ukraine Viktoria Apanasenko was announced the winner of the 71st Miss Universe national costume which was determined by public votes.

The Miss Universe Organization made the official announcement of the winning costume on Wednesday, March 15 via the Miss Universe official app.

Viktoria paraded her "Warrior of Light" costume during the 71st Miss Universe national costume presentation last January in New Orleans, Louisiana.

It consists of an archangel sword, a monolithic jumpsuit that serves like an armor covering her body, a vyshyvanka-styled dress, a headpiece, and angel wings.

The beautiful masterpiece designed by Ukrainian costume designer Lesia Patoka took several months to complete under extreme conditions due to the armed conflicts in Ukraine.

According to Viktoria, it is a symbol of her nation's fight against the darkness, like an archangel Michael with a sword protecting her country. Importantly, it represents the strength, courage, and determination of her people.

In case you missed it, here is the full look of the winning costume:

Photos: Miss Universe Ukraine

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