PAGEANT Circle

Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil will showcase a black swan-inspired national costume in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA. The costume weighs about 9 kilograms. It was constructed with a total of 105 feathers that were hand-cut from stiffened lightweight fabric and edge bound. Designer Nicola Yeung worked closely with engineer Stuart Bryce of Dugite Designs, who was the mechanical mastermind behind the kinetics. The upper feathers spin, run by a small motor attached to the back. The black swan is a native Australian bird, the emblem of West Australia, and a symbol of hope. Up until the 16th century, swans were widely believed to be invariably white, so much so that the phrase “black swan” was coined to describe an unpredictable event that is beyond what is normal for a situation. "Following its discovery, the black swan is a symbol of the unexpected and overcoming the impossible. It symbolizes the beauty and wonder in being open for change," M

Miss Universe Czech Republic 2020 Klara Vavruskova will be wearing a national costume inspired by the Czech folklore in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida. Designed by Yvona Leitner, the modern costume features pleated sleeves that are typical to Czech national dress and a beautiful halo headpiece with handmade flowers created by Anna Skarda of Carbickova Crowns, whose clients include Khloé Kardashian and Beyoncé. The Modrotisk (blueprint), a Czech traditional folk fabric dyeing technology inscribed on the UNESCO representative list in 2018, was used for the costume at a workroom in Straznice, a small village with colorful history in Southern Moravia. Photos: Anna Koniaeva / Ceska Miss

After five editions, "Family Feud" host Steve Harvey will not be hosting the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida this May. The Miss Universe Organization announced on Tuesday, April 20 that "Access Hollywood" co-host Mario Lopez and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo will host the upcoming competition. Steve left the comment "I’ll miss you guys — but I’ll see you for the 70th" to the announcement of MUO on its official social media page. Olivia, who turned actress and model after winning the pageant in 2012, also commented "so excited" about the good news. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on the FYI channel and numerous TV stations across the world. Roku will also stream the competition for free the next day. Photos: Miss Universe Organization

Miss Universe Bangladesh 2020 Tangia Zaman Methila will no longer participate in the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA next month. Her profile has already been removed from the official Miss Universe website. The actress and model has been very controversial since winning her national pageant earlier this month. Her crowning was met with huge public backlash and disappointment. According to reports, Tangia filmed a man in a public men’s restroom without his consent. Although a public apology was already issued after admitting to the act, the viral video still resurfaced. Another issue was her age of 27 as many people have claimed that she lied about it to enter the competition. In 2019, she joined Miss Supranational at already 27. The age requirement for Miss Universe is 18 to 28 years old. Despite people crying out "a sexual harasser has been chosen to represent our country," the Miss Universe Bangladesh organization has decided to remain silent on the controversies

Canada's representative to the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida next month, Nova Stevens, has finally reunited with her family in Ethiopia after 21 years. The 25-year-old professional model and activist was sent to Canada at age 6 to have a better life while her family settled in Ethiopia after fleeing the civil war in South Sudan. "For a parent to send a child away on their own is one of the biggest sacrifices. My parents took a chance and sent me away to Canada for the opportunity to have a better life," Nova wrote on social media. "I am forever grateful to everyone that has been instrumental in making my dream come true. Ethiopian Airlines [Fly Ethiopian] thank you so much for bringing me back to my roots. God knows had it not been for your generous sponsorship, I wouldn’t have been able to see them this year." Nova has won the Miss Universe Canada 2020 title in October last year after joining the national pageant three times. She will be the first-ever

Miss Universe Brazil 2020 Julia Gama has today departed for Cancun to take the necessary quarantine before going to the USA for the 69th Miss Universe pageant. Since winning her national title last year, the 27-year-old actress and entrepreneur have her eyes set on winning her country's third Miss Universe crown. In a post on social media, Julia said: "I feel even closer to the final destination of this amazing journey. Being the Miss Universe while a pandemic is going on demands quite a great level of adaptation, patience, and sense of purpose." "So far, times have been challenging, beautiful, and unforgettable. What I have been through in a few months as Miss Brazil feels like years of experience. It’s been an honor to represent Brazil and the love for our nation, which have kept me, through the ups and downs, focused and dedicated," she added. "I travel today with a great sensation. A beautiful and positive feeling, being totally sure I am exactly where

Miss Universe Organization has announced Jojo Bragais as the official footwear sponsor of the 69th Miss Universe pageant. The Filipino entrepreneur has made shoes worn by many local and international beauty queens and celebrities including former Miss Universe Catriona Gray. In a post on social media, MUO said: "All of our delegates walk with purpose, strength, and in their own unique stride. Presenting the official footwear sponsor of the 69th MISS UNIVERSE competition Jojo Bragais, who empowers women to 'Walk. Win.'" According to ABS-CBN News, between 150 to 200 pairs of "Jehza" shoes were prepared for the contestants of the upcoming competition in Hollywood, Florida. "I am grateful for the Miss Universe organization for the trust they have given Bragais. They made my dream possible by becoming the first Pinoy footwear partner for the pageant," Jojo told the news outlet. Photo: Miss Universe / Facebook