PAGEANT Circle

Following a racism controversy with some pageant fans, Canada's Nova Stevens has shared stunning photos from her latest shoot in the UAE wearing a fabulous couture yellow gown by Michael Cinco. In her post on social media, the 26-year-old statuesque beauty captioned: "Running towards my destiny. I’m ready for whatever the universe has in stores for me." Nova will be dressed by the Dubai-based Filipino fashion designer in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe competition in Hollywood, Florida. Photos: Adam Browning-Hill / Producer & Creative Direction: Michael Cinco / Art Direction & Styling: Rhon Balagtas / Accessories: Gian Gerente, Ronan Cabrito Opiña / Hair & Makeup: Jefferson Rivera

Miss Universe Myanmar 2020 Thuzar Wint Lwin has safely left for the US amid the current political conflict in her country to compete in the 69th Miss Universe pageant. There were concerns regarding her departure for the international competition because she has been openly using her platform to support her countrymen's fight for democracy. "A Miss Universe is a woman who paves her own way and achieves her dreams, overcoming the obstacles that await along the journey. So here I come," Thuzar shared on her official social media page. Hailing from Hakha, the 22-year-old works as a professional model and beauty blogger. She holds a diploma in tourism and hospitality management from Star University and currently an English student at the University of East Yangon. The 69th Miss Universe competition will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Sunday, May 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Photos: Aung Kyaw Tun (Visual Design) / Designer: Kyaw Swar (Desig

Miss Universe Nepal 2020 Anshika Sharma has revealed her costume inspired by the highest mountain on Earth for the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA this May. Designed and conceptualized by fashion designer Bina Ghale, the "Ode to Mountaineers" national costume features a mountaineering ensemble and prayer flags in five colors. "Theme by me - I wanted to do something that had never been done before, take the pride of Nepal to the Universe," Anshika shared on her social media page. "Every year, the world visits Nepal for its mountains. This year, we take the mountains to the world," the 24-year-old business analyst said. Mount Everest is a peak in the mountain range of the Himalayas. It is located between Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region of China. At 8,849 meters (29,032 feet), it is considered the highest point on Earth. Photo: Milan Lama / Meiilan Visual Arts

Miss Universe Costa Rica 2020 will be showcasing a costume inspired by her national flower at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA this May. A beautiful creation by fashion designer John Lecksell, the national costume features a floral headpiece and an off-shoulder white dress with a long and flared skirt, and embellished with ruffles and purple flowers. The purple country girl, or Guaria Morada in Spanish, is a stunning orchid shining with purple hues and thin, rounded petals. Based on Tico tradition, the flower brings good luck and fortune. "I leave you the purple guaria, the national flower of my beautiful land that today cries for many of its children," Ivonne said in a caption to the official photos of her costume she shared on social media. "Today more than ever, I hope to represent you well and I ask that we take care of each other," she added. Photos: Arnoldo Robert / Miss Costa Rica

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James proudly waved her national flag in a Rizman Ruzaini send-off outfit during her departure for the US on Wednesday, May 5. The 25-year-old marketing executive also shared a sneak peek of her catwalk for the 69th Miss Universe pageant before her flight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. In a post on her official social media page, Francisca wrote a message for her parents who came all the way from Sarawak to support her. "It’s been a long journey. Finally, here we are now. They never stop me from reaching my milestones. I will forever be your Luhong James, your one and only daughter, who is always full of surprises. I’m happy to have both of them by my side before the take off. This is just the beginning," she said. The 69th Miss Universe pageant will air live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 at 8 p.m. ET. Photos: Miss Universe Malaysia

Miss Universe Ukraine 2020 Yelyzaveta Yastremska will be showcasing the "Vytynаnka Soul" national costume at the 69th Miss Universe pageant in Hollywood, Florida this May. Designed by Rada, the costume was inspired by Vytynаnka, a version of the art form of papercutting that is popular in Ukraine. It comes from the word "cut" in Ukrainian. Vytynankas are used to decorate the walls, windows, shelves, and tables. The ones that were made of fabric and leather are used to decorate clothes. "Life sometimes leaves holes in people's souls, but God makes them a beautiful harmonious picture that reflects the inner beauty of a human," Yelyzaveta said on her official social media page. "The white color of the costume symbolizes life, peace, happiness, and the pureness of a human's soul. Mirror brilliance reflects the inner world of a human. Our soul has wings, we are born to fly," she added. Photos: Olesya Iskova

Miss Suomi 2020 Viivi Altonen has revealed her northern lights-inspired national costume for the 69th Miss Universe pageant. The innovative costume designed by her stepfather used the LED lighting technology and its preparations took almost eight months for her team to complete. Viivi shared it represents "the phenomenal development that Finland has gone through within the last century. From a rural society to a global leader in many fields." The 24-year-old social science student will showcase the spectacular ensemble at the 69th Miss Universe competition this May in Florida, USA. Photo: Hans Lehtinen / HLPhotography