I still insist that a Beauty Pageant should be considered as an international sport. Each nation gets to cheer and scream their hearts out for their representative. Especially in this round of "National Costume", everybody is looking forward to seeing what each country brings on the runway.
I have listed my Top 10 in alphabetical order. Why? Because they're all so good and I can't really decide who comes before or after who. THEY WERE JUST EQUALLY GREAT! It's already so hard to pick 10 from 70 countries. So, here's the other 5 from PART I : My TOP 10 National Costumes from Miss Grand International 2023. Moreover, I got some honorable mentions for some, that I really think it's definitely in top list of many people.
6. NIGERIA: “Nkwu (Palm tree)”
Boma Dokubo
Nigeria's natural resources are abundant, particularly the palm tree, which holds great significance in the Nigerian culture. It is not only a vital food source but also symbolizes victory, peace, fertility, and growth. It has had a positive impact on Nigerian women, as they have been able to utilize palm oil and other palm-related products to support their families and generate income. The piece embraces and celebrates Nigeria's cultural heritage and the originality of Nigerian women.
So much FUN and LIVELY energy radiating throughout Boma's performance. Watching her prance out I can't help, but literally be like, this Leslie Jordan GIF on the right >> 😂. I also like that the concept of the costume is something simple but you can't overlook it, because it's so importantly rooted in the African culture. Though, on the back of the costume, I wish they could make it cleaner and prettier. Boma was dancing and carrying the costume without making us feel heavy at all. So, KUDOS to that performance.
7. PUERTO RICO : “The Chupacabras”
Cristina Ramos
In Puerto Rico and many parts of the world exists a legend of a creature described as a reptile alien-like form that feeds itself at night from farmers' livestock. The first recorded sights of this creature were in Puerto Rico, where it inhabits and has become part of the local folklore.
Its name, “El Chupacabras”, has been attributed worldwide to Puerto Rican comedian Silverio Perez. Through the years the origin of this creature remains unknown and despite all the efforts to see or capture it, it still remains a mystery.
Talking about RHINESTONING that thing up! I just loveee how this costume kinda drags it up to an extravagance level that just satisfies all the audiences and definitely not letting me down. As a beauty pageant viewer, a country like Puerto Rico is always a front-runner in a pageant like this and Cristina ATE it up. She came out as a mystical creature ready to devour all your livestock. Scary!
8. THAILAND : “Golden Garuda”
Thaweepon Phingchamrat
Garuda is one of the most known mystical creatures in Thailand. It is familiar and respected due to representing Thai government officials and royalty. The bronze Garuda statue, covered with gold and mirrors that inspired the costume, is located at Wat Phra Kaew, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bangkok. Our candidate can spread the wings attached to the bodysuit to show immortal power and unlimited freedom.
Trying not so hard to be biased to my own nation, I still can't stop my jaw-dropping reaction when Thaweepon came out. The costume of our golden Garuda was such an iconic symbol of the grand palace in Bangkok. How they managed to create those fake two hands in front and put the wings on her actual arms to make them able to move as the real wings. It's something I can't get over how proud I am of our skillful handicraft work of art like this. However, I had to be honest about how I actually saw this costume before and I think I was more impressed the first time I saw it. I saw that at the beginning of the performance, she started on the wrong foot a little. But overall, great job Thailand! Show the world who we are!
9. UKRAINE: “The heart of Ukraine”
Yuliia Klymenko
The dress in which Yuliia Klymenko stepped on the stage embodies the soul of brave Ukrainians. A heart, hand-embroidered by craftsmen is not just a symbol of love, but a symbol of courage and faith. It feels joy, and pain and believes, sympathizes with every loss, but never loses hope.
From this same heart grows the tree of life. Its winding branches, covered with exquisite embroidery, lead us through the labyrinths of Ukrainian history, revealing the secrets and wisdom of generations. This dress serves as a reminder that no matter what challenges we are facing, we always strive for the light.
First of all, our hearts go out to all the brave Ukrainians out there. In a time like this, it's very important to spread out the message and be united as one. In terms of the costume, I love that they make it "less is more". It was just simple and it fitted Yuliia very well. She walked out gracefully with her gorgeous face showing the queen's attitude!
10. VIETNAM : “Rising Dragon (Vũ khúc Thiên Long”
Lê Hoàng Phương
Rising Dragon is inspired by the legend of “Children of the Fairy and the Dragon” - the origin of Vietnamese people are all brothers. Dragon in Vietnamese people’s minds also a symbol of power, ascendancy, belief, and aspiration about the enthusiasm, and prosperity of the country. Rising Dragon cooperates with the traditional Ao dai to show the pride in Vietnamese people’s origin, solidarity, and love of peace. Along with that is respecting the strong, resilient, undaunted Vietnamese women.
As the host country of the competition this year, Vietnam got to come out as the last country. LET ME TELL YOU, They put so much work into the presentation as if the whole Vietnamese people had come and helped. THE DRAGON came out and it's not even a national costume contest anymore, but Vietnam made all the other contestants just an appetizer show for their main show. The dragon even breathes fire when Lê Hoàng Phương came out!!! What a wow factor to see on stage. Anyway, at that point, I was relieved that the fire didn't get into her hair. It was so big that Lê Hoàng Phương can't carry it herself. It was so GRAND that it undeniably has to be on the list.
check out the video clip to see what I mean. (from 23.05 min)
HONORABLE MENTIONS
which I was just gonna point out with just quick commentary.
INDIA : “Divali Festival”
Arshina Sumbul
India's national costume represents the festival of Diwali. During Diwali, homes are adorned with oil lamps and colorful decorations. Fireworks illuminate the night sky, symbolizing the victory of light and knowledge. Diwali fosters a sense of unity, joy, and renewal among participants.
QuoteThe costume Saree represents the Indian women. Women in India are signified as the Laxmi of the house, who brings prosperity to the home. On Diwali Indians worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesha who are the lords of prosperity and wealth
Charmingly attractive face! I love how her look was so unique and screamed INDIA! Also, the Divali Festival is worldwide famous. The costume was somehow bewitching and attracting energy.
USA: “The Rose”
Sthephanie Marie
Celebrate the beauty and meaning of the American spirit with The United States Rose. Recognized since 1986 as the national flower of the US, representing beauty, devotion, and the love of the country. People nationwide have cherished it for generations as a reminder of life, eternity, and national pride. Its beauty stands as a testament to the strength and devotion of the American spirit.
This flower speaks the language of the heart to all Americans, reminding us of our love for each other and our nation. Celebrate this timeless symbol that we hold dear and cherish its timeless beauty.
Although, the concept was simple and it's something that I didn't know before that the rose is a national flower. Sthephanie did a beguiling performance to present the costume. Moreover, her facial features are flawless. Very Gorgeous!
That's all the list that I had, guys. This actually took longer time than I thought I wrote it all down, still, it was nice to get out of my comfort zone and to be able to share it here on Hive. I probably write more about pageants, who knows when and how. Let me know what you think about the post in the comment section.
Thank you for stopping by and I hope we all stay true to our roots and keep showing it to the world.
Khob khun kaa,
Nomnomnoodle 🍜