Iconic Firsts at the Beauty Pageant
We witness the crowning of Miss Universe every year, but this year was special as there were iconic firsts and groundbreaking appearances by several contestants representing their respective counties.
1. The 72nd Miss Universe competition held in San Salvador, El Salvador, on November 19 (IST) saw Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua claim the coveted title, which marked a significant milestone as Sheynnis Palacios became the first titleholder from Nicaragua to win the prestigious crown.
In a first by any contestant, Palacios utilised the Miss Universe platform to share her personal journey with anxiety, shedding light on her struggles. She also initiated the “Understand Your Mind” project to be a voice for women facing mental health challenges.
2. In the 72-year history of the pageant, Jane Dipika Garrett, representing Nepal, became the first contestant to embrace body inclusivity.
Jane was the first plus-size model to grace the runway, advocating the cause of body positivity and etching her name in history by shattering stereotypes. She believes, “There’s not one way to be beautiful — every woman is beautiful just as they are.”
3. The 72nd edition of Miss Universe had the first-ever participant from Pakistan. Erica Robins has made history by being crowned as Miss Universe Pakistan 2023. This Karachi-born model turned heads wearing a burkini during the swimsuit round in stark contrast to the other contestants, who wore metallic swimsuits with bold cutouts.
Erica shared how she experienced criticism in her country for contesting the pageant, but affirmed her readiness to confront any challenges while staying true to her values as a contemporary young Pakistani woman. She expressed her desire to showcase to the world that Pakistan is capable of celebrating the success of women.
4. One of the many new additions was Michelle Cohn from Guatemala. At 28, Michelle Cohn is not only a mother of two but also a model and an entrepreneur.
She adorned herself in a bejewelled bodysuit inspired by La Monja Blanca, Guatemala’s national flower.
Her Instagram bio highlights her as the first mother chosen to represent her nation at the Miss Universe pageant, actively challenging stereotypes and advocating women’s empowerment.
5. Miss Colombia Camila Avella created history as the first married woman and second mother to participate. Despite not being selected for the Miss Colombia title in 2018, the 28-year-old, who is married and has a daughter, was inspired to go for it again due to a rule change. Avella’s perseverance paid off and she became the first mother to reach the top 5 in Miss Universe 2023.
Avella emphasised, “One role is not going to define us, and we’re finally breaking down those stereotypes that have held us back for so long. I want women to teach their children that they’re not a limitation, that a child is the most beautiful thing that exists.”
6. Miss Netherlands Rikkie Valerie Kolle, the other transgender contestant, proudly displayed her ‘colours’ at the Miss Universe pageant. Reflecting on her accomplishments at the competition, she highlighted “Making my community visible on this huge stage. Sharing my message and creating awareness. Especially my dress that had the trans colours in it.”
In July 2023, Kollé clinched the Miss Netherlands title, emerging victorious over nine other finalists. The 22-year-old model is the second transgender individual to compete for the Miss Universe crown, following in the footsteps of Angela Ponce of Spain in 2018.
It is heartwarming as the pageant has evolved over the years by accepting contenders from every walk of life without any bias, giving them an opportunity to shine and make a difference. We eagerly await yet another edition of the grand pageant that will challenge norms and fill the colours of hope in the life of each participant who hopes to break new ground.
