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Erica Robin is set to represent Pakistan at the 72nd Global Miss Universe Pageant, which stands as one of the longest-running beauty contests.

Pakistan’s first-ever representative at the Miss Universe pageant has vowed to be “an ambassador for peace and goodwill”, even as news of her participation sparks backlash in her country.

“I want to show the beautiful side of Pakistan, away from all the negativity and hate that we see on some media outlets,” Erica Robin tells The National. “I also confirmed numerous times that I will wear a burkini as I have an immense respect of our culture – and it’s also my personal choice.”

Robin, 24, a model from Karachi, won the title last month, and will be the first to represent Pakistan at the global competition, one of the longest-running and most-watched beauty pageants, now in its 72nd year.

Robin, who is from Pakistan’s minority Christian community, says Miss Universe is a great platform to “showcase the best of what women can achieve in any field they have chosen”.

“This platform has evolved to advocate and empower causes to make the world a better place to live,” she says.

Reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the US will crown her successor at the next Miss Universe pageant to be held in El Salvador in November. More than 80 countries are set to be represented at the competition, to be spread across a number of weeks, with the winner crowned at a glitzy finale on November 18.

– Input from The National was used in this article.

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A transgender woman Marina Machete was crowned Miss Universe Portugal 2023 on Thursday, October 5 in Borba, District of Évora. She will compete with another transgender contestant for the Miss Universe title in El Salvador, according to Portuguese media.

Machete shared on social media before securing the title, “Proud to be the first trans woman to compete for the title of Miss Universe Portugal. For years it was not possible for me to participate, and today I am proud to be part of this incredible group of finalists.”

This historic achievement follows the precedent set by 22-year-old Dutchwoman Rikkie Kolle, who earlier in July became the first transgender woman to win the Miss Netherlands title. Both Machete and Kolle are poised to follow in the footsteps of Angela Ponce of Spain, who made history as the first transgender candidate for the Miss Universe title in 2018.

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Internationally acclaimed fashion designer Bibi Russell’s fashion show to raise fund for the medical mission enthralled the audience at Aloki on the capital’s Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road on Friday evening.

Dhaka audience witnessed the first ever ‘Blue Wrap Project Runway-Bangladesh’, jointly organised by Rotary Club of Dhaka Pathfinders and the Partners for World Health, a US-based organisation.

In the fashion show, Bibi Russell presented a collection of sustainable designs, where supermodel Noyonika Chatterjee walked in the ramp as the showstopper.

The show began with the first queue wearing dresses made of discarded surgical blue polypropylene with an aim to recycle the surgical wastes.

The following four queues showcased Bibi Russell’s ‘Threads of Life’ collections featuring 100 per cent natural, sustainable and hand woven cotton and Jamdani dresses.

The show also paid tribute to the craftspeople who have been the unsung heroes behind the scene.

The queues also synchronised with Bangla songs to give the viewers the glimpse of our local tradition and culture.

In her welcome speech, the president of Rotary Club of Dhaka Pathfinders Tabassum Hossain Tina said that this sustainable fashion initiative was about transforming waste into art, symbolising Rotary’s collective commitment to a healthier world.

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Rikkie Valerie Kollé has been named Miss Netherlands 2023, on July 8, becoming the first transgender woman to take the title, according to multiple outlets.

The 22-year-old was crowned with a tiara by her predecessor, Ona Moody and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the US, at the AFAS Theater in Leusden.

Kollé becomes the second transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe’s global competition in El Salvador later this year. Angela Ponce became the pageant’s first trans contestant when she represented Spain in 2018.

Notably, the 71-year-old competition first started permitting transgender contestants to participate in 2012.

“I DID IT !!!!!” the model said in a post on Instagram. “Yes I’m trans and I want to share my story but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what matters to me,” Kollé wrote. “And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I missed as a little me.”

After thanking the judges, her fellow finalists, family, and friends, Kollé told her followers, “And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I myself missed as a little me. On to many more adventures, let’s get @missuniverse ready. So excited!”

She wants to be a voice and role model for young women and queer people, according to her finalist page. As someone who didn’t feel supported after coming out as transgender at a young age, she wishes to leave those stories of suffering in the past.

“Now, years later, I’m stronger today than ever before, which is something I want to pass on to whoever needs it. Because as long as you always remain who you are, there is no one who can be above you. I would like to dedicate myself to all the little Rikkies who have to deal with rejection from their family and their transition to the person they desire to be. And help make their self-image and acceptance stronger, untouchable,” she said.

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The next Miss Universe pageant, to be held in El Salvador later this year, will be historic in many ways. For the first time, married women and mothers are allowed to participate in the 72nd edition of the annual beauty pageant.

The rule change announced last year represents one of the biggest upheavals in the history of the long-running competition, which previously only allowed single women between the ages of 18 and 28 who had never been married or had children.

Here are all the Miss Universe 2023 nominees crowned so far

Miss Universe Philippines: Michelle Dee

The 28-year-old actress from Makati beat 37 other contestants in May to win the crown. Dee won jury over the competition by saying that the best the Philippines can offer to the world is its people, warmth and hospitality.

In the competition’s final round at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, the top five candidates were all asked – in reference to the Philippines’s new tourism slogan “we give the world our best” – what the country’s greatest asset is.

“The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources, from the beaches to the mountains, but I believe that the best natural resources that the Philippines has is us Filipinos,” she said. “We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles … and we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more.”

Dee’s mother, actress and producer Melanie Marquez, is a former beauty queen, having won the Miss International crown in 1979. Dee’s cousin, actress and model Winwyn Marquez, is also a beauty queen, and was crowned Miss Reina Hispanoamericana – which celebrates Hispanic beauties – in 2017.

Dee also represented the Philippines at a global pageant when she won Miss World Philippines in 2019. She finished in the top 12 at the Miss World competition, held in London, where Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh was crowned winner that year.

A psychology graduate, Dee is only the second Filipina to win both the Miss World Philippines and Miss Universe Philippines crowns, after Catriona Gray.

Miss Universe Venezuela: Diana Silva

Silva, 25, a model, actress and former cabin crew member, was crowned Miss Venezuela last November. However, it’s not the first time she’s won a major crown. She won the Miss Earth Venezuela pageant in 2018 and competed in the Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines that year.

An early favourite, Silva, however, collapsed backstage and injured her cheekbone, after making it to the Top 8 causing her run at the competition to abruptly come to an end. Silva was given urgent medical attention and was later confirmed to be out of danger.

“I have always thought that word has power. When we speak and are able to put it out, we are creating that reality around us,” she said after being crowned Miss Venezuela 2022. “This November 16th, I fulfilled what I had decreed a few years ago. It wasn’t my performance that day that made me proud of the victory, but the effort, dedication and discipline that I had from day 1 to accomplish my goal.”

Miss Universe Peru: Camila Escribens

The Lima-born American-Peruvian model, 24, won the crown after competing in the Miss Peru pageant for the third time.

“Never give up, don’t stop fighting for your dreams,” she posted soon after winning the Miss Peru 2023 crown in May. “One of the greatest gifts I received tonight was popular vote. The fact that I had so many people accompanying me in my dream was wonderful. I want you to know that I am fully committed and I receive the title with maturity and responsibility.”

Miss Universe Mauritius: Nilmani Devi Hurlall

Crowned Miss Maurice 2022/2023 last June, 23-year-old Hurlall is currently pursuing a diploma in Hindustani vocals and is a part-time voice artist with dreams of becoming a radio host.

“The last thing I remember vividly before the crowning moment is being asked this question: ‘Is being self-sufficient the way forward in life?’ My answer was: ‘To be self-sufficient [is] to believe in yourself,” she shared on Instagram following her crowning.

In addition to Miss Universe, Hurlall will also represent her country at the Miss Supranational pageant, taking place in Poland in July.

Miss Universe Kyrgyzstan: Diami Almazbekova

Almazbekova, 20, is a professional model who was crowned Miss Kyrgyzstan 2022 at a glittering ceremony in Bishkek in October.

Based in Moscow, she will now represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador.

Miss Universe Czech Republic: Vanesa Svedova

Only 19-year-old Svedova is a student and model and was crowned Ceska Miss Essens 2022 in Prague in December. With the title, she will now represent her country in the Miss Universe pageant.

“I still can’t believe you all really chose me. Thank you to all for the votes, for the SMS, the jury, the audience, the girls, the production for the great care and organisation,” she posted on Instagram soon after her crowning. “Let’s see where this journey takes me. I’m super-excited for it anyway. I am the new Czech Miss Essens. It is an honour.”

Miss Universe Curacao: Kim Rossen

Rossen, 25, is an athlete and occupational therapist based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. After winning numerous national competitions as a runner, she brought that same competitive spirit to the Miss Universe Curacao pageant and secured the crown, earning her the right to represent her country in the global competition.

She says her favourite quote is: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Miss Universe Croatia: Andrea Erjavec

Crowned in May in Zagreb, Erjavec, 23 – an advocate for the mental and physical health of children – is currently pursuing a degree in education.

“I promise that I will do my best at the world pageant, and on this occasion I would like to tell all the girls to be persistent, believe in themselves and be aware of their potential because, really, if they want something, they can make it happen,” she posted on Instagram soon after winning the Miss Universe Croatia crown.

Miss Universe Belgium: Emilie Vansteenkiste

21-year-old dancer and occupational therapist Vansteenkiste, who speaks fluent Dutch and French, beat 31 other contestants to the Miss Belgium crown in February. The national competition was delayed after last year’s winner, Chayenne van Aarle, had a car accident a few days before the final competition. Then, hours before the show, authorities arrested a gunman near the venue.

“After an emotional week due to the accident with Chayenne, Miss Belgium 2022, and a horrifying afternoon where an attack has been foiled by the Belgian police, we are proud we could still make a beautiful show (with some delay) with a new Miss Belgium Emilie Vansteenkiste!,” the official Miss Belgium Instagram account posted following Vansteenkiste’s crowning.

Miss Universe Kosovo: Arbesa Rrahmani

The model and actress, 21, hail from the city of Ferizaj in Kosovo. She was crowned Miss Universe Albania alongside Endi Demneri at a beauty pageant in Tirana, capital of Albania.

Kosovo has been represented in the Miss Universe pageant since 2008, when the country was declared an independent state. Rrahmani succeeds last year’s defending champion Roksana Ibrahimi.

Miss Universe Albania: Endi Demneri

The model, 24, from Tirana, capital of Albania, dedicated her victory to her late grandparents.

“I strongly believe that beauty isn’t just about having a beautiful image, but having a beautiful mind, a beautiful heart, and a beautiful soul,” she shared on Instagram, saying that she participated in the Miss Universe Albania competition because she “saw it as an opportunity to give voice to worthy causes – supporting girls and women”.

“The most beautiful diamonds are created from higher pressure,” she said.

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Ever since Alia Bhatt made her Met Gala debut this year, she has been dominating the headlines. Bhatt has added another feather to her shining cap. The 30-year-old actress has become the first Indian global ambassador for the luxury fashion brand Gucci.

Not only this, but she will make her first appearance as a global brand ambassador very soon. As per the reports by WWD, Alia will attend the highly-anticipated Gucci Cruise 2024 runway show in Seoul. The event, which will mark the fashion house’s 25 years in the country, will be held in the city’s Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The high-end luxury brand made the big announcement. Sharing the stunning picture of Alia carrying the vintage Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag, they wrote in the caption, ”Alia Bhatt is the House’s newest global brand ambassador. To mark the occasion, the actress, producer, and entrepreneur were captured with the Gucci Bamboo 1947 bag.”

In the picture, the RRR actress is looking stunning in the loose-fitting grey pants suit. Alia topped the look with her all-time glowing makeup with blushed cheeks and pink shade lips.

By becoming a Gucci ambassador, Bhatt has joined scores of international A-listers like Squid Game star Lee Jung-jae, South Korean actress Mina Shin, Japanese talent Jun Shison, singer Harry Styles, and Dakota Johnson, among others.

Alia has recently made her Met Gala debut. The actress walked the red carpet of fashion’s biggest night in a white pearl gown by designer Prabal Gurung. Her gorgeous silhouette was made up of around 100,000 pearls and was inspired by Claudia Schiffer’s 1992 Chanel bridal look.

On the work front, Alia will next be seen on Heart of Stone, which features Gal Gadot, Jamie Dornan, and Paul Ready, among others. Her first Hollywood project will release on August 11 on Netflix. Meanwhile, in Bollywood, she will next be seen in the Karan Johar-directed Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani alongside Ranveer Singh and Jaya Bachchan. The movie will hit theatres on July 28.

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Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt made her MET Gala debut last night at the 2023 edition of the prestigious fashion event. The actress was seen spreading glamour in a white Chanel bridal look on the floor, leaving everyone stunned. She then took to her social media handle to tell the story behind the look and costume. Read it below:

Met Gala — Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. I have always been fascinated by the iconic Chanel brides. Season after season, the genius of Karl Lagerfeld shone through in the most innovative and awe-inspiring couture. My look tonight was inspired from this and in particular by supermodel Claudia Schiffer’s 1992 Chanel bridal look.”

“I wanted to do something that felt authentic (hello, pearls!) and proudly made in India. The embroidery, made with a 100,000 pearls is a labour of love by @prabalgurung. I’m so proud to wear you for my first Met.”

“A girl can never have too many pearls… and the right accessories to complement the look which in our case translated to the bow of pearls on my hair. Oh, and it’s white, for my Choup-ED??

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Exploring the themes of feminity and modernity with his latest collection ‘White 5’, Rami Al Ali, yet again brings a fresh perspective to wedding wear at the New York Bridal Fashion Week.

The Dubai-based couturier’s new drop features 12 wedding dresses that explore themes of femininity and modernity.

Establishing a collection for the modern-day bride, the designer used his signature aesthetic to deconstruct traditional looks by reimagining them.

Traditional, princess-style gowns and voluminous full skirts are met with structured bodices, while elaborate architectural detailing stands out on sleek and sensual silhouettes.

For the fabrics, Al-Ali used delicate French laces, sumptuous silks, whimsical tulle and organza. The dresses were handcrafted with Swarovski crystal embroidery coupled with beadwork.

The color palette features shades of white and pearl, with touches of silver hues on some gowns.

One of his head-turning designs features a fully embellished off-shoulder fairy-tale wedding dress in lace with long sleeves and gathered tulle at the neckline.

He also created an off-shoulder mermaid crepe gown, with an asymmetrical bodice, beaded bell sleeves and a waist-enhancing belt.

For the daring and non-traditional brides, Al-Ali designed a halter neck tubino satin wedding gown with layered tulle and a long train adorned with beadwork and feathers.

This is Al-Ali’s third time presenting his bridal collection at New York’s bi-annual bridal fashion event.

Al-Ali’s client list includes US actresses Eva Longoria and Brianna Hildebrand, British star Helen Mirren, Oscar-winning costume designer Hannah Beachler, British star Elizabeth Henstridge and German model Leonie Hanne.

He also has celebrity fans from across the Arab world, including Egyptian actress Yousra, singer Angham and Saudi actress, singer and host Aseel Omran.

Born to a historian mother and an architect father, the Syrian-designer inherited curiosity for art and culture which he seamlessly imbibes in his body of work.

Al-Ali explained what inspired him to become a designer.

“The moment I realized the effect appearance had on us and others and how powerful this communication tool was, I was hooked. The speed with which an outfit was able to change one’s mood inspired me to become part of this movement,” he said, adding that he tries to “stay relevant and connect with the youth of today and understand their idea of ‘cool’.”

New York Bridal Fashion Week runs until April 14. Ali-Ali is one of just two Arab designers to showcase their bridal collections at the event, with Lebanese designer Reem Acra set to showcase her Spring 2024 line on Thursday.

– Input from Arab News was used in this article.

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Miss Universe 2022 was announced on Sunday, and American R’Bonney Gabriel took home the crown. Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu of India crowned Gabriel at a glamorous event held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Gabriel, who is a fashion designer and a model, also made history last year as she become the first Filipino American to win Miss USA.

Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela was the first runner-up, and Andréna Martnez of the Dominican Republic was the second runner-up. 

R’Bonney Gabriel walked the final round in a sparkly cut-out dark blue colour gown. She’s the 9th American to win the pageant. Olivia Culpo was the last from the United States to win the Miss Universe title in 2012. 

After Gabriel made it to the top 5, she was asked, “Miss Universe recently made an inclusive change allowing mothers and married women to compete this year. What’s another change you’d like to see and why?” reports CNN.

Responding to this, Gabriel said that she would like to see the organisation increase the candidate age limit.

“For me, I would like to see an age increase because I am 28 years old. And that is the oldest age to compete. And I think it’s a beautiful thing. My favorite quote is ‘if not now, then when?’ Because as a woman, I believe age does not define us. It’s not tomorrow, it’s not yesterday — but it’s now. The time is now,” she said.

Born and brought up in Houston, Texas, Gabriel’s father, Remigio Bonzon “R. Bon” Gabriel, is a Filipino, and her mother, Dana Walker, is American.

Gabriel graduated from the University of North Texas and had a degree in fashion design. She is known for creating eco-friendly clothing.

Over 86 women from all over the world have competed for the title of Miss Universe.

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German contestant Jasmin Selberg won the title of Miss International 2022 on Tuesday, December 13 at the Tokyo, Japan finals.

Jasmin is the fourth German to win the crown, and she beat out 65 other contestants to do so.

Jasmin took over the title from Bint Sireethorn Leearamwat, Miss International 2019, in 2019.

Since both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the pageant were called off owing to the COVID-19 epidemic, Thailand’s Bint kept her title for over three years.

The rest of the top five was ranked as follows: 

1st runner-up: Stephany Amado (Cabo Verde)
2nd runner-up: Tatiana Calmell (Peru)
3rd runner-up: Natalia Lopez Cardona (Colombia)
4th runner-up: Celinee Santos Frias (Dominican Republic)

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