On the evening of Wednesday, November 15, the Miss Universe pageant officially kicked off with a preliminary gala. This event marked the first of two crucial moments in the pageant’s selection process to crown the next Miss Universe.
The contestants, competing for the coveted title and the prestigious Force of Good crown, dazzled the audience with their beauty, poise, and talent. During the event, judges carefully evaluated their performances to determine who would move forward to the next stage of the competition.
To add more excitement to this nerve-wracking night, the contestants and the audience need to wait for the outcome of this important first round, which will be revealed during the finals on Saturday, November 18.
The “José Adolfo Pineda” National Gymnasium in El Salvador was the venue for this show that precedes the grand finale, in which the 85 contestants paraded, first in a swimsuit and then in the gala dresses that each one chose alongside their teams.
Below is a summary of the dresses that caught everyone’s attention as the contestants crossed the stage.
The most impressive dresses from the Miss Universe 2023 preliminary gala
Nicaragua
Sheynnis Palacios was part of the fourth group of contestants in evening dress. The Nicaraguan opted for a design in blue tones, with a pronounced neckline.
México
Melissa Flores chose a design by Fher Santos from Jalisco. A red dress embroidered with zirconias, Swarovski's and crystals creating a perfect contrast with the transparencies of this design.
Zimbabue
Brooke Bruk-Jackson opted for a powerful electric blue dress that highlighted her features.
India
Shweta Sharda’s appearance at the show was synonymous of sensuality. The Indian representative chose a revealing cut-out inspired design by Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna.
Gran Bretaña
Representing Great Britain, Jessica Page looked like a Barbie in a bubblegum pink dress from Minh Tuan Couture. A column design made with sequin and rhinestone applications and an original collar.
Ucrania
Angelina Usanova used fashion as an excuse to share a message with the world. The model wore a design by Iris Van Herpen that alludes to the resurgence of her country after the war.
Japón
As he did in the interview prior to the preliminary gala, Rio Miyazaki once again trusted the talent of Bonita Rosabellé for the evening dress in which she paraded before the judges. A form-fitting lavender design with delicate, billowing lines trailing from the top of the dress.
Venezuela
Inspired by the Salto Ángel waterfall, Venezuelan designer Richard Ramírez created this white dress for Diana Silva. A design made of silk tull bathed in iridescent crystals, with a skirt in beaded fringes that evoke the effect of light with movement.
USA
Like her colleagues from Mexico and Canada, Noelia Voigt wore a red dress. A design with asymmetrical applications on the torso and a light cape that gave an ethereal touch to her outfit.
Puerto Rico
In a nod to the name of this contest, Karla Guilfú wore a design by Puerto Rican Ángel Guzmán that is inspired by the encounter with the universe. A hand-embroidered dress with beads, crystals and sequins in metallic colors, and Swarovski details.
Perú
Camila Escribens opted for a design by Peruvian José Zafra. A gown that highlighted the sensuality of the beauty queen by following the natural shapes of her body.
Paraguay
Avoiding traditional gold and silver dresses, Elicena Andrada, representative of Paraguay, opted for a lavender color that is located between blue and violet colors and is part of the range of cold tones.
Honduras
Zuheilyn Clemente has become one of the most beloved contestants for her freshness and charisma. The Honduran wore one of Giannina Azar’s creations.
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