24 showstopping looks from the Miss Universe pageant over the years

Sophia MitrokostasMay 18, 2021, 02:07 IST

Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world.The Miss Universe organization; Rodrigo Varela / Stringer / Getty Images

The Miss Universe beauty pageant has been happening since 1952.
Each year, contestants wear glam gowns, shimmering swimsuits, and other looks to impress judges.
The most glamorous looks from competitors reflect changing fashions throughout the decades.

Miss Mexico 2020 turned heads in this red-hot look.

Miss Mexico at the 2021 Miss Universe on May 16, 2021. Rodrigo Varela / Stringer / Getty Images

Competing for Miss Universe in 2021, Amanda Obdam's dress was packed with sparkle.

Miss Thailand at the 2021 Miss Universe competition on May 16, 2021. Rodrigo Varela / Stringer / Getty Images

Miss Argentina 2019 competed in this shimmery, angelic look.

Miss Argentina at the 2019 Miss Universe pageant. Patrick Prather/Miss Universe

In 2019, Shweta Sekhon wore an over-the-top ensemble complete with a table.

Miss Malaysia wore a floral costume during the 2019 Miss Universe pageant. Patrick Prather/Miss Universe

Catriona Gray of the Philippines appeared onstage in a striking red gown before her 2018 Miss Universe win.

This is the gown she was crowned in. The Miss Universe organization

Iris Mittenaere of France was crowned in 2017 while wearing a form-fitting gold gown.

Iris Mittenaere was competing as Miss France. The Miss Universe organization

Olivia Culpo represented US as the winner of the 2012 Miss Universe pageant.

Olivia Culpo kept her accessories to a minimum. The Miss Universe organization

Leila Lopes of Angola won the Miss Universe title in a head-turning feathered dress.

She won in 2011. The Miss Universe organization

Dayana Mendoza was crowned Miss Universe 2008 in a yellow dress.

Dayana Mendoza was Miss Venezuela 2008. The Miss Universe organization

Miss Universe 2006 wore one of the most daring looks in the pageant that year.

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza was Miss Puerto Rico 2006. The Miss Universe organization

Jennifer Hawkins of Australia was crowned in 2004 while wearing a detailed gold gown.

Jennifer Hawkins has been on many magazine covers. The Miss Universe organization

Lara Dutta of India became the first Miss Universe of the new millennium, wearing a slinky red dress.

She is Miss Universe 2000. The Miss Universe organization

Mpule Kwelagobe competed in an elegant, off-the-shoulder gown in 1999.

Mpule Kwelagobe is an investor and businesswoman. The Miss Universe organization

Sushmita Sen turned heads in a daring black gown when she was crowned in 1994.

She is also an actress. The Miss Universe organization

Angela Visser, Miss Universe 1989, posed in a perfectly draped gown.

Angela Visser has appeared on an episode of "Friends." The Miss Universe organization

Miss Universe 1987 has donned a sequined evening gown.

Cecilia Bolocco has worked in journalism. The Miss Universe organization

Irene Saez of Venezuela modeled a memorable national costume during the pageant.

Irene Saez is also a politician. The Miss Universe organization

Miss Universe 1973 showed off her new title in a flowing white gown.

Maria Margarita Moran was born in 1953. The Miss Universe organization

Georgina Rizk of Lebanon took home the 1971 crown in a colorful two-piece ensemble.

Georgina Rizk was wearing a beaded look. The Miss Universe organization

Martha Vasconcellos of Brazil stunned in a beaded gown after winning the 1968 crown.

She won the 17th Miss Universe pageant. The Miss Universe organization

After her 1964 win, Kiriaki "Corinna" Tsopei of Greece held court in a stunning satin gown.

Kiriaki Corinna Tsopei is also an actress. The Miss Universe organization

Iêda Maria Vargas of Brazil shined in a detailed gown after being crowned in 1963.

She's also a Brazilian actress. The Miss Universe organization

Akiko Kojima of Japan wowed in a traditional outfit before winning the 1959 event.

Akiko Kojima was the first Japanese woman to be Miss Universe. The Miss Universe organization

Miriam Stevenson won the title in 1954 in a fringed bathing suit.

Miriam Stevenson was the first American to win Miss Universe. The Miss Universe organization

The wildest outfits in the history of Miss Universe's National Costume Show

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