24 showstopping looks from the Miss Universe pageant over the years

Miss Mexico Andrea Meza stunned in this glittering red gown.

The model, who is also a software engineer, took home the crown at the 69th Miss Universe competition.

Obdam, Miss Thailand 2020, wore this stunning long-sleeve, crystal-encrusted gown with a sheer panel to compete.

Mariana Jesica Varela, Miss Argentina 2019, turned heads in this glittering, beaded outfit that was complete with a feathery attachment a large, spiked crown.

Shweta Sekhon, who competed as Miss Malaysia in the 2019 Miss Universe competition, paid tribute to Malaysia's Peranakan culture with this national costume.

Catriona Gray won the 2018 Miss Universe title after appearing in mesmerizing red dress with galactic vibes.

The gown featured a plunging asymmetrical neckline and was accessorized with sparkly earrings and a bold red lip.

Iris Mittenaere accepted her title in a sparkling gold gown with long sleeves and geometric detailing. She is now a TV host and actress.

Before she was a fashion influencer and actress, Olivia Culpo wowed pageant judges in a brilliant magenta gown during her 2012 Miss Universe win.

She skipped jewelry for this look, allowing the dramatic dress to take center stage.

Leila Lopes wowed audiences with a sleeveless white gown trimmed in feathery strands. She opted for a strapless neckline and small, sparkling earrings to complete the look.

She has also gone on to star in a number of films and host TV shows.

Dayana Mendoza, who was Miss Venezuela 2008, was crowned Miss Universe 2008 while wearing a strapless yellow gown that was covered in beading.

Mendoza went on to star in a number of films.

Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico was crowned Miss Universe 2006 while wearing this nearly see-through metallic dress that looks like it's made of magical chains.

Mendoza went on to become a TV host, dancer, and actress.

Jennifer Hawkins appeared on stage wearing a textured golden dress accessorized with a sparkling bracelet and dramatic statement necklace.

The pageant queen would go on to work as a fashion designer and model, appearing on the covers of magazines like Elle, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Maxim.

Her gown featured a modern one-shoulder design and a curve-hugging cut. Lara Dutta paired the dress with a matching red wrap.

Dutta has been in a number of Hindi films and has won awards for her work.

Representing Botswana, Mpule Kwelagobe was crowned Miss Universe 1999 in this regal champagne-colored gown with rhinestone details.

Kwelagobe went on to become the CEO of her own company, the Mpule Foundation.

Sushmita Sen became the first woman from India to win the Miss Universe title — and she wore a black gown with gold fringe and detailing to pose with her crown.

Angela Visser looked radiant in a floor-length evening gown decorated with sparkling sequined scales.

She was just 22 years old when she was crowned.

Cecilia Bolocco of Chile stunned in a sleeveless gown that featured a cascade of white and gold sequined feathers.

After her Miss Universe win, Cecilia Bolocco went on to work as a journalist for CNN.

Miss Universe 1981 Irene Saez was surrounded by ruffles as she showed off the jaw-dropping pink and white dress that's edged with lace. Her hair was styled in simple shoulder-length curls.

Saez went on to become a politician and was once elected governor of the state of Nueva Esparta.

Maria Margarita Moran of the Philippines dazzled in a long gown with cape-like shoulder embellishments and a high neckline.

She's the second Miss Universe winner from the Philippines.

The pageant queen beamed as she accepted her scepter and crown in the company of Miss Puerto Rico 1970.

Georgina Rizk's outfit was composed of a plunging top made of gauzy blue fabric and beads, along with matching silky pants and a voluminous hairstyle.

The striking dress covered Martha Vasconcellos in head-to-toe beadwork. She accessorized with gently curled shoulder-length hair and a bright smile.

Along with her crown, Vasconcellos won prizes including a three-piece wig wardrobe and a custom kimono.

Kiriaki "Corinna" Tsopei beamed in a silky evening gown with beaded detailing on the shoulders.

She was the competition's first Greek winner and went on to become a film and television actress.

The light gown perfectly complements her new fur-lined cloak. Intricate beading sparkles down the length of the dress, and the look was finished off with elbow-length evening gloves.

Vargas went on to become an actress.

The former Miss Japan opted to compete in a printed kimono paired with a headdress. On her feet, Akiko Kojima wore sandals and tabi, traditional Japanese split-toed socks.

Akiko Kojima was the first Japanese woman to win Miss Universe.

Miriam Stevenson was the first Miss USA to win the Miss Universe pageant and the first titleholder to earn a college degree while holding the title.

Notably, the South Carolina native competed wearing clothing she had made herself.

• Read more:
• A 22-year-old beauty queen has been stripped of her title after getting pregnant because it reportedly goes against pageant rules
• 25 celebrities that you didn't realize competed in beauty pageants
• Photos of the exact moment 35 contestants found out they won Miss Universe
• Here's what 26 Miss USA contestants look like without makeup