Photos show how the winning gowns from the Miss Universe pageant have changed through the years

Wearing a classic bathing suit from the '50s, Armi Kuusela of Finland was crowned the first-ever Miss Universe.

Christiane Martel accepted her crown in a strapless swimsuit.

Miriam Stevenson donned a halter top swimsuit with crystals when she was crowned.

If you look closely at Hillevi Rombin's swimsuit top, you'll notice the pearl detail that matches the Miss Universe crown and scepter perfectly.

The cascading pearls on Gladys Zender's swimsuit top help draw your eye.

Luz Zuluaga's V-neck swimsuit was a welcome change from the sweetheart neckline of past winners.

Akiko Kojima's blue one-piece is an unexpected pop of color and stands out against the red coronation robe.

The one-shoulder chiffon dress makes Linda Bement look like she's ready for a ball.

Iêda Maria Vargas took the crown wearing a gorgeous sky-blue gown with sewn crystals all over, and a chiffon sleeve made to blow in the wind while she walks on stage.

Besides the eye-catching blue color, Corinna Tsopei's gown features bedazzled frills hanging off her shoulders, which match the bling of her crown and scepter.

Bling is the first word that comes to mind after seeing Apasra Hongsakula's winning gown.

Margreta Arvidsson wore a pink strapless gown to accept her crown. If you look closely, you'll see the hem detail also matches the outline of the scepter.

Sylvia Hitchcock's white gown with the one-shoulder strap going across her chest is unexpected but adds just the right amount of edge.

The silver tiers of Martha Vasconcellos's blue dress resemble tinsel.

Kerry Anne Wells' dress was made for flowing in the wind as she walked down the stage with her Miss Universe crown on.

Margarita Moran's long gown included a cape-like shoulder detail, high neckline, and minimal embellishments throughout.

The amount of detail in this dress is stunning. The beaded stripes are a great contrast to the crystals hanging from the cuffs.

Irene Sáez brought the drama with her gorgeous pink gown. The flower sleeves with crystal stripes running down are mesmerizing.

Unlike previous winners, Karen Baldwin went for a black gown with a bedazzled bodice detail.

Yvonne Ryding gave the audience a prairie-chic look in this white long-sleeve gown featuring flower embroidery throughout.

The gold stripes of Deborah Carthy-Deu's gown balance out with the thicker gold sequins running down the front.

Angela Visser glowed in this floor-length evening gown made with gold, silver, and white sequined scales.

Although Mona Grudt went with a classic white gown, it's the dramatic flair of the skirt that makes it statement-worthy.

Lupita Jones brought the flair in this beaded off-the-shoulder red gown.

The thigh-high slit of Dayanara Torres' floor-length white gown adds an unexpected sexy element.

The beading of Sushmita Sen's dress is dazzling, and the sleeves are actually beaded flowers in the same gold color of the gown.

Chelsi Smith looked regal in this sweetheart chiffon gown. The matching scarf and red lipstick completed the look.

Alicia Machado's mint dress with silver spikes throughout was edgy.

The sparkly halter, beaded waistband, and thigh-high slit design elements of Brook Lee's dress all work together seamlessly.

Wendy Fitzwilliam's statement earrings balance well with the beaded work on her gown.

Having a simple, flowy skirt makes the sparkly off-the-shoulder top of Mpule Kwelagobe's gown stand out.

Lara Dutta brought the festive vibes with this sparkly red gown.

Denise Quiñones' white halter gown with different colored beads throughout matches the mesmerizing crystals on the Miss Universe crown.

Like other Miss Universe winners in the past, Justine Pasek went with a white gown. The simple silhouette makes her look like Cinderella.

Amelia Vega took the traditional white gown a step further with the crystal-embellished sleeves and shoulder straps.

Jennifer Hawkins stunned judges when she appeared on stage in a textured gold dress with flower details everywhere, and a sparkling bracelet and necklace to match.

For the 2005 Miss Universe competition, Natalie Glebova kept it sexy in a low-cut white gown that also featured a thigh-high slit.

With a low-cut top, a high slit in the front, and dazzling beaded work, it's clear that Zuleyka Rivera was ready to win in this gown.

For her winning gown, Riyo Mori wore a kimono-inspired black and floral evening gown from the Spring/Summer 2007 Gucci collection.

For her crowning moment, Dayana Mendoza wore a strapless yellow gown covered in beads. The thigh-high slit and turquoise statement earrings add to the drama of the look.

Unlike her predecessor, Dayana Mendoza, Stefania Fernandez went with a more extravagant look, wearing a red floor-length gown.

Ximena Navarrete accepted her Miss Universe crown wearing a flowy, floor-length red gown. What you can't see under the sash is the one-shoulder strap adorned with red beads, and the slit underneath her skirt.

Leila Lopes wowed the audience when she wore a sleeveless white gown covered in white, silver, and blue beads, as well as feathers.

For her crowning moment, Olivia Culpo wore a red dress with long velvet sleeves and a plunging neckline.

Gabriela Isler stepped onto the stage in a long-sleeve silver gown embellished with crystals and a striped pattern that looks similar to Jennifer Lopez's 2012 Zuhair Murad dress.

The silver beaded and striped detail adds to the elegance of Vega's winning gown.

Pia Wurtzbach's royal-blue gown matched the Miss Universe crown.

Iris Mittenaere took home the Miss Universe crown in a long-sleeve sparkling gold gown with geometric details.

Demi Nel-Peters dazzled in this flesh-colored dress stitched with silver crystals in a geometrical pattern.

Catriona Gray wore a striking red dress that featured a plunging asymmetrical neckline and thigh-high slit.

Zozibini Tunzi's silver, gold, and blue sequined evening gown stood out on the Miss Universe stage. The draped sleeves and high neckline balance out the thigh-high slit and peekabo detail across the chest perfectly.

Like many others, Meza wore a sparkly gown when she was crowned Miss Universe.

The gown had a high neckline and a dramatic cutout on the bodice, as well as tiers of tassles on the skirt and a removable cape.