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

Advertisement
Celia Fernandez,Samantha GrindellMay 17, 2021, 22:19 IST
Photos show how the winning gowns from the Miss Universe pageant have changed through the years

Since Miss Universe started in 1952, the winning gowns have changed a lot.Ethan Miller/CBS/Paras Griffin/Rodrigo Varela/Stringer/Getty Images

  • The fashion of the Miss Universe pageant has evolved since the first competition in 1952.
  • The winners used to be crowned in their swimsuits, but that changed in the '60s.
  • Insider took a look at all the gowns Miss Universe contestants have worn to accept their crown.
Advertisement

Armi Kuusela was crowned the first Miss Universe in 1952.

Armi Kuusela was crowned the first Miss Universe in 1952.
Miss Universe 1952 Armi Kuusela is in the middle with the rest of her court. Keystone/Getty Images

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

Christiane Martel represented France at the 1953 Miss Universe pageant.

Christiane Martel represented France at the 1953 Miss Universe pageant.
Miss Universe 1953 Christiane Martel sitting on her throne. Hulton/Getty Images

Christiane Martel accepted her crown in a strapless swimsuit.

Advertisement

Miriam Stevenson was the first Miss USA to become Miss Universe.

Miriam Stevenson was the first Miss USA to become Miss Universe.
Miss Universe 1954 Miriam Stevenson is crowned by 1953 winner Christiane Martel. Bettmann/Getty Images

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

Hillevi Rombin represented Sweden in the 1955 Miss Universe pageant.

Hillevi Rombin represented Sweden in the 1955 Miss Universe pageant.
Before competing, Hillevi Rombin was the Swedish national decathlon champion. Bettmann/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

Gladys Zender of Peru became the first Latin American woman to win Miss Universe in 1957.

Gladys Zender of Peru became the first Latin American woman to win Miss Universe in 1957.
Miss Universe 1957 Gladys Zender was crowned by 1956 winner Hillevi Rombin. Leonard McCombe/Getty Images

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

Luz Zuluaga, who won in 1958, was the only Colombian to win Miss Universe until 2014.

Luz Zuluaga, who won in 1958, was the only Colombian to win Miss Universe until 2014.
When Luz Zuluaga was crowned, the Colombian television and radio stations stopped their regular programming to report the breaking news. University of Southern California/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Akiko Kojima was the first Japanese woman to win the Miss Universe competition in 1959.

Akiko Kojima was the first Japanese woman to win the Miss Universe competition in 1959.
Luz Zuluaga, Miss Universe 1958, crowns Akiko Kojima as Miss Universe 1959. Bettmann/Getty Images

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

Linda Bement was crowned Miss Universe in 1960.

Linda Bement was crowned Miss Universe in 1960.
Linda Bement was also the first to be crowned in a gown instead of a swimsuit. Bettmann/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Iêda Maria Vargas was the first Brazilian to be crowned Miss Universe in 1963.

Iêda Maria Vargas was the first Brazilian to be crowned Miss Universe in 1963.
Unlike previous crowns and scepters, Iêda Maria Vargas's featured a bedazzled woman figure in the middle. Bettmann/Getty Images

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.

Corinna Tsopei of Greece paid tribute to the country's flag with the colors of her winning gown.

Corinna Tsopei of Greece paid tribute to the country's flag with the colors of her winning gown.
Miss Universe 1964 Corinna Tsopei posed with the runner-ups of that year. Bettmann/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

Apasra Hongsakula represented Thailand in the 1965 Miss Universe pageant.

Apasra Hongsakula represented Thailand in the 1965 Miss Universe pageant.
Apasra Hongsakula posed with the rest of her court after being crowned Miss Universe 1965. Bettmann/Getty Images

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

Margreta Arvidsson was the second Swedish woman to win the Miss Universe crown in 1966.

Margreta Arvidsson was the second Swedish woman to win the Miss Universe crown in 1966.
Margreta Arvidsson posed with the runner-ups after being crowned. Rolls Press/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

Sylvia Hitchcock represented the US at the 1967 Miss Universe competition.

Sylvia Hitchcock represented the US at the 1967 Miss Universe competition.
Sylvia Hitchcock kept her accessories to a minimum so her dress would really shine. Bettmann/Getty Images

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

Martha Vasconcellos brought the drama with her gown at the Miss Universe pageant in 1968.

Martha Vasconcellos brought the drama with her gown at the Miss Universe pageant in 1968.
When Martha Vasconcellos was crowned, she became the second Miss Universe winner from Brazil. Bettmann/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Kerry Anne Wells went for a muted, flowy dress at the 1972 Miss Universe competition.

Kerry Anne Wells went for a muted, flowy dress at the 1972 Miss Universe competition.
Kerry Anne Wells was announced as the winner by Bob Barker, who served as a host for 20 years. Bettmann/Getty Images

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 was the epitome of elegance in this gown at the Miss Universe pageant in 1973.

Margarita Moran was the epitome of elegance in this gown at the Miss Universe pageant in 1973.
Margarita Moran represented the Philippines at the 1973 Miss Universe competition. CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Shawn Weatherly stole the show with this beaded gown in 1980.

Shawn Weatherly stole the show with this beaded gown in 1980.
Shawn Weatherly represented the US at Miss Universe in 1980. Keystone/Getty Images

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 gown at the 1981 Miss Universe pageant.

Irene Sáez brought the drama with her gown at the 1981 Miss Universe pageant.
Irene Sáez represented Venezuela when she was crowned. Bettmann/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Karen Baldwin was the first Canadian to win the Miss Universe competition in 1982.

Karen Baldwin was the first Canadian to win the Miss Universe competition in 1982.
Karen Baldwin happily took her throne after being crowned. Bettmann/Getty Images

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

Yvonne Ryding's dress at the 1984 Miss Universe pageant looks simple at first glance.

Yvonne Ryding's dress at the 1984 Miss Universe pageant looks simple at first glance.
Yvonne Ryding right after being crowned Miss Universe 1984. Images Press/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Deborah Carthy-Deu was the second Miss Puerto Rico to win the Miss Universe competition in 1985.

Deborah Carthy-Deu was the second Miss Puerto Rico to win the Miss Universe competition in 1985.
The gold of Deborah Carthy-Deu's dress matches her Miss Universe 1985 trophy. Images Press/Getty Images

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

Angela Visser represented Holland at the 1989 Miss Universe competition.

Angela Visser represented Holland at the 1989 Miss Universe competition.
According to the Miss Universe website, Angela Visser was a "virtually unanimous choice for Miss Universe 1989." George Rose/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Mona Grudt was the first Norwegian to win the title of Miss Universe in 1990.

Mona Grudt was the first Norwegian to win the title of Miss Universe in 1990.
After her reign, Mona Grudt appeared on an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." George Rose/Getty Images

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

Lupita Jones was the first Mexican woman to win the title of Miss Universe in 1991.

Lupita Jones was the first Mexican woman to win the title of Miss Universe in 1991.
After her reign, Lupita Jones created Nuestra Belleza México, the official competition for choosing who was going to represent Mexico at Miss Universe. George Rose/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Dayanara Torres, who was crowned Miss Universe in 1993, was wearing the thigh-high slit years before it became a trend.

Dayanara Torres, who was crowned Miss Universe in 1993, was wearing the thigh-high slit years before it became a trend.
During and after her reign, Dayanara Torres became an ambassador for UNICEF. Omar Torres/Getty Images

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

After winning the 1994 Miss Universe competition, Sushmita Sen went on to pursue a career in Bollywood.

After winning the 1994 Miss Universe competition, Sushmita Sen went on to pursue a career in Bollywood.
Sushmita Sen was the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe competition. Romeo Gacad/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Chelsi Smith was the first Miss USA to be crowned Miss Universe in 15 years.

Chelsi Smith was the first Miss USA to be crowned Miss Universe in 15 years.
After winning Miss Universe in 1995, Chelsi Smith worked as a model and actress. Philip Littleton/Getty Images

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

After winning Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado pursued acting and appeared on various reality competition shows.

After winning Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado pursued acting and appeared on various reality competition shows.
Alicia Machado was the fourth woman from Venezuela to win Miss Universe. AFP/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

After winning Miss Universe 1997, Brook Lee went on to host TV shows in Asia and the United States.

After winning Miss Universe 1997, Brook Lee went on to host TV shows in Asia and the United States.
Brook Lee was the first winner from Hawaii to take the Miss Universe crown. Chris Bernacchi/Getty Images

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

Wendy Fitzwilliam made history at the 1998 Miss Universe pageant as the first contestant to win wearing a bikini in the swimsuit competition.

Wendy Fitzwilliam made history at the 1998 Miss Universe pageant as the first contestant to win wearing a bikini in the swimsuit competition.
Wendy Fitzwilliam is the second Miss Universe in history from Trinidad and Tobago. Reuters

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

Advertisement

Mpule Kwelagobe, who was crowned in 1999, was the first-ever Miss Universe winner from Botswana.

Mpule Kwelagobe, who was crowned in 1999, was the first-ever Miss Universe winner from Botswana.
Mpule Kwelagobe was also the first Miss Universe Botswana to participate in the Miss Universe competition. Getty Images

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

No one from India has won since Lara Dutta took the Miss Universe crown in 2000.

No one from India has won since Lara Dutta took the Miss Universe crown in 2000.
After her reign, Lara Dutta focused on working in Hindi films. Nicholas Kamm

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

Advertisement

Denise Quiñones won the Miss Universe title in 2001.

Denise Quiñones won the Miss Universe title in 2001.
In 2018, Denise Quiñones was named the new pageant director for Miss Universe Puerto Rico. Reuters

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

Justine Pasek was crowned Miss Universe in 2002.

Justine Pasek was crowned Miss Universe in 2002.
Justine Pasek established the first HIV/AIDS prevention center in Panama. Jose Jimenez/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Amelia Vega was the first person from the Dominican Republic to win the Miss Universe title in 2003.

Amelia Vega was the first person from the Dominican Republic to win the Miss Universe title in 2003.
At 18 years old, Amelia Vega was the youngest winner crowned since 1994. Teresita Chavarria/Getty Images

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

Jennifer Hawkins looked like a walking gold statue at the 2004 Miss Universe competition.

Jennifer Hawkins looked like a walking gold statue at the 2004 Miss Universe competition.
After her reign, Jennifer Hawkins went on to cover major Australian magazines like Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Maxim. Martin Bernetti/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

Natalie Glebova was only the second Canadian to hold the Miss Universe title.

Natalie Glebova was only the second Canadian to hold the Miss Universe title.
If you look closely, you'll notice Miss Universe Natalie Glebova's gown matched the pearls on the crown. Adress Latif/Getty Images

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

Zuleyka Rivera wore one of the most daring gowns of the 2006 Miss Universe competition.

Zuleyka Rivera wore one of the most daring gowns of the 2006 Miss Universe competition.
Zuleyka Rivera was representing Puerto Rico. She became the fifth Puerto Rican woman to win the Miss Universe title. Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

Riyo Mori was the second Japanese woman to be crowned Miss Universe in 2007.

Riyo Mori was the second Japanese woman to be crowned Miss Universe in 2007.
Riyo Mori's gown looked like it was straight off the runway. Victor Chavez/Getty Images

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

Dayana Mendoza was crowned Miss Venezuela 2008 before winning Miss Universe.

Dayana Mendoza was crowned Miss Venezuela 2008 before winning Miss Universe.
Dayana Mendoza wore matching shoes with her dress. Gaye Gerard/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

Stefania Fernandez's 2009 Miss Universe win was a milestone since it was the first time a country won back-to-back crowns.

Stefania Fernandez's 2009 Miss Universe win was a milestone since it was the first time a country won back-to-back crowns.
Stefania Fernandez was representing Venezuela. Timothy A. Clary/Getty Images

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

After her Miss Universe win in 2010, Ximena Navarrete went on to star in Spanish soap operas.

After her Miss Universe win in 2010, Ximena Navarrete went on to star in Spanish soap operas.
Ximena Navarrete became the second Mexican woman to win the Miss Universe title. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement

Leila Lopes made history as the first woman from Angola to win the Miss Universe pageant in 2011.

Leila Lopes made history as the first woman from Angola to win the Miss Universe pageant in 2011.
Since finishing her reign, Leila Lopes has gone on to act, host, and model. AFP/Getty Images

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

After being crowned Miss USA, Olivia Culpo went on to win the title of Miss Universe in 2012.

After being crowned Miss USA, Olivia Culpo went on to win the title of Miss Universe in 2012.
Within 15 months, Olivia Culpo had won the titles of Miss Rhode Island USA, Miss USA, and Miss Universe. Marcel Thomas/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

When Gabriela Isler was crowned Miss Universe 2013, she made history as the seventh woman from Venezuela to win.

When Gabriela Isler was crowned Miss Universe 2013, she made history as the seventh woman from Venezuela to win.
Gabriela Isler currently serves as the national director of the Miss Venezuela organization. Alexander Nemenov

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.

Paulina Vega won the title of Miss Universe in 2014.

Paulina Vega won the title of Miss Universe in 2014.
Paulina Vega was the second Colombian woman in 56 years to win the Miss Universe crown. Larry Marano/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Pia Wurtzbach was the third woman from the Philippines to win the Miss Universe title in 2015.

Pia Wurtzbach was the third woman from the Philippines to win the Miss Universe title in 2015.
Pia Wurtzbach trained for three years before she won the Miss Universe Philippines pageant that would advance her to Miss Universe. Ethan Miller/Getty Images

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

When Iris Mittenaere won in 2016, she was the first Miss France to do so in 63 years.

When Iris Mittenaere won in 2016, she was the first Miss France to do so in 63 years.
Prior to entering the pageant, Iris Mittenaere was in her fifth year of a dental surgery fellowship. FOX/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Demi Nel-Peters is the second Miss Universe winner from South Africa.

Demi Nel-Peters is the second Miss Universe winner from South Africa.
A few days before winning the Miss South Africa 2017 competition, Demi Nel Peters graduated from college with a bachelor's degree. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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

Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe in 2018.

Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe in 2018.
Before being crowned Miss Universe, she earned the titles of Miss Universe Philippines and Miss World Philippines. Lillian Suwanrumpha/Getty Images

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

Advertisement

Zozibini Tunzi represented South Africa at the 2019 Miss Universe competition.

Zozibini Tunzi represented South Africa at the 2019 Miss Universe competition.
Zozibini Tunzi was crowned the 2019 Miss Universe. Paras Griffin/Getty Images

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.

Andrea Meza was only the third Miss Mexico to be crowned Miss Universe.

Andrea Meza was only the third Miss Mexico to be crowned Miss Universe.
Miss Mexico Andrea Meza is crowned Miss Universe 2021. Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images

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.

Advertisement
Next StoryThe 10 wildest looks celebrities wore to the 2021...
Advertisement
Popular on BI
Latest Stories
View All Latest
Trending News
Buying Guides
Advertisement
Popular Categories
Trending Right Now

Copyright © 2024. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.