All Photos credit to Miss Universe
Costa Rica’s very own Lisbeth Valverde Brenes has once again captivated the audience at the Miss Universe pageant, set to culminate on November 18 in El Salvador. On the evening of November 16, Valverde graced the stage in her national costume, a breathtaking ensemble inspired by the seas of Costa Rica, at one of the most prestigious beauty contests globally.
Miss Costa Rica 2023: An Embodiment of the Ocean’s Majesty
During an evening filled with symbolism and vibrant colors, Lisbeth Valverde, Miss Costa Rica 2023, embodied the essence of the ocean queen. Her costume was designed to highlight the rich marine life of Costa Rica and underscore the importance of protecting our natural resources.
The Spectacular National Costume of Lisbeth Valverde
Valverde appeared on stage, dazzling the crowd with her elaborate outfit that featured a crown and trident, making her look like a sovereign of the seas. Her headpiece, evoking corals, was adorned with pearls, various crystals, and shell decorations. The long tulle train of her costume, blending shades of blue and beige, represented the beautiful convergence of sand and sea.
A Performance that Captivated the Audience
Adorned in a bodysuit embellished with blue gemstones and silver chains, Valverde’s costume accentuated her figure while echoing the shimmering beauty of the ocean. The design, especially around the chest area, comprised iridescent shells. To complete her marine queen persona, she wore long bracelets similar to those of King Triton and used contact lenses to enhance her oceanic theme during the presentation.
As she moved gracefully across the stage, Valverde, who chose a makeup theme in line with her outfit, engaged the audience with her trident and warm greetings. Her performance was met with resounding applause at the National Gymnasium, where the event took place.
The Vision Behind the Costume
Before heading to the 72nd edition of Miss Universe, Valverde shared with La Nación that her outfit represented both Costa Rica and her own identity, especially reflecting the area where she lives in Uvita, Osa, Puntarenas.
A Night of Global Cultural Showcase
The event, hosted by R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022, and Nick Teplitz, the executive producer of Miss Universe, was a platform for over 80 contestants to showcase their national heritage. Notable costumes included Miss Albania’s eagle with golden wings, Miss Brazil’s blue macaw with an illusion of three birds, and representations of butterflies and antelopes by Malta and Namibia, respectively.
Miss Cameroon stood out with a colorful outfit featuring photos of influential women in her life, while Miss Canada’s costume celebrated national inclusivity, even incorporating the Costa Rican flag.
Unforgettable Moments and Global Messages
The live broadcast of the event included spontaneous moments, such as the representative from Guyana needing assistance due to the weight of her metallic costume. Miss Nicaragua, one of the favorites, inspired her costume from a zanate bird, complete with black feathered wings and tail.
Miss Ukraine delivered the night’s most poignant message, wearing a costume symbolizing mothers who lose their children to war.
Lisbeth Valverde, Costa Rica’s Pride at Miss Universe
Lisbeth Valverde’s appearance at Miss Universe 2023 in her ocean-inspired costume has not only showcased Costa Rica’s rich maritime heritage but also placed her as a strong contender in the pageant. Her presentation, combining beauty with a powerful environmental message, has left an indelible mark, making her a symbol of Costa Rica’s pride on the international stage.
