At Miss Universe 2024, it was all those things — and much more — as the annual pageant kicked off with its flamboyant national costume competition Thursday evening.

Miss Colombia Gabriela Tafur Nader showcases her costume that represents her country at the Miss Universe Pageant National Costume Show in Atlanta on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.

One of the most exciting parts of watching a pageant is seeing all of the beautiful looks of each contestant. Such is the case with some of the national costumes at Miss Universe 2015.To present ...

And many even bring (or wear) interesting props that represent their nation. Take 2015's Miss Thailand, for example, who wore a tuk-tuk costume in a nod to her country's most popular mode of ...