El Salvador, Nicaragua stand out in Miss Universe 2023 national costume show

MANILA, Philippines — The national costume show of the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador saw contestants attempt to showcase their respective countries on a global stage, promoting their nations in full stride.

The Philippines' Michelle Dee went the tourism route by wearing plane-like outfit by fashion designer Michael Barassi, with a solihiya pattern torso and captain's cap and wings bearing the colors of the Philippine flag, a mural of local destinations, and the slogan, "Love The Philippines."

However, it came as no surprise that hometown bet Isabella García-Manzo received the most deafening applause, especially with an outfit that literally lit up the already-bright stage.

Isabella wore an orange and black dress designed by Emmy award winner Marina Toybina meant to resemble El Salvador's volcanoes and the country's rebirth from eruptions.

As if the dress wasn't awe-inspiring enough, Isabella's sun headdress lit up and illuminated streaks of orange appeared down the dress appearing like flowing lava.

A post shared by Miss Universo El Salvador (@missuniversosv)

The venue even dimmed its lights so Isabella's outfit would be more pronounced, but the beauty queen wasn't done as she unveiled another illuminated design behind her.

The technology by filmmaking studio Spectral Motion ultimately made Isabella resemble the outfits of Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss Everdeen in the "Hunger Games" films.

Not to be outdone was fan favorite Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, whose outfit by Jorge Salazar was inspired by the great-tailed grackle bird found in the Americas.

A number of contestants' national costumes were inspired by birds, but none received more love than Sheynnis as she waved her arms to flap her black wings and spun around to show off her tail.

The plume consisted of thousands of crystals, and Sheynnis even got down on one knee to further flaunt Salazar's expert work.

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Also making a remarkable impression was Ukraine's Angelina Usanova whose "Mother Protector" costume consisted of a sky blue gown as Angelina held a golden infant.

"Children do not start wars, but they are the ones who are unable to