The 50 wildest national costumes from the 2021 Miss Universe pageant

• The 2021 Miss Universe national costume show took place on Friday in Eilat, Israel.

• The contestants walked the runway in outfits that celebrated their countries.

• The most daring looks of the night had sheer fabric, elaborate headpieces, and political messages.

Miss Argentina Julieta Garcia became one with nature in a costume that paid tribute to her country's glaciers.

Garcia rocked a nude bodysuit with a dramatic backpiece designed to represent Argentina's melting glaciers.

The pageant queen said on her Instagram that the costume was a call to act on the dangers of the climate crisis.

Miss Armenia Nane Avetisyan dazzled in a metallic gown and flowing blue cape to represent a beloved goddess.

Avetisyan wrote on Instagram that her national costume was inspired by Arubani, the goddess of the kingdom of Ararat.

"Arubani was the goddess of love, arts, and crafts," she wrote. "Armenians believe that the light of love and art will trump the evil and the worse of the world. Love and art set her apart."

Miss Australia Daria Varlamova wowed in a voluminous blue gown with a towering flower headpiece.

Varlamova's dramatic ensemble, made by Jonté Designs, featured a semi-sheer bodice with a glittering floral design that paid tribute to Australia's oceans and native botanicals.

Miss Bahamas Chantel O'Brian rocked a dramatic two-piece covered in beads and feathers.

O'Brian's national costume featured a sky-high headdress and a billowing multicolored cape with two eyes staring back at you.

Miss Belgium Kedist Deltour looked ready for flight in her feathered national costume.

Deltour's ensemble, designed by Roman Vandycke, paid tribute to the flags of both Belgium and Ethiopia, where Deltour was born.

Deltour was adopted by a Belgian family when she was 10 after her mother died and her father took her to an orphanage.

Miss Bolivia Nahemi Uequin Antelo dazzled in a nearly sheer bodysuit covered with glittering birds.

The pageant queen paired her shimmering national costume with a dramatic jaguar headpiece that featured plenty of feathers

Miss Brazil Teresa Santos sported a striking all-red ensemble as she walked the Miss Universe stage.

Santos wrote on Instagram that her national costume was inspired by the pau-brasil tree.

Real pieces of glass and natural rattan were embroidered into the ensemble to reproduce the look of the treetops.

Miss Cambodia Marady Ngin wowed in a red, green, and orange national costume that paid tribute to Khmer cultural art.

Ngin's costume was partially inspired by Lakhon Khol, a type of masked traditional dance that has been performed for centuries.

Miss Cameroon Michèle-Ange Minkata stunned in a multicolored ensemble covered in beads.

Her national costume featured beads of red, green, and yellow — the colors of the Cameroon flag — and was paired with a dramatic feathered backpiece and headdress.

Miss Cayman Islands Georgina Kerford blossomed in a dramatic yellow and pink gown that looked fit for a beautiful garden.

Kerford's gown was designed by Danielle Alexis and was inspired by wild banana orchids, the national flower of the Cayman Islands.

Miss Chile Antonia Figueroa wowed in an all-white gown covered in beads and ruffles.

Figueroa wrote on Instagram that her costume, designed by Kendry Mora, was inspired by the women who offer the sweets of La Ligua in Chile.

Miss Colombia Valeria Ayos looked as beautiful as a butterfly in her shimmering yellow and purple national costume.

Ayos wrote on Instagram that her national costume was inspired by the yellow butterflies of Colombia and also pays homage to the Disney film set in Colombia, "Encanto."

Miss Costa Rica Valeria Rees looked like a butterfly onstage during the costume show.

She wore a long-sleeved gown with a mermaid-style skirt, and it was covered in multicolored sequins from top to bottom.

She also wore a silver headpiece with sparkling fringe and giant blue butterfly wings across her back.

Miss Curaçao Shariëngela Cijntje brought the fire to the Miss Universe national costume show.

Cijntje's look was designed by Jorge Salazar Caliz and was meant to show the effects of the climate crisis on the island of Curaçao — specifically how its coral reefs are being destroyed.

She also wanted the sparkling red and yellow bodysuit to show the beauty of the reefs, and the "intense fire that blazes through the veins of the people of Curaçao," as she wrote on Instagram.

Miss Czech Republic Karolína Kokešová sent a feminist message with her warrior-inspired ensemble.

As she shared on Instagram, Kokešová said she wanted her look to represent the "heart of a lion." She wore a faux-fur-lined leotard, faux-fur boots, and a massive lion headpiece. A shield that said "Protect women's rights worldwide" completed the look.

Miss Ecaudor Susy Sacoto Mendoza honored a fertility goddess with her costume.

Designed by Jefferson Vera, Mendoza's outfit consisted of an intricately designed dress with an exposed bra, a long cape, a headdress, and a spear.

Vera also shared on Instagram that the outfit was made with plant materials, speaking to the need for sustainable and ethical fashion.

Miss El Salvador used her costume to raise awareness for victims of femicide and their loved ones.

Francisco Guerrero created the red and white costume worn by Alejandra Gavidia. It was designed to transform her into El Salvador's Monument to the Constitution.

On Instagram, Gavidia said the red handprints on the gown's skirt were done by people who have been affected by femicide and that the dress was beaten and shot to show how the nation's society has suffered. Additionally, the chains hanging from her shoulder represent obstacles to justice, while her black and green blindfold represents mourning and hope.

Miss Finland represented planet Earth onstage.

Essi Unkuri advocated for the environment with her costume, designed by Merja Thil. The garment featured a leotard covered in blue and green sequins and a yellow collar that wrapped around her shoulders and extended upward with silver spikes.

Attached to the waist of her leotard was a semi-sheer skirt that, when lifted at her sides, revealed land and sea made from ruffles and the message, "let's save our planet."

Miss France Clémence Botino chose a daring look that honored a legendary woman from her home country.

She wore a bra and underwear covered in crystals, as well as giant feather plumes and bananas extending from her hips. Botino then completed the look with a glittering headpiece, sheer gloves decorated with jewels, and matching sandals.

The designer Manzèl created the look to pay homage to French entertainer and activist Josephine Baker.

Miss Great Britain took inspiration from the country's national flowers.

April Banbury created the green costume Emma Collingridge wore onstage. It featured a tan leotard covered in green beads, over-the-knee boots, and a matching collar and hat made from leaves and Great Britain's national flowers: roses, thistles, and daffodils.

As the costume was designed and crafted in Great Britain, it was also meant to show the country's "respect for the environment."

Miss Guatemala Dannia Guevara Morfin honored two countries in one outfit.

Morfin's costume honors longtime allies Guatemala and Israel, where the Miss Universe pageant is being hosted this year. It was designed by Otto Mijangos.

On Instagram, Morfin said her gold leotard, matching accessories, and green embellishments were created using secondhand materials. She added that it was inspired by a Mayan goddess who spread the word that Guatemala and Israel are "pueblos hermanos," or brother peoples.

Miss Haiti wore a stunning outfit covered in crystals.

Pascale Belony dazzled on the runway in her costume. It had a tan, long-sleeved shirt covered in a crystal-embellished overlay, and a colorful striped skirt with a tall slit that revealed her sparkling tights.

The contestant also wore platform-sandal heels, a cream-colored necklace, and a tiara-style headpiece with a red, yellow, and blue halo above it.

Miss Honduras Rose Meléndez mirrored her country's flag.

With the help of the designer Alonso Maximo, Meléndez honored Garifuna culture with her vibrant look. She wore a bedazzled crown with rainbow feathers on top that represented hope, wisdom, intelligence, love, mourning, and more.

There were also snails and pearls attached to her bra and miniskirt to represent womanhood and dried seeds on her calves. The yellow, white, and black fringe across her back is meant to mirror the Garifuna flag, Maximo shared on Instagram.

Miss Iceland added a headpiece that lit up to her runway look.

Elísa Gróa Steinþórsdóttir said on Instagram that the strapless dress she wore during the costume show was inspired by Fagradalsfjall, a volcano in Iceland that erupted for six months straight in 2021.

It was hand-painted and created with recycled materials by Kirsten Regalado, who also added a light-up headpiece to create the illusion of flames.

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu carried an umbrella to represent the multifaceted women of her home.

Sandhu wore a pink lehenga by Abhinav Mishra. The designer said it's meant to be a "visual representation of a woman that showcases the Indian queen," who is "graceful and strong, nurturing and loving, fierce and bold."

Both the garment and her matching umbrella are covered in mirrors and embroidery. On Instagram, Sandhu said she felt "a sense of empowerment" while wearing it.

Miss Ireland sent a message in support of nurses like herself.

The designer Call Me Sophia created Katharine Walker's costume, which included a green bedazzled leotard, tan tights, velvet boots, and flags that extended from her waist. The flags featured the message, "Fair pay for nursing," which is important to Walker as she's a registered nurse.

"I am not just representing Ireland on this stage, but every single healthcare worker, the real heroes of this world, who go above and beyond caring for others, those who work through their breaks and work overtime for no extra pay, those who help the most vulnerable through their darkest days," she wrote on Instagram.

Miss Italy rocked sparkles from head to toe.

Caterina Di Fuccia sparkled onstage in a strapless silver gown with a red star across its bodice. On Instagram, the contestant said it was inspired by the Stellone d'Italia, or the great star of Italy, which is a part of the country's emblem.

She also carried an oak branch, another piece of Italy's emblem, to represent "the strength and dignity of the Italians," and an olive branch to show "Italy's will for peace." The look was designed by Aviad Arik Herman.

Miss Jamaica chose a colorful minidress and a matching headpiece.

Created by Uzuri International, Daena Soares' costume included a colorful minidress with off-the-shoulder sleeves, a tiered skirt, and a straight neckline — all of which were made from ruffles. But the bodice was covered in multicolored sequins and crystals.

The contestant completed the look with a jeweled crown that had red, yellow, and green feathers on top.

Miss Korea Jisu Kim wore a traditional outfit for her time onstage.

Jisu Kim wore a traditional hanbok, made from red fabric with gold designs from top to bottom.

The contestant has a degree in acting and theatrical arts and is also a lifelong golfer. She speaks Korean, English, and German.

Miss Laos incorporated numerous cultural symbols into her outfit.

On Instagram, Tonkham Phonchanheuang said her costume was made from red Lao silk and real gold to create "unique patterns of Laos."

The flower on her back is a Plumeria alba, the national species of Laos, and her headpiece represents Pha That Luang, a Buddhist stupa.

Miss Malta was inspired by her country's history and food.

Jade Cini wore a pavaljun, or a decorative street sign, to represent Malta's traditional feasts, as she wrote on Instagram. But her costume was meant to mimic the Malta Triumphant statue and represent the country's history.

She said it was created by Christian Caruana and Wendy Caruana.

Miss Mexico Débora Hallal took inspiration from the Aztec people before her.

Hallal's costume was designed by Esteban Ortiz and inspired by the Aztec culture, as the contestant wrote on Instagram.

Hallal also said the outfit — which was crafted with beads and feathers — took three months to make. It also was decorated with more than 1 million crystals to honor "the emblematic Aztec calendar."

Miss Namibia was pretty in pink with a daring leotard.

As Chelsi Shikongo wrote on Instagram, her hometown Walvis Bay has the largest solar sea-salt company in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, she wanted her costume to represent "the beautiful hues of pink salt pans and their well-loved flamingos."

It was created by six artists, including Yashena Textile Accessories, and features a striped fabric worn by the Aawambo people.

Miss Nepal Sujita Basnet was inspired by Mother Nature.

Basnet wore a two-piece set with a cropped shirt and long skirt, as well as a large branch atop her head. On Instagram, she said "ethnic symbolism from Nepal's 'Himal,' 'Pahad,' and 'Terai'" was also incorporated into the outfit.

It was designed by Maharjan Vijay.

Miss Nicaragua Allison Wassmer's outfit featured an intricate pattern and a dramatic backpiece.

Wassmer wore an outfit that honored the ceramic artist Gregorio Bracamonte during the show, as she shared on Instagram.

The entire look made Miss Nicaragua look like a living piece of art.

Miss Nigeria Maristella Okpala's ensemble was just as impressive from the back as it was from the front.

Representing Nigeria, Okpala wore an embroidered leotard that had a feathered trim, matching the accessories she wore around her ankles.

An oversized backpiece completed the look, which was designed to look like a traditional mask.

Miss Norway Nora Emilie Nakken rocked a costume that spoke to her country's climate.

Nakken's outfit consisted of a snowflake-covered leotard and a dramatic floor-length cape.

The cape was covered in feathers, creating a wintery look that spoke to Norway's frosty climate.

Brenda Smith of Panama referenced an iconic mode of transportation from her country with her outfit.

Designed by Daniel Cortina, Smith wore an outfit inspired by Panama's heavily decorated "diablo rojo" buses, as she shared on Instagram.

Miss Panama's multicolored backpiece and bedazzled bodysuit made the outfit look like a glowing version of the buses.

Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira's outfit stood out thanks to sparkles, lights, and sheer cutouts.

Ferreira dazzled in a sparkly minidress that featured sheer cutouts during the national costume show.

Designed by Yeruti Acosta Atelier, the outfit was completed with a feathered cape that created the illusion of wings and was embroidered with glowing lights. Ferreira wore a crown as well.

Yely Rivera, who represented Peru, wore a costume that literally glowed.

Rivera paid homage to her birth site — the foot of a volcano — with her outfit, which was designed by Betopinedo, as she shared on Instagram.

Her floor-length, sparkly dress featured LED lights, turning her into a glowing figure.

"I'm the White Queen of the Andes honoring my flag and my city bringing to the world a message of unity and Peace," Rivera wrote of her outfit on Instagram.

Miss Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez dressed as a dragon during the national costume show.

Gomez wore a costume that was inspired by the Bakunawa dragon, which is famous in Philippines folklore, as the Philippine Star reported.

Designed by Axel Que, the outfit had a textured cape made to look like scales, a sparkly bodice, and an intricate headpiece that featured a depiction of the moon.

Oricia Domínguez Dos Santos' outfit was inspired by a rooster, which holds significance in Portugal.

Dos Santos shared on Instagram that her outfit — which consisted of a sparkly two-piece, feathered tassel arm accessories, and a textured headpiece — was designed to look like a rooster.

Roosters symbolize good luck in Portuguese culture, as the Portugal tourism website states.

Michelle Marie Colón performed a traditional Puerto Rican dance in her colorful costume.

Colón wore a bright-blue dress and an oversized circular backpiece that had multicolored braids of fabric.

Miss Puerto Rico performed the bomba as she modeled the outfit, which is a traditional Puerto Rican dance, according to the Miss Puerto Rico Instagram page.

Nandita Banna of Singapore wore a dress that was covered in an intricate pattern.

Banna strutted in a red and white gown to represent Singapore's national colors. The dress featured a high collar and sparkly beading.

Frederick Lee designed the gown, while the award-winning artist Lee Xin Li designed the graphics that covered the dress from head to toe, as stated on the Miss Singapore Instagram account. The graphics share the story of Singapore.

Lalela Mswane of South Africa wowed in an all-white look.

Mswane transformed into a dove during the national costume show because she wanted to represent peace with her outfit, as she shared on Instagram.

Designed by The Costume Department, Mswane's white leotard had giant feathers sprouting from the shoulders, back, and arms. A feathered crown and ballet slippers completed the look.

Miss Spain Sarah Loinaz's costume was inspired by a Spanish architect.

Loinaz paid tribute to Antoni Gaudí, the Spanish architect who used salamanders in his designs, with her costume, as the Miss Spain Instagram account shared.

Loinaz's sparkly bodysuit featured feathers that extended off of her body and paired with a salamander headpiece.

Hanna Neplyakh's costume featured traditional Ukranian embroidery.

As Neplyakh shared on Instagram, her dress featured multiple embroidery hoops, nodding to the traditional embroidery of Ukraine.

The backpiece of the dress was also designed to look like an oversized embroidery hoop, with tassels flowing down from it.

Elle Smith, the 2021 Miss USA, dressed as an Emmy Award for the Costume Show.

Designed by Randall K. Smith, Miss USA's costume was designed as a "salute to Hollywood," as she shared on Instagram.

The look consisted of a gold bodysuit that covered Smith's head and had wings flowing out from the back, a cape, and a ball she carried as she strutted the catwalk.

Luiseth Materán's costume was inspired by Venezuela's national flower.

Carlos Perez designed the floral costume Materán wore during the show, which was inspired by Venezuela's national flower, the orchid, as she shared on Instagram.

She paired her sparkly purple and green bodysuit with a flower-shaped backpiece, sparkly tights, and green boots that evoked the look of a flower stem.

Kim Duyen's costume nodded to popular Vietnamese food.

As Duyen shared on Instagram, her ensemble drew inspiration from bánh tét, a dish served during the Vietnamese holiday Tet.

Designed by NTK Khoa Lỗ, Duyen's green dress had exposed boning, and it paired with the oversized backpiece that consisted of multiple circles to create a fun and irreverent look.

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