That’s a serious question, but with a delightfully nonsensical answer: All served as inspiration for national costumes on display during the 2023 Miss Universe pageant’s preliminary competition.

Miss Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee attends the 72nd Miss Universe Competition - National Costume Show at Gimnasio Nacional Jose Adolfo Pineda on November 16, 2023 in San Salvador, El Salvador.

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 Puerto Rico Kiara Ortega displays her costume during Miss Universe National Costume Show in Chon Buri, Thailand Monday, Dec. 10, 2018. ... Miss Universe Germany 2016 Johanna Acs.

Miss Universe: The national costumes that stole the show A night of glamorous fashion to showcase the best and originality of each country. HOLA! USA . MAY 14, 2021 3:40 PM EDT MAY 14, 2021, 3:40 ...

How do you wear national pride? If you're one of the contestants in the Miss Universe 2016 competition, you do it with elaborate style, tons of color, and a healthy dose of whimsy. See some of the ...

Miss Laos, Payengxa Lor walks onstage during The 71st Miss Universe Competition National Costume Show at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 11, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Miss British Virgin Islands at the Miss Universe 2021 National Costume Show. Benjamin Askinas/Miss Universe Frett, 24, studied communicative sciences and disorders at Alabama A&M University.

Miss USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella, in her national costume. Darren Decker/Miss Universe Organization hide caption toggle caption ...

The parade of national ensembles in the Miss Universe 2012 pageant was a treat. The runway presented an opportunity for the 89 contestants from around.

The 73rd Miss Universe Competition is currently underway in Mexico City, Mexico. A record-breaking 130 contestants from around the world are participating, competing for the crown currently held ...