Miss Universe National Costumes

Miss Universe airs live tonight, however here is a sneak peak at some of the strange fashions seen this year at the competition.

Miss Puerto Rico Bodine Koehler

Bodine told officials that she wanted her costume to depict a goddess and to show the strength of Puerto Rican women. So she attached some glittering spikes to her breastplate and put on her highest pair of heels. Her sequined thong is actually a garter belt and, she claims, a symbol of fertility.

Miss Honduras Jennifer Andrade

Miss Honduras’s calve muscles just got a whole lot bigger. Her costume weighs a whopping 50 pounds and consists of rhinestones, seashells and pearls. She celebrates the coral reef off the coast of her country with a massive back brace and a staff with faux seahorse.

Miss Spain Andrea Huisgen

Miss Spain has gone heavy on the symbolism. She says that her bottom half represents a flamenco dancer, and that her top half represents a bullfighter. Her headpiece includes the tilda symbol, which she claims is only found in the Spanish language. (Fact-check, Andrea: It’s also used in Portuguese and Vietnamese).

Miss Brazil Gabriela Markus

Lacoste popularized the alligator, and Miss Brazil is popularizing the macaw, iguana and other symbols of Brazil with this colorful dress. Look closely and you’ll spot birds on her shoulders.