The 72nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant is poised to be a landmark event, shattering long-standing stereotypes and embracing diversity in all its forms. This year’s competition, set to unfold with great anticipation, will feature a cast of contestants breaking barriers and making history.
Leading this charge is Miss Nepal, Jane Dipika Garrett, who stands as the first plus-sized model to grace the Miss Universe stage. At 22, Garrett has captured hearts as a crowd favorite during the preliminaries in El Salvador, showcasing her confidence and charisma on the runway.
In an interview with Hola magazine, Garrett, who is part American, proudly identifies herself as an advocate of body positivity. “As a curvy woman who doesn’t follow certain beauty standards, I’m here to represent all women,” she expressed, reflecting her commitment to challenging conventional notions of beauty.
Her journey to Miss Universe is not just a personal triumph but a victory for body positivity and representation. Garrett candidly shared her past struggles with body image, stating, “A few years ago, I was a very insecure person and had very low self-esteem. Now, I love myself, and that’s success to me.“
Also read : Journey of Vidushi Vijayvergiya and her ISAK for fragrances
As she competes for the crown, Garrett passionately asserts, “I think there’s not one way to be beautiful; every woman is beautiful just as they are.”
However, Garrett is not the only trailblazer in this historic lineup. Miss Portugal Marina Machete and Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kolle are set to make history as the first transgender women to compete in Miss Universe, marking a significant step towards inclusivity.
Adding to the diverse pool of contestants, Miss Guatemala Michelle Cohn and Miss Camila Avella are breaking ground as the first married women and mothers allowed to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.
Pakistan, too, joins the celebration of firsts as twenty-four-year-old Erica Robin secured the title of Miss Universe Pakistan, marking the country’s debut in the Miss Universe competition.
Miss Universe 2023 is undeniably set to be a transformative event, ushering in a new era of representation and challenging stereotypes that have lingered in the pageant world. The global stage is now set for these remarkable women to redefine beauty and inspire change on an international scale.”