Miss Universe contestants showcase glamorous looks in first round of competition
71st MISS UNIVERSE Preliminary Competition | LIVE
Contestants from 86 countries turned out in their best beauty as the first round of the Miss Universe pageant kicked off in New Orleans on Wednesday.
The preliminary competition, which includes an evening gown round and a swimsuit round, will determine who advances to the semi-finals, whose qualifying contestants will be announced soon at the final coronation night on Saturday.
Another competition to select the 2023 winner is expected later this year.
Khalifa, 24, made waves in a burkini swimsuit and tailored cape with the message: “Arab women should be represented. Muslim women can become Miss Universe.”
The mantle also had the word “equality” written in Arabic.
Miss Bahrain Evlin Khalifa walks on stage in a pink burkini during the 71st Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans.
She paired the round evening gown with a shimmering silver dress complete with a headpiece by Filipino designer Furne One, whose label Amato is based in Dubai.
Zaytoun, who hails from Kfarchouba, a village in southern Lebanon, is a journalism student and, in addition to modeling, hosts the With Yasmina Show on Instagram, which she describes as an educational show where she interviews prominent Lebanese media and sports figures.
