The countdown is on! We’re now just a few weeks away from the 72nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant, and the excitement is palpable. One contestant, in particular, is already making waves with her stunning national costume.
Representing Puerto Rico, Karla Guilfú Acevedo will be dazzling the audience in El Salvador with a vibrant ensemble that captures the essence of the ‘Island of Enchantment’. This costume, which was unveiled on Wapa Televisión, is a tribute to the San Sebastián Street Festival and was meticulously crafted by designer Joshuan Aponte.
The accessories, designed by Fabián de las Fuentes, add a splash of color to the outfit. The earrings, reminiscent of the streetlights illuminating the residences and streets of Old San Juan, are paired with bracelets that echo the structures of residential balconies.
Karla’s hair will be adorned with a sparkling magic flower made of rhinestones, a traditional symbol of Puerto Rico. But the attention to detail doesn’t stop there. The costume also features intricate architectural elements inspired by Old San Juan.
“This national costume, which I am honored to present, pays homage to the architecture of Old San Juan and the vibrant atmosphere of the San Sebastian Street Festival,” said Karla. “The skirt, made of velvet and black sequins in a sophisticated trumpet cut, is decorated with hundreds of handcrafted cobblestones, each painted to mimic the iconic blue cobblestones of Old San Juan.”
The organization further explained that the corset is designed to reflect the architecture of the Fortress. It features a shell-type backpiece adorned with over a dozen emblematic locations in Old San Juan, from the Paseo de la Princesa fountain to the Holy Christ chapel, all depicted in stunning 3D detail, some even illuminated with LED lights.
The back of the costume showcases a hand-painted structure offering a panoramic view of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the Cabezudos, Blagantes, Pleneros, and folkloric dancers performing above the festive crowd.
Saluting Past Puerto Rican Champions
One detail that has captured the hearts of pageant fans is the costume’s tribute to the five Puerto Ricans who have previously been crowned Miss Universe. The ensemble features images of Marisol Malaret Contreras (1970), Deborah Fátima Carthy Deu (1985), Dayanara Torres Delgado (1993), Denise Marie Quiñones (2001), and Zuleyka Jerris Rivera (2006), making it a touching tribute to the island’s proud history in the competition.