Traditionally in Miss International, the national costume parade is the first category during the finals night where the judges get the raw chance to evaluate the delegates. It is quite unfortunate that a lot of times in the past, this category had been taken for granted by several front runners. Some would think that the national costume had no bearing in the final judgement, when in fact, this is one of the most important chances to make a very good impression.
The International Cultural Association is the main arm that administers the Miss International Organization. Aside from promoting the message of peace and friendship to the world, the hosting of the annual pageant also serves as a venue to foster better cultural and international understanding. So, the main purpose of a national costume has to be anchored on the fact that it is not just about how elaborate the design is, but it should also emphasize the cultural significance of the costume.
MISS INTERNATIONAL BEST NATIONAL COSTUME WINNERS FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS:
2011 - Thailand (Top 15 Semifinalist)
2010 - Brazil
2009 - Honduras
2008 - Aruba
2007 - Aruba
2006 - Panama (also 1st Runner-up)
2005 - Tanzania
2004 - China (Top 15 Semifinalist)
2003 - China (Top 12 Semifinalist)
2002 - Korea (Top 12 Semifinalist)
Over the past ten years, four from Asia have won this traditional special award, and incidentally, all of them had also advanced to the semifinals. The Caribbean isle of Aruba had won it twice in a row but were non-semifinalists in 2007 and 2008 respectively. From mainland North America, only Panama (2006) and Honduras (2009) have succeeded to bring this award to their continent. Panama was 1st runner-up. Meanwhile, Brazil is the lone South American, winning the award in 2010. Tanzania is also the lone African to receive this award in the past ten years. Unfortunately for Europe, it has zero. The last time the old continent had won this award was in 1982, courtesy of Portugal.
Here is the Missosology's Hotpick for Best National Costume:
1. INDONESIA.
Aside from the outstanding impact of the design, the very detailed emphasis of Indonesia's rich exotic culture is clearly depicted in this costume. The choice of color did not make it look overdone.
2. PANAMA.
Latin America never fails to show extravagant costumes year after year. It is no surprise that they have been dominating this award since the beginning. Panama's costume is a great combination of boldness and festivity, perfected by the right color combination that truly represents their colorful culture.
3. MONGOLIA.
Lately, the Mongolian delegates at the Big 4 pageants have been stepping up their game, and what a way to start it but through their national costumes! This year's MI delegate made it even better by wearing a costume that humbly depicts the people's initial impression of her homeland. Yes, one would really need that warmer!
4. JAPAN.
This is probably the first time that a Japanese delegate has shied away from the usual demure costume that they wear at Miss International. This red kimono with knee-high slit spells sexiness, elegance and charm.
5. HONDURAS.
In a sea of familiar festival costumes from Latin America, the Honduran costume slightly stood out from the rest. The simplicity yet detailed handwork of this costume is hard to go unnoticed. Only Panama could have beaten her in terms of awesomeness!
THE REST OF THE TOP FIFTEEN
6. NICARAGUA
7. GUAM
8. SLOVAKIA
9. MYANMAR
10. BELGIUM
11. MAURITIUS
12. GABON
13. PARAGUAY
14. SURINAME
15. BRAZIL
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BEST FROM ASIA - INDONESIA
BEST FROM AFRICA - MAURITIUS
BEST FROM EUROPE - SLOVAKIA
BEST FROM OCEANIA - GUAM
BEST FROM NORTH AMERICA - PANAMA
BEST FROM SOUTH AMERICA - PARAGUAY
Banner by: Gryffindor_Prince of the Missosology Forum
