The participants of the Miss Universe 2016 contest showed their versions of national costumes

Marabou feathers, rhinestone—embroidered bikinis and pineapple-like hats -no, this is not a carnival in Rio de Janeiro. This is the Miss Universe 2016 contest. Participants of one of the most prestigious beauty contests in the world demonstrated their versions of national costumes during the preliminary stage.

The preliminary stage of the competition with a fashion show in national costumes, bikinis and evening dresses was held at the Asia Arena pavilion in Pasay city in the Philippines. Among the judges of the contest are former UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Miss Universe from Puerto Rico Dayanara Torres, model and star of the show Real Housewives of Atlanta Cynthia Bailey, as well as former journalist and international marketing director Rob Goldstone. Fred Nelson, President of the People's Choice Awards, Francine Lefrak, an entrepreneur and activist in the struggle for women's rights, and Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007, were also invited to the jury.

All 86 participants first came out in long and luxurious evening dresses, and then changed into bikinis. The final of the competition will be held on January 30. The broadcast will be hosted by Steve Harvey and plus-size model Ashley Graham. Last year, Steve Harvey mistakenly declared the wrong contestant the winner, giving the crown to Miss Colombia. Then he had to return to the stage and crown the real winner, "Miss Philippines".

Pre-selection began on Thursday. By the final, only 12 of the 86 participants will remain the most beautiful. It is expected that the broadcast of the final will be watched by more than 500 thousand people around the world. Let's see what beauty ideals are in fashion in 2017.

(35 photos in total)

Source: Daily Mail

The fashion show in the framework of the Miss Universe contest turned out to be a real explosion of bright colors. The contestants demonstrated national costumes during the pre-selection in Pasay in the Philippines. In the photo — Iris Mittener from France.

Flavia Britu from Portugal chose an angelic costume and looked like a participant in the Victoria's Secret show.

Rebecca Caitlin Rat from Belize looks like she's going to a carnival in Rio.

One of the strangest costumes turned out to be the representative of Sweden Ida Ovmar, who came on stage with a huge white horse made of cardboard.

Panamanian contender Katie Drennan donned an ornate purple-green outfit with feathers inspired by the small towns and markets of her native country.

Magdalena Coendet from Uruguay is a pretty, albeit unusual lobster.

Jenny Kim from South Korea decided to observe the custom by wearing a traditional Korean outfit worn by queens on special occasions.

Htet Htet Htun from Myanmar came out in a traditional puppet costume.

Noelia Freire from Spain.

"Miss Germany" appeared on stage in a sparkling ball gown and with a headdress in the form of one of the most beautiful castles in Germany — Neuschwanstein.

"Miss Finland" in a red dress with flounces willingly showed the jury her slender legs.

A participant from Myanmar showed a traditional puppet show for her country.

One of the least unusual outfits was the "Miss China" dress with a panda embroidered on it.

The headdress of "Miss Bolivia" was the largest among all. It embodies 18 traditional local dances.

"Miss Sierra Leone" Hava Kamara showed an outfit in the style of folk dancers. On her headdress there are real shells from the motherland.

"Miss USA" Deshona Barber decided to use the superhero theme, but, unfortunately, there was a technical problem with her wings on stage.

"Miss Vietnam" in a traditional outfit with wicker baskets typical of Vietnam.

Carolyn Carter from the Virgin Islands came out in a bright outfit with feathers.

Colombian contestant Andrea Tovar proudly displays the flag of her native country.

Sal Garcia from the Dominican Republic in an outfit studded with beautiful bright birds.

Soyini Fraser from Guyana also chose an outfit appropriate for the carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

Jamie-Lee Faulkner represented Great Britain.

Kezia Varove from Indonesia chose the image of a golden fairy bird.

Roshmita Harimurti from India resembled a shining goddess from the Hindu pantheon.

Mariam Habach from Venezuela dressed up as the sea goddess Yemaya. Her dress was embroidered with hundreds of pearls.

Brenda Azaria Jimenez from Puerto Rico.

Marina Jacobi from Nicaragua in an outfit inspired by Nicaraguan momo birds.

Noelia Freire from Spain during the qualifying fashion show in swimwear.

Johanna Ax from Germany during a fashion show in evening dresses at the qualifying stage of "Miss Universe".

Shirley Karvinen from Finland during the selection in swimwear.

Johanna Ax from Germany.

Johanna Ax from Germany in a swimsuit.

Shirley Karvinen from Finland in an evening dress.

Noelia Freire from Spain, as well as contestants from Sri Lanka and South Africa during the fashion show in evening dresses.

Dazzling Noelia Freire from Spain.