The war between Russia and Ukraine has been well-documented and televised over the last year. During this period, the outrage towards Russia and the solidarity shown towards Ukraine has been overwhelming. Artists worldwide have been utilizing their creativity to show their support towards this Eastern European country. As it stands, the artists in the war-torn region themselves have been installing large photographs and paper drawings to show their strength and unbreakable spirit to the rest of the world. And now, it is time for Miss Ukraine, Viktoria Apanasenko, who has already unveiled her costume for the 2023 Miss Universe pageant. The costume will be a true insignia of her homeland’s bravado.
Viktoria Apanasenk, The Current Miss Ukraine, Unveiled Her Miss Universe Costume That Would Showcase Ukraine’s Might
The costume unveiled by Miss Ukraine has been titled the Warrior of Light. It was created by the famous Ukrainian designer Lesia Patoka of the Patoka Studio. This project took her around four months to create. It also included periods when she had no electricity and had to work by candlelight. Speaking about this inspiring creation, the designer mentioned, “In this image, there is a reference to Archangel Michael, the guardian angel, who protects Ukraine with a sword. Viktoria has a weapon in her hands, and her body is in stylized armor, while at the same time, she brings light through this total darkness, metaphorical and literal, that has come to our lands with the aggressor.”
Interestingly, rather than highlighting the suffering and pain felt by the Ukrainian population in the face of the Russian invasion, the designer and her team decided to put the unbreakable zeal of the population to the forefront. This was also commended by Anna Filimonova, the President of the Miss Ukraine Universe contest. She stated, “In this difficult time for our Motherland, we thought for a long time: what should be the image that symbolizes our country? What ‘message’ should he carry to the whole world? What should its details tell about? We even held a vote among the public for how they want to metaphorically see our country: to recreate the tragedy of the Ukrainian present or to show Ukraine in a bright image that will demonstrate the Ukrainian spirit and strength of our people. The majority will vote for the second version.”
The Miss Ukraine Costume Was Made Quite Painstakingly By The Designer
The choices that Filimonova spoke about did create the final design. It is composed of five separate elements that bring in an infusion of old traditions and high fashion. The incumbent Miss Ukraine, Apanasenko, puts on a golden jumpsuit that also serves as full-body armor. Over that, she also wears a white dress that has puffy sleeves and a skirt that is made out of around 32 feet of fabric.
Writing about the costume, Apanasenko stated, “In this costume, I wanted to put the idea that war cannot break our strength and discolor our hearts. Even on fire, like a Phoenix, Ukraine will blossom and shine with bright rays of kindness and faith.” It is expected that Apanasenko will be donning the costume at the Miss Universe gala. It will take place in the city of New Orleans on January 14th, 2023. While the official title is still up for grabs, one can’t deny that she has put up a statement for the entire world to sit up and take notice.
The most striking part of the Miss Ukraine costume will be the wings. The designer considers them to be “scorched in battle, but unbroken.” The wings are readily encased in gold and blue armor and further decorated with motifs that glimmer under the light.
Source List:
- “Miss Ukraine Unveils Amazing “Warrior of Light” Costume for Miss Universe.” My Modern Met. Regina Sienra. December 28, 2022
