Photographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Here's a look at the most eye-catching, body-baring and colourful national costumes modelled by contestants at the Miss Universe pageant 2011!
Bright, bold, beautiful -- the national costume segment of one of the world's most anticipated and popular beauty contests certainly made for a spectacular parade.
While our very own Miss India Vasuki Sunkavalli missed out on all the action courtesy a last-minute foul-up with regards to her outfit (it wasn't delivered on time -- read all about it here), there were still plenty of beauties strutting their stuff, national-style! Take a look.
Miss Venezuela
The stunning Vanessa Goncalves, representing Venezuela, was certainly a tropical treat in her heavily embellished sheer bodysuit -- and she had fabulous wings to match!
Miss Colombia
Image: Miss ColombiaPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Colombian cutie Catalina Robayo revved things up in flirty striped ruffles and flowers.
Miss Costa Rica
Image: Miss Costa RicaPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Johanna Solano of Costa Rica looked every inch the gorgeous tribal warrior queen.
Miss Nicaragua
Image: Miss NicaraguaPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Nicaragua's Adriana Dom was a vision in voluminous layered skirt and bikini top, embellished with large floral appliques.
Miss Trinidad & Tobago
Image: Miss Trinidad and TobagoPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Gabrielle Walcott of Trinidad & Tobago certainly looked ready to lead a carnival in her red feathers and sensual two-piece!
Miss Egypt
Image: Miss EgyptPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Cleopatra would certainly have approved of this look! Miss Egypt Sara El Khouly seemed to be paying homage to the Queen of the Nile.
Miss Puerto Rico
Image: Miss Puerto RicoPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Puerto Rican hottie Viviana Ortiz looked like an exotic sea creature in her shimmering blue national costume.
Miss Thailand
Image: Miss ThailandPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Chanyasorn Sakorchan of Thailand made for a charming picture, giving the nation's traditional look a sexy spin with black net.
Miss Switzerland
Image: Miss SwitzerlandPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Swiss stunner Kerstin Cook garnered quite a lot of attention in her steamy little pink number!
Miss Brazil
Image: Miss BrazilPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Brazilian bombshell Priscila Machado put her awesome bod on display in a silver suit and a flurry of feathers in her national colours.
Miss Tanzania
Image: Miss TanzaniaPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Nelly Kamwelu of Tanzania was kitted out in gold armour, but she'd bring men to their knees without weapons or warfare!
Miss Dominican Republic
Image: Miss Dominican RepublicPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Representing the Dominican Republic, Dalia Fernandez was quite the mystical sequinned nymph.
Miss Australia
Image: Miss AustraliaPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Aussie babe Scherri-Lee Biggs made waves in a yellow monokini and multi-print scalloped train.
Miss Malaysia
Image: Miss MalaysiaPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Malaysian maiden Deborah Henry stood out with her beautiful cultural couture.
Miss Guam
Image: Miss GuamPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Shayna Jo Afaisen of Guam was a delicate mermaid in scaley green.
Miss Russia
Image: Miss RussiaPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Natalia Gantimurova of Russia made her mark in an all-white outfit and traditional headdress.
Miss British Virgin Islands
Image: Miss British Virgin IslandsPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Sheroma Hodge of the British Virgin Islands donned a sparkly rainbow affair that seemed all about celebration.
Miss Ecuador
Image: Miss EcuadorPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Claudia Schiess did Ecuador proud with her beautiful, busy and intricately created design.
Miss Jamaica
Image: Miss JamaicaPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Jamaican Shakira Martin was quite the beautiful bird -- now that's what you call a riot of colour!
Miss Japan
Image: Miss JapanPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Maria Kamiyama showed off her sword skills and a superb kimono for Japan.
Miss Peru
Image: Miss PeruPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Also getting a tribal queen groove on was Natalie Vertiz of Peru -- and she did a great job of it too.
Miss China
Image: Miss ChinaPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Chinese cutie Luo Zilin spread her arms to display the intricate splendour of her rich red robe.
Miss Aruba
Image: Miss ArubaPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Gillain Berry cascaded out in silver and white to pay homage to her nation, Aruba.
Miss France
Image: Miss FrancePhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Laury Thilleman of France took us back a few centuries in her period gown.
Miss USA
Image: Miss USAPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
In stars and stripes, Alyssa Campanella made a loud and proud statement for the USA.
Miss Haiti
Image: Miss HaitiPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Anedie Azael of Haiti paid a cheerful tribute to her beautiful beach country in a swirling array of sequins and flowers.
Miss Indonesia
Image: Miss IndonesiaPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Indonesian contestant Nadine Alexandra kept to the national theme, but also made sure she wasn't shown up by other sexy entries!
Miss El Salvador
Image: Miss El SalvadorPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Vintage allure came to the fore with this flouncing corset gown worn by Mayra Aldana of El Salvador.
Miss Vietnam
Image: Miss VietnamPhotographs: Patrick Prather/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
Vietnam's Hoang My Vu was all smiles as she showcased this pretty ensemble, inspired by traditional patterns.
Miss Kazakhstan
Image: Miss KazakhstanPhotographs: Darren Decker/Miss Universe LP, LLLP
And finally, we have Valeriya Aleinikova of Kazakhstan in regal white worthy of royalty!
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