Ahead of the Miss Universe 2018 pageant, which will be held at Impact, Muang Thong Thani in Bangkok on December 16, the 94 contestants took part in the pre-coronation-day national costume presentation on Monday. Among the hopefuls competing for the crown are Miss Lebanon Maya Reaidy, and Egypt’s Nariman Khaled, who both showed off their patriotic sides by donning creative ensembles that represented their respective countries during the pre-pageant show.
First up was Khaled, who took to the stage at Nongnooch International Convention and Exhibition Center sporting a pharaoh-inspired matching top and skirt set by Egyptian designer Temraza. The Egyptian beauty elevated the look by way of a headpiece and dramatic eye makeup à la Cleopatra. “Life isn’t perfect but your costume can be,” Khaled captioned an Instagram video of herself modeling her get-up.
When it came to Reaidy’s turn, the 23-year-old tasked Lebanese couturier Nicolas Jebran with creating her costume (he also designed the pageant queen’s Miss Lebanon 2018 contest gown.) The result was a dazzling, embellished body suit with flowing cape sleeves and a floor-trailing train; an exaggerated collar inspired by Lebanon’s cedar tree completed the ensemble. “Proudly carrying the cedar of my beautiful country Lebanon,” Reaidy wrote on her Instagram page alongside an emoji of the Lebanese flag.
Miss Egypt and Miss Lebanon are the only contestants representing the Arab world in the upcoming pageant. On October 3 in Cairo, Khaled beat out 17 other contestants to take home the crown for Miss Universe Egypt 2018, a title previously held by Egyptian icon Iolanda Gigliotti (more commonly known as Dalida), who won the 1954 competition. The beauty queen, who hails from Hurghada, was selected by an expert panel, which comprised of reigning Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and her predecessor Farah Sedky, as well as stylist Farah Baky and the National Director of Miss Universe Hoda Abboud. Leila Rihan was crowned first runner-up, while Noreen Elhosary was the second runner-up.
Meanwhile, Reaidy triumphed over 30 hopeful contestants in a televised ceremony held at Beirut’s Forum de Beyrouth to take home the Miss Lebanon 2018 crown. She joins a line-up of former beauty queens including Nadine Njeim, Clémence Ashkar, and Saly Greige, who’ve all claimed the title.
Miss Universe 2018 will be crowned by the reigning Nel-Peters. If Khaled or Reaidy win, they will receive a one-year contract with the Miss Universe Organization, which will see them traveling overseas to perform charity work and raise awareness for diseases and education. The winner will also receive room and board in a luxury apartment in New York City plus cash allowance for her entire reign, a New York Film Academy scholarship, a modeling portfolio with WME IMG, which happens to be the Miss Universe parent organization, a year supply of beauty products, a custom-styled new wardrobe, and healthcare, as well as invitations to events such as fashion shows, movie premieres, and opening galas throughout New York.
The show will be hosted by Steve Harvey and Ashley Graham, while television personality Carson Kressley and runway coach Lu Sierra will provide commentary and analysis throughout the event. Meanwhile, Ne-Yo is set to perform during the three-hour event. Best of luck to the contestants!
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