Miss Universe Gowns Have Evolved A Lot Throughout The Years

Armi Kuusela – 1952

Kuusela was the first-ever Miss Universe beauty pageant winner from Finland. She was only 17 when she won the title. She looks like beauty personified in her body-thigh swimsuit. Armi Kuusela chose to wear classic poolside wear of the ’50s at the time of her crowning, which was a mandatory uniform for all the contestants.

The sweetheart neckline and thigh-high length of the suit make her look raw and real. She chose to pair her bathing suit with studs, peep-toe heels, and bold lip color.

Miriam Stevenson – 1953

Miriam Stevenson was the first Miss USA to win the title of Miss Universe. Her crowning dress was a welcoming change from sweetheart necklines donned during the previous years.

She wore a halter neck thigh-high bodycon dress with sequins that accentuated her lower neck area. The purple color of the dress makes it look playful and young yet classy. After winning the title, she went on to work as an American TV show host, act in movies, and model for famous brands and magazines.

Gladys Zender – 1957

Gladys Zender of Peru was the first woman of Latin American origin to win the title of Miss Universe. During her crowning, she looks like a snow angel in her ice blue swimsuit.

You can see Gladys continuing the tradition of wearing short swimsuits during the crowning. Fun fact: She was only 17 when she won the crown, but the pageant let her keep her title because she was considered 18 in Peru.

Akiko Kojima – 1959

Kojima became the first woman from Japan to win the title in 1959, and she was also the first Asian to crown the title of Miss Universe. She looks like a goddess of water in her deep blue dress, which adds a pop of color to her red robe.

Her single strap dress is bejeweled with stones forming butterfly-like patterns in the bodice and a make-belief belt pattern just down the torso adding more definition and character in the look.