25-year-old Venezuelan Crowned Miss Universe

Gabriela Isler
Gabriela Isler

A 25-year-old Venezuelan television presenter and flamenco dancer, Gabriela Isler, has been crowned Miss Universe in Moscow in a glittering ceremony.

Judges, including rock star Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, picked the winner from a total of 86 contestants, including Miss Nigeria, Stephanie Okwu.

Miss Nigeria, Stephanie Okwu
Miss Nigeria, Stephanie Okwu

Last year’s winner Olivia Culpo (who represented the United States) placed a diamond crown on the head of Isler, who wore a silver rhinestone studded evening dress.

Patricia Rodrigues of Spain was the runner-up.

It marks the third time Miss Venezuela has won the Miss Universe competition in six years.

Stefania Fernandez took the title in 2009 and Dayana Mendoza won in 2008.

Hosts Thomas Roberts and ex-Spice Girl Melanie Brown dedicated the show to the people suffering from the typhoon in the Philippines.

“We send our very best, our thoughts. We dedicate tonight’s show to you” Roberts said.

Gabriela Isler with owner of the show's organisation, Donald Trump
Gabriela Isler with owner of the show’s organisation, Donald Trump

All 86 contestants initially appeared on stage in red and black cocktail dresses. They then changed into red and black bikinis.

The judges then whittled down the contestants to a final 16, who faced off in a bikini round, carrying white fur stoles.

Then the women were narrowed down to a final 10, who strutted on the stage in elaborate sequined evening gowns.

The contest, whose slogan is “confidently beautiful,” was first held in 1952 in Palm Beach in the United States. It still requires the women not to be married or pregnant.

1 COMMENT