The annual Miss Universe competition’s preliminary round is punctuated by the national costume segment, one of the most anticipated parts of the pageant. Always a dazzling display of cultural artistry, delegates parade outfits that honor their heritage and cultural roots. Among the highlights was Miss Universe New Zealand 2024, Victoria Velásquez Vincent, who proudly represented her Filipina-Kiwi roots in an avant-garde ensemble by Cebuana designer Axel Que. The 29-year-old model’s look was easily a standout, courtesy of its bold silhouette and intricate construction.
LOOK: Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 Victoria Velasquez Vincent Wears a National Costume by Axel Que
Miss New Zealand Victoria Velásquez Vincent graced the stage in a striking avant-garde costume during the preliminaries. The black and white number featured dramatic butterfly-like wings extending from a structured corset, oversized hip accents, and a high-low skirt with a cascading train.
The piece was brought to life by Cebuana designer Axel Que, celebrated for her mythologically inspired creations. Known as a favorite among beauty queens competing on both local and global stages, Axel delivered yet another show-stopping design affixed with her distinct savoir faire.
In an exclusive interview with Preview, Axel shared the inspiration behind the ensemble, which tells a story of resilience and cultural connection. Referencing the Piwakawaka—New Zealand’s native fantail bird—the design captures the spirit of guardianship and adaptability. “[The Piwakawaka] is often seen as a messenger and spiritual kaitiaki (guardian) of forests and natural resources in Aotearoa [the native name for New Zealand],” Axel explained. Highlighting the bird’s ability to thrive in human-altered environments, she added, "This small but mighty bird is one of the few native New Zealand birds that have successfully adapted to an environment significantly altered by humans."
A nod to Victoria’s Filipina-Kiwi heritage, Axel collaborated with Maori artist Tristan Marler (@manawa_tapu), who created the intricate manaia patterns featured on the costume’s fabric. “[The pattern] represents the concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship, conservation, and protection). The detailing on the fantail’s feathers symbolizes the manu (birds) and their role as protectors of New Zealand’s forests,” Axel shared. The design also incorporates elements inspired by the silver fern, a key emblem of New Zealand’s flora, with the feather motifs forming a protective shield around the base of the costume.
To fully realize the intricate design, Axel employed digital printing techniques for the manaia patterns. She also layered feathers with black bias cloth for a seamless finish and adorned the bodice with stones, beads, and trinkets, reflecting New Zealand's native culture and practices.
The headpiece, crafted from lightweight aluminum for ease, mirrored the costume’s overall design while serving as a unifying element. “The headpiece [is mostly] the same with the body but [made with] a lighter kind of material, it has an aluminum material which serves as the base and the main cap to connect the whole ensemble,” Axel concluded.
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