Michelle Marquez Dee, a celebrated beauty queen and army reservist from the Philippines, secured the Best National Costume Award at Miss Universe 2023. Her triumph was announced on Friday by the pageant organizers. This achievement marks one of the four accolades Dee garnered at the event, alongside the Spirit of Carnival Award, the Miss Universe fan vote, and being one of the three gold winners in the Voice for Change competition.
Dee’s winning costume, themed around an airplane, was a tribute to her role as a military reservist in the Philippine Air Force. This creative and meaningful attire was designed by Michael Barassi, who had previously designed Dee’s national costume for the Miss Universe Philippines pageant.
The recognition Dee received at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant, held in El Salvador, is a testament to her unique blend of beauty, grace, and dedication to her country, both as a beauty queen and a member of the armed forces.