Pakistani contestant Erica Robin is at Miss Universe 2023 and she's acing the style game

Pakistani beauty queen Erica Robin is making waves at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant, captivating audiences with her mesmerising presence and striking national costume that pays homage to the rich tapestry of Pakistan's culture and history.

In an official swimwear photo, Erica donned a breathtaking kaftan as part of a collaboration between renowned designer Rubin Singer and the Miss Universe Organization. The caption accompanying the images announced the availability of this exclusive swimsuit collection for purchase, allowing fans to own a piece of the same glamour showcased on the Miss Universe stage.

For the national costume segment, Erica chose a Khaadi-designed ensemble, aptly named "Pehchaan," translating to 'Identity' in English. The caption detailed the significance of the costume, highlighting Erica's mission to celebrate the diverse culture, history, and lifestyle of Pakistan through her outfit. The star in question's message on her national costume was "unity in diversity by celebrating its own identity." 

The caption alongside the stunning creation explained, "Erica aims to celebrate the rich and diverse culture, history and lifestyle of Pakistan through her outfit. Pakistan is home to multiple ethnicities based on region, religion, language, and culture. A few of the existing ethnicities include Baloch, Brahui, Sindhi, Punjabi, Muhajir, Saraiki, Memon, Kalashi, Balti, Wakhi, Afghani, Kashmiri, and Hindkowan. This costume is a vibrant celebration of Pakistan's diverse cultures, seamlessly weaving together its distinct beauty and the profound love and unity embedded in its people’s hearts."

It continued to state, "The intricate patchwork blends the rural and urban elements, paying homage to the rich crafts and heritage of Pakistan. The handcrafted fan, a major part of Pakistan’s tribal lifestyle, is a symbol of power, and elegance and an ode to its roots. Meanwhile, the grand silhouette serves as a powerful visual testament to Pakistan's remarkable growth and evolution over time. It embodies the nation's journey from its roots in tradition to its strides toward modernity since gaining independence."

The national costume, a vibrant celebration of Pakistan's diverse cultures, seamlessly wove together the distinct beauty and profound love and unity embedded in its people's hearts. The intricate patchwork incorporated rural and urban elements, paying homage to the rich crafts and heritage of Pakistan. Designed by Khaadi and captured beautifully by photographer Holly Navarro, Erica's national costume showcased Pakistan's diverse cultural tapestry. The costume, featuring a meticulous blend of tradition and modernity, underscored the nation's journey and progress over time.

In a follow-up video, Erica strutted down the runway, causing a stir and undeniably putting Pakistan in the spotlight. The caption emphasised her impactful presentation, stating, "Causing a stir, it’s undeniably her... Pakistan! Miss Universe Pakistan put out a spotlight on her National Costume Pehchaan which beautifully means individuality, striding towards making an impact on this year’s stage of the 72nd Miss Universe Preliminary Competition in El Salvador. Raise your flag with Pride Pakistan!"

Previously, Erica had openly stated, "For the first time ever, Pakistan will have a participant in the Miss Universe contest. I'm under a lot of pressure and have a lot of responsibility. However, I won't do anything that would harm the reputation of the country." The starlet has remained steadfast in that promise, showcasing her style game while keeping her country's sensibilities in mind. 

While women of Pakistani origin have previously participated in local-level beauty pageants held in various countries, Pakistan itself has never been represented on the Miss Universe stage—until now. In an interview with Voice of America, Erica previously expressed her enthusiasm for the competition, stating that she would be overjoyed if she were to win, proudly proclaiming that "she belongs to Pakistan."

As Erica continues to make an indelible mark at Miss Universe 2023, fans eagerly anticipate her further appearances on the global stage, celebrating not only her individuality but also the cultural richness and diversity of Pakistan.

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