Cortesi’s call: Celeste Cortesi rules the runway in Miss Universe 2023 preliminaries
Philippine candidate Celeste Cortesi looked absolutely celestial as she sashayed down the runway in jaw-dropping looks and creations during the 71st Miss Universe preliminary competition on Thursday in New Orleans, Louisiana (Manila time).
The preliminary competition was hosted by the current Miss Universe, Harnaaz Sandhu, and Randi Rousseau, the morning anchor for WDSU News in Louisiana.
Cortesi displayed her curves in pink two-piece swimwear with a cape decorated with vibrant handprints during the swimsuit round. According to a Facebook post by Miss Universe Philippines, she used the cape that the local kids helped make to bring her experience from a Save the Children Philippines outreach in Marawi to the Miss Universe stage.
During the evening gown section, Cortesi looked absolutely stunning in an amazing long dress by Los Angeles-based Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino. The dress sports a sweetheart neckline, art deco accents, and sheer panels in the skirt. Since her father gave her the name Celeste, which in Italian means “heavenly and sky blue,” it is sky blue in color.
The most swoon-worthy twist happened during the national costume competition, when Cortesi entered the stage wearing the costume of Philippine superhero Darna. Sporting Darna’s characteristic red and gold bikini and boots, Cortesi a golden backpiece in the form of the Philippine sun to the ensemble to make it stand out.
The 71st Miss Universe coronation night will take place on Jan. 14, 2023 (Jan. 15, 9 a.m. in the Philippines), at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Cortesi’s looks and performance unanimously won accolades from netizens of all stripes, from die-hard pageant fans to casual viewers.
