Iconic Gowns Worn by Black Beauty Queens

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Janelle Commissiong knows a thing or two about being a trailblazer. As the first Black woman to capture the Miss Universe crown, Janelle continues to inspire women and girls across the world. This elegant black gown perfectly captures the style of the late 70s and acts as a time capsule for Janelle’s once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment.

Vanessa Williams is one of few beauty queens who has transcended the pageant industry and become a household name across the United States. Although she was famously crowned (and later dethroned) as the first Black Miss America, Vanessa has had a widely successful career in the music and entertainment industry. With an eye-catching and glamorous evening gown like this one, it’s no surprise that Vanessa has achieved celebrity status even decades after her reign.

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The 1990s brought many changes to American culture: the beanie baby blew up, the introduction of instant messenger, and the first Black Miss USA! After winning the coveted Miss USA crown, Carole Gist solidified her spot in American history and began paving the way for numerous Miss USA’s yet to come. This strapless, black gown made Carole look absolutely regal and the pop of red adds so much eye-catching dimension to her overall look.

There may be a shade of red for every woman, but this vibrant gown was clearly made for Chelsi Smith! This timeless, yet simple design is a stand-out that will outlast even the most popular trends. This queen definitely made the USA proud!

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Do winners really wear white? If you ask Wendy Fitzwilliam, the answer is “yes!” As the second woman from Trinidad and Tobago to win the Miss Universe pageant, Wendy etched a spot for her country in the Miss Universe history books. This simple, yet stunning gown is one that will stay in style even decades after her reign.

It’s not often that we see ballgowns on a pageant stage, but when we do there’s no denying the princess vibes! Mpule Kwelagobe made history when she was announced as Wendy Fitzwilliam’s successor, making this the first time two Black women won Miss Universe back-to-back. Let’s hope we see another moment like this soon!

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Have you ever seen a gown that was more perfect for someone? Erica Dunlap captivated the country while competing for the title of Miss America and clearly, the judges fell in love too! This yellow gown hugged her every curve and looked radiant against her skin tone.

Crystle Stewart made waves during her reign as Miss USA 2008 and she’s keeping them coming as the pageant’s new national director. This bombshell evening gown worn at the Miss Universe pageant embodies Crystle’s fun personality to a T!

Image Credit: https://press.missuniverse.com/

Image Credit: https://press.missuniverse.com/

Leila Lopes didn’t come to play while representing Angola at the 2011 Miss Universe pageant. Her sleek high bun was the perfect hairstyle to compliment her ultra-glamorous evening gown. Leila’s win is often credited with inspiring many future national and international titleholders, including Miss Grand International 2020, Abena Akuaba.

Anyone watching the 2017 Miss Universe pageant should remember Davina Bennett, the former Miss Universe Jamaica who wore a daring, yellow evening gown during the competition. Her eye-catching wardrobe and charming personality helped launch her into the Top 3, making her one of the year’s best contestants.

Image Credit: https://press.missuniverse.com/

Image Credit: https://press.missuniverse.com/

Pretty in pink and perfect for a teen! Kaliegh Garris made a unique styling choice during the 2019 Miss Teen USA pageant that clearly won over the judges. This vibrant pink and sophisticated styling was the perfect combination for a teen queen like Kaliegh.

Nia Franklin has us officially obsessed with all things Hollywood glam! This chic, white evening gown is the perfect combination of trendy and elegant. She looked absolutely angelic on stage- it’s no wonder the judges loved her!

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Although most people recognize Zozobini Tunzi as the first Miss Universe to be crowned with short, natural hair, her reign was marked by many memorable and historic moments. During the evening gown competition, Zozobini decided to model a dress designed by a South African designer to best showcase her country.

Asya Branch chose a unique evening gown that featured black and white liquid beading for the 2020 Miss USA pageant. She later explained a deeper meaning behind her gown, “growing up, I was called an Oreo — black on the outside white on the inside. It was hard to find my friend group that would accept me as me. That dress is like an Oreo and I was just like, ‘Wow, this is my moment of freedom and liberation from the hardships and the difficulties that I faced in my youth.” Talk about the perfect gown!

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Abena Akuaba is truly a queen like no other! This pageant pro represented Ghana at both Miss Universe and Miss Earth before representing the USA at Miss Grand International. Abena finally captured an international title and became the first Black woman to do so!