AUSTRALIA AT THE 71ST MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITION

Australia at the 71st Miss Universe Competition

Monique Riley was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2022 on September 9, 2022. The 27-year-old Sydney local is a model and actress who is passionate about teaching self-defence to women, stemming from her background in boxing.

After months of preparation, including walking workshops with Miss Nicaragua 2008, Themla Rodreiguez, Monique jetted off to New Orleans in January 2023 to compete in the 71st Miss Universe competition.

Monique took to the international state for the first time in the Miss Universe Preliminary Final flaunting her swimwear, complimented by a cape designed by Bobbi Lockyer entitled “Ngunggumarnda”. Ngunggumarnda translates to “strong” and perfectly conveys Monique’s drive to advocate for women empowerment.

Following this was Monique’s ethereal walk in her custom Alin Le’ Kal gown. In Alin’s words “I wanted to create an armour-like gown using mirrored crystals to insinuate how strong Monique is as a finalist and as a person, with recognition to her dedication to fitness. When asked what my inspiration was for this gown, it was simple. Power.”.

Finally, Monique represented her home country with a stunning National Costume designed by Begitta. “Inspired by the paddlepop skies of Australia as the sun is setting over the ocean. The gown features hand-dyed fabrics to create a beautiful sunset, from the soft pinks and yellows of the bodice cascading into the ocean blues of the skirt. Embellished with clusters of crystals to emulate the setting sun glistening on the ocean surface.”

The Miss Universe National Final was held on January 14 2023, where 82 beautifully confident women from all over the globe took to the biggest stage in the world to represent their countries. Placing in the top 16, Monique had the opportunity to share her message advocating the importance of self-defence education for women empowerment.

On behalf of the Miss Universe Australia organisation we would like to congratulate Miss USA, R’Bonney Gabriel, on being crowned Miss Universe 2022.

Monique is excited to further pursue her passion for acting and modelling in 2023 and is looking forward to future opportunities as Miss Universe Australia 2022.