Ukrainian model Victoria Apanasenko won the national costume contest for Miss Universe 2022. Her costume called “Warrior of Light” became a symbol of the Ukrainian people’s struggle for freedom against the aggressor of the Russian Federation.
Miss Ukraine Universe announced this on her Instagram page, dedicating the victory to every Warrior of Light who fights for the country’s freedom.
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The unique symbolic costume was created by costume designer Lesia Patok, symbolizing the “struggle of Ukrainians for freedom” during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
At the competition, the representative of Ukraine appeared as a warrior – in shiny armor with a sword and massive wings. The image of the Warriors of Light is inspired by Archangel Michael, the guardian of Kyiv. Also, the image is directly associated with the song “Warrior of Light” by the band “Lyapis Trubetskoi”, which became an unspoken anthem of the Revolution of Dignity.
The costume was created in Ukraine for four months in extreme conditions, to the sound of sirens, without electricity and by candlelight. Lesya Patoka combined stylized elements of Ukrainian folk costume with fantasy details. Previously, she designed images for Onuka, Jamala, Boombox, Pianoboy, Sergey Babkin, Ola Polyakova and others.