Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez was a vision in a silver-on-silver ensemble at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant on Saturday in New Orleans, Louisiana.
For her final outfit of the pageant, Martínez wore a shining silver gown that featured a sweetheart necklace, intricate embroidery along the waist and ribs, and a subtle sparkling fringe along the slit of the dress. To coordinate with the color, the Miss Universe finalist wore a pair of shimmering silver sandals with bling-heavy straps across the toes and around her ankles.
Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez (left) at during The 71st Miss Universe Competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on Jan. 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. CREDIT: Getty Images
During the Q&A portion of the pageant, Martínez made a powerful statement about education when asked what is the most significant obstacle that women in her country currently face, and what should be done to resolve the issue.
Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martinez detail. CREDIT: Getty Images
Martínez stated, “I believe the most significant obstacle women in my country face is access to education. There’s a number of women and children in our country that cannot go to school and don’t have lack of access to go to them and I believe we should do something about it now. We need to make sure that kids are able to be kids, they want to play, to educate themselves. Not be mothers, not be wives. It is the moment now to take action…”
Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez walks onstage in glimmering gold outfit during the 71st Miss Universe Competition National Costume show at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on Jan. 11, 2023. CREDIT: Getty Images
While Martínez was among several finalists for Miss Universe 2023, along with Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss Curacao Gabriëla Dos Santos, ultimately Miss United States R’bonney Gabriel was crowned the winner of Miss Universe 2023.
(L-R) Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez, Miss Curaçao Gabriela Dos Santos, Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel and Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel speak during The 71st Miss Universe Competition at New Orleans Morial Convention Center on Jan. 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. CREDIT: Getty Images
The 2023 Miss Universe pageant celebrates international beauty, as well as a range of humanitarian causes from its contestants. Held on Jan. 14 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event calls upon contestants from at least 80 countries to compete for this year’s crown: a diamond and blue sapphire creation by Mouawad Jewelry, titled “Force for Good.” The crown will be bestowed upon the 2023 winner by the 2022 Miss Universe winner Harnaaz Sandhu of India.
