The 74th edition of Miss Universe—scheduled for 21 November 2025 in Thailand at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi — promised glitz, glamour, representation, and global culture.
But what’s become just as talked-about as the pageant itself is a walk-out by contestants, sparked by a clash between the Thai event head and Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch. Add to that the rising prominence of jewellery and accessory culture in pageants — think iced-out chains, bonuses, engagement-ring worthy sparkle — and you have a story that intertwines beauty, power, culture, and style.
The Host Country & Setting: Thailand Takes Centre Stage
Thailand was announced as host early in 2025, signalling a major chapter for the pageant.
The schedule includes multiple locations (Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya) with arrival, photoshoots, rehearsals and final event in late November.
Thailand is rich in culture, and the pageant sought to lean into that: the national costumes, the geography, the hospitality all matter. But as is often the case with such high-stakes global events, behind the scenes the tensions are real.
Meet the Key Figures
Fátima Bosch — Miss Universe Mexico 2025
- Born 19 May 2000 in Teapa, Tabasco, Mexico.
- Crowned Miss Universe Mexico 2025 on 13 September 2025.
- Represents Tabasco, making national headlines.
- Arrived in Thailand to compete on the global stage at Miss Universe 2025.
Nawat Itsaragrisil — the Thai pageant executive
- Thai businessman and media personality, born 10 August 1965.
- President of the Miss Grand International organization and, for 2025, Executive Director of Miss Universe Thailand and involved with Miss Universe Organization.
- In 2025, he became a central figure in a controversial pre-pageant incident.
The Walk-Out: A Dramatic Turning Moment
What Happened?
On 4 November 2025, during a pre-pageant event (a sashing or orientation for delegates) in Thailand, live-streamed via Facebook, the following unfolded:
- Nawat confronted Bosch publicly, accusing her of refusing to take part in a sponsor/social media photo-shoot promoting Thailand as host.
- He asked her to explain her alleged non-compliance. Bosch replied she had done nothing wrong and that she is “here representing my country… you are not respecting me as a woman.”
- Nawat then called Bosch a “dummy” or “dummy head” in the video, and ordered security to remove her.
- Shocked, Bosch stood up, and other contestants began to stand. More than a dozen delegates—including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark—walked out in solidarity.
Why It Matters
- Pageants are about poise, glamour and performance—but this moment exposed issues of respect, agency and leadership.
- The walk-out is not just a protest—it signals contestant power and willingness to stand up when they feel disrespected.
- For the organization, it’s a reputational challenge: The head of the event publicly insulting a contestant contradicts the pageant’s messaging of empowerment.
- Several outlets note that the incident might shift how pageants treat contestants, professionalism, and host-country dynamics.
Aftermath & Organization Reaction
- The pageant organization (Miss Universe Organization) issued statements condemning the behaviour.
- Nawat issued a public apology saying he was sorry if anyone felt uncomfortable.
- The president of Miss Universe, Raul Rocha Cantú, criticized the public aggression and announced restrictions on Nawat’s participation.
Miss Mexico’s Role and Broader Implications
Fátima Bosch became the lightning rod moment in this controversy—but she is also the face of Miss Mexico’s delegates and their national pride. For Mexico’s leadership and women’s rights advocates, her public stand resonated.
Her comments—“Because I have a voice… you are not respecting me as a woman”—highlight how modern pageants intersect with gender, empowerment and dignity.
The incident also sparked debates across media:
- Is pageantry still just about beauty or is it about voice and representation?
- How do host nations and pageant leadership respect contestants from diverse countries and cultures?
- Will this event lead to policy & culture change in pageantry?
Host Country Focus: Thailand, Culture & Pageant Power
Thailand hosting the 74th Miss Universe puts it in the spotlight once again.
The country promised a grand cultural experience: events across Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya; national costumes; tourist visuals; the theme of “The Power of Love” or similar messaging.
But hosting also means responsibility: delegates arrive, logistics need to run smoothly, culture must be respected—and any mis-step gets magnified globally (as the walk-out proved). The fact that the incident was livestreamed and circulated widely shows how pageants are no longer private affairs—they’re global digital spectacles.
Styling, Jewellery & The Iced-Out Trend
Why Jewellery Matters in Pageants
- Jewellery complements the dress and stage lighting; a well-chosen ring, bracelet or necklace can add the “wow” factor.
- In the era of Instagram and TikTok, delegates are photographed everywhere—arrival, rehearsals, press calls, charity events. Jewellery becomes part of their brand.
- Iced-out chains (heavily gemmed or diamond-like pendant chains) have crossed into celebrity and influencer culture, and pageants are influenced by that trend.
- Engagement-ring style pieces (either actual engagements or statement rings) are fashion moments in their own right—they signify success, maturity, luxury.
How It Connects to Miss Universe 2025
- Many delegates arrived in Thailand wearing bold jewellery—particularly diamond-style drop earrings, flamboyant bracelets and layered chains. These accessories help them stand out.
- The host country’s luxury production means more high-end styling—sponsors, jewellery houses, red-carpet moments.
- While not every delegate can afford high jewellery, iced-out chains are a more accessible style for younger contestants who want sparkle.
- The narrative of empowerment ties in with jewellery symbolism: a contestant wearing a statement ring or bold chain is making a visual statement of confidence.
Example: Engagement Ring Symbolism
Even if not literally engaged, when a delegate wears a large-stone ring, it becomes a talking point. For example:
- “Who gave you that ring?”
- “What does it mean to you?”
- The ring becomes part of the story of this night, this moment, this crown chase.
- In Miss Universe’s social-media era, rings become thumbnails and headline visuals.
Bringing It All Together: Beauty, Power, Jewellery
Here’s why Miss Universe 2025 is different from past editions:
- Contestant agency: The walk-out shows delegates aren’t passive—they will use their voice.
- Intersection of culture & commerce: Thailand as host, global media scrutiny, sponsor obligations all converge.
- Styling as identity: Jewellery, iced-out chains, accessories are not just decorative—they tell a story of luxury, influence, self-expression.
- Branding beyond beauty: A title-holder is not only “beautiful” but “empowered,” “representative,” “global citizen.” Jewellery and accessories help visualise that.
- Accountability: The incident with Nawat Itsaragrisil highlights how pageant leadership is under scrutiny—and how the industry might shift to be more respectful, inclusive.
Why It Matters for Fans, Participants & Brands
For Fans
- It’s a spectacle with deeper meaning: You’re not just watching a crown event—you’re watching evolving culture, voices rising.
- Jewellery and accessories become part of fandom: Who wore what chain? Which delegate styled themselves best?
- The drama adds narrative complexity—pages once about ‘who gets the crown’ now include ‘who stood up for respect’.
For Participants
- Styling matters now more than ever: It’s not just about dress and patter—it’s about arriving, rehearsals, social content, jewellery.
- The value of your voice and agency is growing: You may be asked to model, promote, post—understanding the obligations and your rights matters.
- Accessories like iced-out chains or statement rings help you stand out—but authenticity still counts.
For Brands & Sponsors
- Miss Universe is a massive global platform—if you’re in jewellery, accessories, fashion, it’s fertile ground.
- Iced-out jewellery is trending among younger audiences. A brand sponsoring a delegate or providing chains can tap into both the pageant and influencer culture.
- Engagement-ring lookalikes, bold accessories, social-media content—these become evergreen in digital marketing.
What to Watch Before & After the Final
- Will the conflict with Nawat Itsaragrisil and its fallout affect how the final is organised? Will there be further structural changes?
- What style moments will emerge on the final night? Which delegate’s jewellery will go viral? Will iced-out chains or statement rings become a highlight?
- How will Fátima Bosch’s walk-out moment impact her public narrative and possible placement?
- Will Thailand’s hosting be overshadowed by drama or will the pageant stage regain its glamour?
- How will the industry respond: Will pageants review policies around contestant treatment, leadership behaviour, host obligations?
Final Thoughts
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand is shaping up to be much more than crown, gown and sash. It is a flashpoint for cultural change, for style-evolution, for silhouette and voice. We have:
- A bold walk-out by delegates in solidarity for respect and dignity.
- A host country showing its cultural and global ambition.
- Contestants making accessories, like iced-out chains and statement rings, part of their visual identity.
- Jewellery, sparkle and image playing a bigger role than ever in pageantry.
Whether you’re a pageant follower, a jewellery lover, or a trend-tracker in culture and fashion—this edition of Miss Universe offers plenty to unpack. The spotlight is not just on who will wear the crown, but who will stand out, speak up, and shine in every sense of the word.
As the final night approaches on 21 November 2025, keep an eye on the walk-out legacy, the jewellery statements, and the ways in which beauty pageants continue to evolve—and sparkle—into something richer and more meaningful.
