Venezuela’s Gabriela Isler Crowned Miss Universe

It’s a crowning achievement for Gabriela Isler

The 25-year-old Venezuelan beauty queen has been named the new Miss Universe.

Gabriela Isler, Miss Venezuela, Miss Universe,

Isler,  who appears on Venezuela’s Venevision television network and is an accomplished flamenco dancer, was crowned Saturday night at the end of the pageant held at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall.

With the win, Isler has given Venezuela the country’s third Miss Universe title in six years.

Within minutes of Isler’s crowning in Moscow, President Nicolas Maduro sent his congratulations over Twitter, celebrating her performance as a “triumph for Venezuela.”

Venezuela has won more major international beauty competitions than any other nation, including seven Miss Universe titles.

In the excitement just after the announcement, the tiara fell off Isler’s head as she was being crowned by Miss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo of the United States. Isler caught the crown laughing.

Spain’s Patricia Rodrigues was the runner-up, with four of the five finalists representing Latin American countries. Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez and Miss Brazil Jekelyne Oliveira, finished 2nd and 4th, respectively. The only non-Latina finalist was third runner-up Ariella Arida, Miss Philippines.

This year’s beauty pageant was judged by Aerosmith frontman and lead singer Steven Tyler, Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurants’ Chef Nobu, Olympic figure skating gold medalist Tara Lipinski, television personality Carol Alt, supermodel Anne V. and Russian pop star Philip Kirkorov.

Nicaragua’s Nastassja Bolivar Claims Best National Costume at Miss Universe

She may not have claimed the Miss Universe crown, but Nastassja Bolivar is the costume queen…

The 25-year-old Nicaraguan beauty queen has claimed the Best National Costume award at the annual pageant.

Nastassja Bolivar

Bolivar’s costume, which depicts the pre-Columbian indigenous empress, beat out the 85 other creative outfits to earn the coveted award.

The Best National Costume award was announced during the Miss Universe 2013 preliminary round held in Crocus City Hall.

Miss Nicaragua will receive a $5,000 credit card courtesy of the Russian Standard Bank.

Bolivar’s national costume features a feathered headdress and colorful sequined embroidery.

Bolivar, who grew up in Miami and spent her summer vacations in her home country, Nicaragua, dreams of becoming an entertainment producer and enjoys being active by playing volleyball, soccer, badminton and kickboxing. She is obsessed with board games and is proud to know some basic sewing skills, a handy talent for fashion emergencies.