Ireland's representative in the Miss Universe competition used her outfit to send a clear message to those watching at home.
Katherine Walker, a nurse from Co. Down, used her time on stage during the globally renowned event to advocate for fair pay for nurses, a striking comment after almost two years in a global health crisis.
The 27-year-old healthcare worker unveiled her bold outfit during a segment that sees each representative dress as their home countries. The National Costume segment featured everything from elaborately beaded headdresses for the Haiti costume, to a look inspired by Canadian mounties.
Walker, however, went for something a little more creative, and especially striking.
Stepping out in a superhero-inspired ensemble, with a green leotard, Celtic-inspired waistband, a glittering headpiece and knee-high boots, Walker strode onto the stage before unfurling her dramatic cape to reveal the words "FAIR PAY FOR NURSING" written in green on the gold cape.
She then held up her green arm cuffs, which were emblazoned with the words "Healthcare hero". It was a clear message of support for her fellow nurses, and a statement on the challenges that have faced healthcare workers in the past two years.
Walker posted about the outfit on her Instagram, writing that she was "so so proud" of her costume.
"When I found out I would be representing Ireland at Miss Universe this year, I knew I wanted my costume to have a message", she writes.
"I wanted something that was personal to me but also extremely relevant and impactful. I wanted to celebrate the work of my fellow healthcare workers and also to make a statement on nurses pay.
"I am not just representing Ireland on this stage, but every single healthcare worker, the real heroes of this world, who go above and beyond caring for others, those who work through their breaks and work overtime for no extra pay, those who help the most vulnerable through their darkest days.
"It is time to pay nurses fairly. Enough is enough."
The outfit was designed by Call Me Sophia, a designer that specialises in drag and performance costumes. Posting about the outfit on Instagram, they wrote about how close the project was to their hearts.
"If you have followed me since the start of the pandemic you might remember my effort to make scrubs and masks for care workers and that I helped to raise £1,5000 along with local men and women to buy materials and actually sew the scrubs ourselves.
"It was months of hard work that we all did for free but it was worth it to help out the people who worked directly with covid in hospitals and care homes."
The event marked the 70th edition of the Miss Universe competition, and took place on Sunday in the southern Israeli city of Eilat.
