Estephanie Charles Puts Haiti in the Spotlight With a Spectacular Hibiscus-Inspired Costume

Estephanie Charles, Haiti’s representative at Miss Grand International 2026 in Thailand, has unveiled a national costume inspired by the country’s emblematic flower, now entered in the Best National Costume competition.

The costume is built around an imposing floral structure whose red satin petals spread wide behind the contestant, forming the silhouette of a hibiscus in full bloom around her.

Beneath the spectacular corolla, Charles wore a long, fitted red gown with a sweetheart neckline. The fully embroidered, beaded bodice flowed into a high slit.

The Haitian contestant also chose a gold crown studded with red beads, paired with a red crystal necklace.

Under the stage lights, Charles presented the costume with poise and confidence.

The creation aims to evoke the beauty, strength and resilience of the Haitian people. Its floral silhouette and colors are also presented as a tribute to passion, culture and hope.

Haiti among the Best National Costume contenders

Charles’s costume is officially among those selected for the Miss Grand International 2026 Best National Costume competition. The pageant’s official website lists the Haitian contestant among the participants.

The competition will take place in several stages. According to the organizers, a first cut will narrow the field before the final rounds, with some finalists chosen by public votes on social media and the official website.

For Haiti, the stakes go beyond style. The costume gives the delegation an opportunity to showcase a national symbol through fashion and contemporary design.

Charles is also championing the “Stop the War and Violence” platform, through which she says she wants to promote peace, dialogue, compassion and unity. On her official profile, she explains that her experience as a Haitian and her journey through different cultural environments inspired her to carry a message of peace.

Miss Grand International makes the national costume one of its highlight events, presented as a way for contestants to showcase their country’s identity and distinctive features.

With her giant red hibiscus, Estephanie Charles chose an instantly recognizable image of Haiti: a flower that became, for the length of a runway walk, a symbol of beauty, culture and resilience on the international stage.