2023 was a historic year for the annual beauty pageant founded in 1952. Not only was it hosted in El Salvador for the first time since 1975, but its new owners overhauled the entry criteria for participants, allowing trans women and mothers to compete for the first time in its history.

As set designers and creative directors for the event, which was broadcast to more than 165 countries, we created an uplifting stage set inspired by the host country’s awe-inspiring topography. Two video screen runways that recalled El Salvador’s cascading waterfalls and volcanic lava flows dropped from the ceiling curving down onto the floor where they converged to create an X-shaped stage. The gently sloped forms and flowing video effects created a feeling of infinity, inclusivity and optimism that is not only reflective of the prosperous future of El Salvador but also of the Miss Universe competition.