In a groundbreaking turn of events, the crown of Miss Universe 2023 may have been bestowed upon Shreynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, but the spotlight has shifted to a trailblazer who made history on the global stage. Jane Dipika Garrett, the first plus-size model to grace the renowned Miss Universe competition, captured the attention and admiration of netizens worldwide.
Hailing from Nepal, Jane Dipika Garrett marked her historic debut on November 15, 2023, during the preliminary round in El Salvador. The inclusion of Garrett in the competition sparked immediate discussions and applause, challenging conventional beauty standards and fostering conversations around body positivity.
Jane Dipika Garrett, an advocate for diversity and body positivity, showcased her boldness and confidence during the swimsuit round, defying the traditional notion of slender figures as beauty symbols. The Nepali sensation, who broke free from the myth of a zero-figure mentality, made a lasting impression at the preliminary competition on November 16, 2023.
Born to a family with pageant lineage, Jane Dipika Garrett's mother is a former Miss Nepal, and she is married to an American businessman named Garret. Her background includes early education at the British School Kathmandu, with a father engaged in business and a grandmother renowned as a social worker in Nepal.
On September 9, 2023, Jane Dipika Garrett was crowned Miss Universe Nepal 2023, securing additional titles such as Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, and Miss Popular Choice. Her journey was marked by a powerful statement on challenging beauty standards and dispelling myths surrounding beauty pageants.
Garrett's participation in Miss Universe not only promotes diversity but also serves as a beacon for body positivity. The 22-year-old beauty queen emerged as a vocal advocate for embracing all forms of beauty, regardless of size, challenging the norms set by conventional beauty contests.
Speaking about her journey and intentions in an interview with Hola magazine, Garrett emphasized her role as a representative for all women, especially those who don't conform to certain beauty standards. Her story resonates with self-love and acceptance, marking a personal triumph over insecurities and low self-esteem.
Defeating 20 other contenders, Jane Dipika Garrett's victory in Miss Universe Nepal reflected her commitment to holistic well-being, advocating for hormonal health/PCOS awareness, mental health, and body positivity. Her pageant journey, marked by openness about her struggles with weight gain and PCOS, positions her as a symbol of confidence and resilience.
As the 72nd annual Miss Universe pageant unfolded in El Salvador, it defied long-standing prejudices and stereotypes. This year's edition saw 84 contestants from around the globe competing for the coveted title. Notably, Miss Universe 2023 will be remembered for its embrace of transgender contenders and plus-size models, with Nepal etching a historic moment by sending Jane Dipika Garrett to represent the nation on the world stage. The small Himalayan nation challenged perceptions, paving the way for greater inclusivity and acceptance in the beauty and fashion industry.
