With her participation in the national costume catwalk on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, Miss Dominican Republic Jennifer Ventura elevated expectations she may make the finals in the Miss Universe contest ongoing in Thailand.
Media reports are that the 27-year old Barahona native commanded the stage with undeniable poise, charisma, and elegance, impressing audiences and critics alike as she showcased her national costume.
Her attire paid homage to the national flower, the Bayahibe Rose (Pereskia Quisqueyana), an endemic species.
Despite the intense competition, the Dominican costume reportedly was a standout, radiating with vivid colors and intricate artisanal details. It successfully embodied the unique beauty and delicate nature of this rare flower, making a striking visual impact.
That beautiful national costume, inspired by the Bayahíbe Rose, is the creation of Dominican designers Christopher Díaz and Cristian Hernández.
Following the national costume event, Ventura took to her Instagram, sharing her positive experience: “Sometimes life gives you days that hug your soul. Today was one of those, full of genuine smiles, beautiful energy, and the certainty that I am building something special.”
The Dominican Republic is represented by three Dominican-born candidates in the 2025 Miss Universe. Dominicans hope one of the three will be crowned or make the finals. The other two candidates are Miss Turks & Caicos and Miss Latina.
23-year old Miss Turks & Caicos, Bereinice Dickinson was born in Puerto Plata of a Dominican mother and father from Turks & Caicos. Her attire at the Miss Universe contest is by Dominican designer Luis Dominguez. Dickinson spent her school years from 5 to 19 years in Puerto Plata. She later studied architecture at a Turks & Caicos community college. She works as an accountant in Turks & Caicos.
29-year old Miss Latina Yamilex Hernandez, representing the Latin American community in the United States, is also Dominican-born. This is the first time that a regional candidate is allowed in Miss Universe.
The 74th edition Miss Universe final is scheduled to take place this Friday, 21 November 2025, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Thailand. Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark will crown her successor. Due to the time difference, the coronation will air on Thursday, 20 November at 8:30pm on Telemedios Channel 8 to Dominican TV audiences.
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant has been impacted by a series of controversies. One of the most recent is the resignation of one of the jury in protest of the contest organizers appointing what he called a parallel jury.
Follow the story:
El Nuevo Diario
Instagram Jennifer Ventura
Instagram Yamilex Hernandez
Instagram Bereneice Dickinson
El Nacional
The competition for the best national costume
Esta Noche con Mariasela Alvarez interviews Dickinson
DR1 News
Noticias SIN
20 November 2025