Dominican designer Suzelle Taveras made a significant impact on the global stage at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. As the creator behind Bride To Be Couture, Taveras dressed Victoria Kjær Theilvig, the newly crowned Miss Universe, highlighting Dominican fashion on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms.
Victoria Kjær Theilvig, a 21-year-old professional dancer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist from Denmark, made history as the first Danish contestant to win the Miss Universe crown. She also became the first blonde to take the title in 20 years. Throughout the competition, Taveras’ designs accentuated Theilvig’s beauty, featuring bold seasonal colors, metallic fabrics, glittering embellishments, and delicate transparencies.
“Being part of this journey with our new Miss Universe 2024 has been an honor,” Taveras wrote on social media, congratulating Theilvig. “Congratulations, beautiful @victoriaakjaer!”
A Tribute to Dominican Talent
In an exclusive interview with HOLA! USA, Taveras shared the inspiration behind the designs chosen for Miss Universe 2024. She explained that her team carefully studied Theilvig’s profile, preferences, and body type to create outfits that reflected her personality while highlighting her natural beauty. The outfits were chosen from Taveras’ latest collections to ensure they complemented the pageant’s activities and the high standards of the Miss Universe stage.
For Taveras, showcasing her work at Miss Universe is not just a personal milestone but a celebration of Dominican fashion. “It’s a great honor to have my designs on such a prestigious stage,” she said. “It’s a step forward in my career and a testament to the talent of my Dominican team, who work tirelessly to make every piece better than the last.”
Taveras emphasized the importance of believing in dreams and the potential of Dominican fashion on the global stage. “This opportunity allows us to show the world the incredible talent that exists in the Dominican Republic.”
Double Recognition for Bride To Be Couture
Taveras’ success at the Miss Universe pageant was not limited to Theilvig. She also dressed Miss Dominican Republic Universe Celinee Santos, who wore a series of sophisticated outfits throughout the competition. Santos’ wardrobe exemplified Taveras’ ability to blend modern elegance with Caribbean influences, further strengthening her international reputation.
In addition, Taveras’ influence extended beyond the contestants. She designed outfits for prominent figures at the coronation event, including Telemundo hosts Andrea Meza (Miss Universe 2020) and Julia Gama (first runner-up in 2020).
A Growing Global Presence
Taveras explained how she was contacted by Miss Universe Denmark’s director, Lisa Lents, through social media. “Everything happened spontaneously. Lisa reached out to me and explained what she needed for Victoria,” Taveras recalled. Building strong industry relationships has been key to her success, as she works with both national and international stylists, including Reading Pantaleón, who also collaborated with Taveras on Andrea Meza and Julia Gama’s wardrobes.
Taveras’ success at Miss Universe highlights her role as a global ambassador for Dominican design. “Fashion is a universal language,” she said. “It’s a powerful way to amplify the Dominican Republic’s cultural identity and show the world what we can accomplish when we believe in ourselves.”
Looking to the future, Taveras is excited about upcoming projects that will continue to showcase Dominican fashion. “Each new project is an opportunity to create, expand, and represent Dominican fashion on the global stage,” she said. “These collaborations will have a significant impact on my career and my team.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Taveras, who holds a degree in Law from PUCMM and is pursuing a Master’s in Fashion Design in Barcelona, began her career with a dress rental business, which later evolved into Bride To Be Couture. Her designs have gained recognition in the Dominican media and internationally, particularly after she designed outfits for Miss Dominican Republic Andreina Martínez at Miss Universe 2022.
Taveras’ first collection, Midnight Flowers, debuted in 2023 at the Premios Soberano and she has since made appearances at major international red carpets, including the Latin Grammy Awards and Premio Juventud. She was named Emerging Designer of 2023 at the Dominican Fashion Awards and received Special Recognition at the La Flor Awards.
Her work has also dressed international stars, such as Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios and singer Paulina Rubio, as well as Dominican icons like merengue legend Milly Quezada. Taveras’ designs emphasize elegance, comfort, and femininity, offering a fresh take on Latin fashion trends.
Taveras’ success at Miss Universe 2024 solidifies her as a key figure in the international fashion scene and a proud representative of Dominican creativity.
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