For the 72nd Miss Universe pageant held in El Salvador, our studio envisioned an energetic, flowing stage set that celebrated the rich and majestic landscape of El Salvador. 2023 was a historic and innovative 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. The project was also groundbreaking for El Salvador in its scale, size, and production quality.

Sustainability was also a consideration, as we incorporated rental products across the board to cut down on new fabrications and reduce material waste. 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. Known as the Land of Volcanoes, El Salvador is situated at the meeting point of three tectonic plates and has one of the most seismologically active regions on the earth. The country’s waterfalls are some of the most breath-taking and spectacular in the world and make up the natural landscape of the magical region.

For Miss Universe’s most elaborate and extravagant show to date, we reflected the rich geographical landscape of El Salvador in the unique show design. 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. A country once plagued by violence, El Salvador has witnessed a substantial reduction in crime in recent years. In our design approach, we wanted to mark and celebrate the bright future of El Salvador. Two runways unfold and extend into the audience in different directions, representing the new path and endless possibilities of the region.

The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) is a global, inclusion organization that celebrates all culture, background, and religions. For the first time in Miss Universe history, married women, mothers, and trans women are invited to participate in this years event. The move represents Miss Universe’s commitment to create a safe and inclusive space for women to share their stories and drive impact personally, professionally, and philanthropically. The women who participate in the international platform serve as inspirational leaders and role models to their communities around the world. Miss Universes’ progressive new look and drive to create an inclusive space for women and the LGBTQ community, inspired our studio to be involved in the pageant’s new movement.