Are they beauty pageants or “scholarship programs”? I can never remember.

Either way, I was shocked to discover that the Miss South Africa and Miss Universe pageants were still a thing when I wrote about the hideous bird outfit that the reigning Miss South Africa, Tamaryn Green, wanted to wear to the world championships of “world peace”.

Long story short, South Africans didn’t love the outfit, but some negative reviews on social media weren’t going to deter Tamaryn’s stylists.

We know this because here it is at the Miss Universe National Costume Show:

Yes, it’s still hideous. And yes, she still looks like the bird creature from The Neverending Story:

The national costume show is one of the highlights leading up to the official Miss Universe pageant, which will take place on Monday, December 17, in Thailand.

It will be broadcast live on 1Magic (DStv channel 103) from 2AM South African time, reports Channel24.

Tamaryn wasn’t the only one to wear something weird. In fact, she was in good company, so let’s take a look at what other countries brought to the party:

Miss Bahamas

This is probably a pineapple, but we can’t be 100% sure so I wouldn’t hedge any bets on it.

Miss Kazakhstan

Taking inspiration from The Hunger Games.

Miss Jamaica

I actually don’t know what to say about this one. At least she looks like she’s having a good time.

Miss El Salvador

How many birds had to die…?

Miss Ecuador

Another bird. Trend alert. This one looks like it’s eating her face.

Miss Dominican Republic 

It took me a while to figure it out too – it’s a turtle.

Miss Chile

The headdress is a choice.

Miss Canada

Aaaaaaand more birds. Or are those shiny hockey pucks?

Miss Barbados

She’ll take your voice, give you legs, and sabotage your date in a rowboat.

Let’s hope the actual pageant is a little less weird.

[source:channel24]