Miss Puerto Rico Universe was delighted with how “fabulous” Walter Mercat was

Watching the documentary “Very, very much love” about the life of the legendary astrologer Walter Mercat (1932-2019) caught the attention of Puerto Rican Queen Estefania Soto, not only because of the “fabulous” she was at the level physical, but for his drive in defending a different style.

This reaction of surprise and admiration that aroused the production of Netflix is ​​what Miss Universe Puerto Rico wants to provoke once she appears on the stage of the international pageant with the typical dress made by Joshuan Aponte in tribute to the famous fortune teller.

I think part of the idea was precisely to carry a little this collective memory of those who know him, but to arouse the interest of a young generation that is being very active in social issues and have a genuine commitment to what it is the acceptance and freedom of every human being. So if they didn’t know him, I hope they feel that intrigue of knowing who he was and joining this unifying message that Walter was carrying, ”the young master’s graduate in Intercultural Mediation from the University of Leuven in Belgium exposed.

“I love how fabulous he was, that androgynous face. That permission he was given to be who he was at a time where in society, because there were still a lot of taboos and he wasn’t allowed to be free and he was exposed in a time when, in fact, he was often mocked, and he was a very brave figure to me. “, He argued.

The typical dress presented yesterday at the Teatre Tàpia consists of a piece in violet and gold colors, which represent mystery, spirituality, wisdom and nobility, as well as light, creativity, abundance, wealth and power. The striking sleeves evoke the sumptuousness of Mercat’s unique style, while a wide opening at the skirt highlights the beauty’s stylized legs.

This piece is complemented by a layer that highlights the phrase that popularized the astrologer: “Very, very much love.” For this, about 86,400 hand-placed Austrian glasses were used.

The crown made of gold and stone jewelry represents the 12 zodiac signs and the stars. It also includes 78 separate pieces, one for each village on the island, plus six quarter waning moons representing the search for Miss Universe’s sixth crown for the Island.

The candidate said that her idea of ​​honoring the legacy of Mercat was well received immediately by the local organization of the contest. The first to report it was image consultant Clark Ivor.

“(I told him) I think it would be a great inspiration for the typical dress, something different and above all a universal thing. I think part of what also struck me about being able to wear it in a typical dress was that (Market ) transcended what Puerto Rican identity and culture is. It’s a message, literally, universal and I’m going through the universe, so it was great, and they embraced it, “he shared.

Denise Quiñones, director of Miss Universe Puerto Rico, said she was equally impressed with the documentary about the astrologer, so she thought it right to acknowledge it.

“Ever since he told me it seemed great to me, I felt it was a slightly different concept and what I liked most was that I had also just finished watching Walter’s documentary and had been left with that same feeling. of pride for the figure he represented for Puerto Rico and worldwide for so many people, and all his message of love, union, acceptance, “said the actress, singer and former queen of international beauty.

The pandemic challenged her

Not having had the opportunity of an ordinary reign, but extraordinary in the face of the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, led Estefania Soto to discover new ways to approach the country and prepare at a distance .

“I feel very proud because I think I passed the challenge of reinventing and proving that we are capable of continuing to do what we are passionate about, even in times of crisis; that it is only worth focusing and finding the creativity, which is necessary to reinvent oneself “, He stated.

The Miss Universe pageant will be held on Sunday, May 16, from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

On a physical level, Soto is finalizing the details regarding the style of makeup and hairstyle that will complement the final dress, the designer is already selected. Emotionally and intellectually, she is ready to project herself as “a woman of firm step, free, fresh and proud of what she is.”

He added, “let it be an image that inspires every human being, not just women, every human being to seek their own ‘selves’, and as Walter says, to follow this embrace of identity and who we are.” .