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

Watching the documentary “Much, Much Love” about the life of the legendary astrologer Walter Mercado (1932-2019) caught the attention of Puerto Rican Queen Estefanía Soto, not only because of how “fabulous” she was physically, but also because of her boldness, defends a different style.

That reaction of astonishment and admiration that aroused the Netflix production is what Miss Universe Puerto Rico wants to provoke once she appears on the stage of the international contest with the typical costume that Joshuan Aponte made in tribute to the famous predictor.

I think this part of the idea was precisely to bring a little of that collective memory of those who know him, but to arouse the interest of a young generation that is very active in social issues and has a real commitment to what is acceptance and the freedom of every human being. So, if they didn’t know him, I hope he feels that intrigue to know who he is and to join that unifying message that Walter carried “, explained the young graduate with a master’s degree in intercultural mediation from the University of Leuven in Belgium.

“I like how fabulous that androgynous face was. That permission that was given to be who he was at a time in society, because there were still many taboos and he was not allowed to be free and was exposed at a time when, in fact, he he was on many occasions the object of ridicule, and he was a very brave figure to me. “, Detained.

The typical costume presented yesterday at the Tapia Theater consists of a play in purple and gold, which represents mystery, spirituality, wisdom and nobility, as well as light, creativity, abundance, wealth and power. The striking sleeves evoke the sumptuousness of Mercado’s unique style, while a wide slit in the skirt highlights the slender legs of beauty.

This piece is completed by a cape that highlights the phrase popularized by the astrologer: “Much, much love.” For this, approximately 86,400 hand-placed Austrian crystals were used.

The crown of jewelry and gold stones represent the 12 zodiac signs and stars. It also includes 78 separate pieces, one for each city on the island, plus six months from the last quarter that represent the search for the sixth Miss Universe crown for the island.

The candidate said that her idea to honor Mercado’s legacy was immediately welcomed by the local competition organization. Image consultant Clark Ivor was the first to speak.

“(I told him) I think it would be a magnificent inspiration for the typical costume, something different and especially something universal. I think part of what caught my eye that I could wear it in a typical costume was that (Mercado) transcends what Puerto Rican identity and culture are. It’s a universal literal message and I’m going to the universe, so it was great and they hugged him, “he said.

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

“Ever since he told me he thought it was great, I felt it was a slightly different concept and most of all I liked that I finished watching Walter’s documentary and I was left with the same feeling of pride for the figure on who represented her for Puerto Rico and around the world for so many people, and all her message of love, unity, acceptance, “said the actress, singer and former international beauty queen.

The pandemic caused it

Not having the opportunity for an ordinary, but rather extraordinary, reign, given the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, he led Estefanía Soto to discover new ways to approach her compatriots and prepare for Remote.

“I feel very proud because I think we have overcome the challenge of reinventing myself 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 concentrating and finding the creativity that is needed to reinvent yourself “, he pretended.

The Miss Universe pageant will take place on Sunday, May 16, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

At the physical level, Soto completes the details of the makeup and hairstyle that will complete the final dress, whose designer has already been selected. Emotionally and intellectually, she is ready to project herself as “a woman with a firm step, free, fresh and proud of what she is.”

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