On the international stage of the Miss Eco International-2026 beauty pageant, Ukrainian contestant Michelle Shotropa presented a national costume that became a symbol of memory and resistance. The look, titled "A Dream Cannot Be Destroyed" (originally "Mriya (Dream) can not be destroyed"), is dedicated to the legendary Antonov An-225 Mriya — the world's largest aircraft, destroyed in February 2022 during hostilities at Hostomel Airport.
The costume, created by Filipino designer Michael Barassi, became not just a fashion experiment but an artistic statement about the strength of spirit and faith in the future. Its core concept is: even if a physical object is destroyed, its symbolic meaning remains alive. This is particularly relevant for Ukraine, where the An-225 was not only an engineering marvel but also a national symbol.
Technology and Aesthetics: How the Costume Was Created
To realize the concept, approximately 4 kilograms of recycled plastic and 3D printing materials were used. This choice of materials highlights the eco-friendly focus of the competition while simultaneously referencing the industrial aesthetics of aviation. The costume is executed in a glossy white color, imitating the fuselage of an aircraft, which visually reinforces the association with the An-225.
A model of the aircraft is attached above the contestant's head — a key element of the look that transforms her into a living metaphor for lost but not forgotten heritage. In her hands, she holds a poster with the name of the look, making the message clear and understandable for the audience. The creation process took two months and included digital modeling, decoration, and assembly — a true labor of artists and engineers.
Competition Context and Ukraine's Previous Successes
The Miss Eco International-2026 final is scheduled for May 22 and will take place in Alexandria (Egypt). Ukraine already has experience winning this competition: in 2024, the title was won by Angelina Usanova. Now Michelle Shotropa continues this tradition, representing the country not only as a contestant but also as a voice of memory and hope.
The look "A Dream Cannot Be Destroyed" is not just a costume; it is a political and cultural statement. It reminds the world that even in wartime, art and fashion can become tools for preserving identity and transmitting historical memory. In this sense, Michelle Shotropa's costume is an act of resistance expressed through aesthetics and technology.
In the future, such looks may become part of museum exhibitions or documentary projects dedicated to the impact of war on culture. For now, it remains a vivid example of how fashion can serve not only beauty but also meaning.