They Found You, Miss New Beauty!

For most of you who probably missed it, there was an explosion of international eye-candy in Nassau, Bahamas last night as the bevy of beauties competing for the title of Miss Universe enveloped the 2009 pageant stage in layers of chiffon and silk. Perhaps one of the most notable feats of this showcase of global gorgeousness was the behind-the-scenes beautification of the 84 contestants using a single full-length mirror!

While the show held some definite don'ts... (for most of which it was not the contestants responsible!) there were some dazzling dresses befit to be accessorized with a crown. Most of the night's dresses were characterized by flowing skirts and fitted bodices, and of course no pageant dress would be complete without the requisite beading, embroidery, sequins, or some other form of bedazzlement! White dresses were a popular choice in true pageant tradition, but intricate detailing and creative cuts allowed some to stand out. Others, like the pageant's winner Miss Venezuela, who was ravishing in red, chose bolder colors that made their outfits pop.

Here are some of of AOL Latino's picks for best dresses of the evening:

The performances may have flopped, and the crown may have dropped, along with the pageant's ratings... but at least there's no threat of a global beauty shortage!