Styled Archives: The Lebanese Beauty Who Made Miss Universe History

In 1971, Georgina Rizk became the first and only woman from the Middle East to be crowned Miss Universe, a milestone that brought pride not just to Lebanon, but to the entire region. Born in 1953, Rizk was a model, socialite, and beauty queen, already in the spotlight after winning Miss Lebanon the year before. But on the Miss Universe stage in Miami, Florida, it was her confidence, charisma, and endearing smile that set her apart.

That night, Rizk turned heads in an outfit that was anything but traditional—a bold, midriff-baring two-piece with intricate beadwork and a sheer, flowing cape. The ensemble featured a heavily beaded crop top embroidered with floral motifs in green, gold, and turquoise, paired with billowing turquoise chiffon sleeves. A matching high-waisted skirt, partially sheer and layered in flowing chiffon, created a silhouette that was indisputably loud.

The look married glamour and heritage, further elevated by a gold coin necklace that nodded to her Lebanese roots. Crowned with a sweeping, crystal-encrusted tiara, her voluminous chestnut waves, dewy skin, and dramatic eyeliner framed her radiant smile.

For her post-crowning photoshoot, Rizk embodied 1970s beach glamour, sporting a bubblegum pink one-piece swimsuit that hugged her figure. Sleek and timeless, the swimsuit exuded effortless elegance with a playful sensibility reflective of the era. Draped across her chest was the Miss Universe sash, embroidered in shimmering blue and white, marking her historic title. Perched atop her waves, the dazzling Miss Universe crown glistened under the Miami sun.

Decades later, her legacy remains, a reminder of the night Lebanon made history and how one woman’s victory became a nation’s pride. To this day, Rizk’s name lives on in a colloquial Arabic proverb that roughly translates to, “Who do you think you are, Georgina Rizk?”—a playful nod to her impact.