missuniverse.com
Diana Harkusha in evening gown
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Diana Harkusha, 20, was named second runner-up in the Miss Universe 2015 pageant on January 25 in Miami that attracted 88 contestants in the 63rd annual competition. This was the third time that Ukraine had made the top five at the pageant. Miss Columbia Paulina Vega won first place, and first runner-up was Nia Sanchez of the U.S.A.
During the interview portion of the pageant, Ms. Harkusha, who hails from Kharkiv, explained the situation in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion. “Now we have a very difficult situation in our country,” she said, in response to a juror’s question on what Ukraine needs most right now. “So the most important contribution would be support to our army and our people.”
Diana Harkusha dressed as “War Bride,” which was designed by Liudmyla Bushyska of Ruta fashion.
Ms. Harkusha drew attention to the Russia-Ukraine war with her choice for the National Costume Show, that she called “War Bride,” designed by Liudmyla Bushyska of Ruta fashion. The dress featured dark-red silk and black chiffon, with a crown of thorns and a floor-length black veil.
Behind the scenes, CNN reported that this was the first Miss Universe pageant where contestants from Ukraine and Russia did not share a room.
While Ms. Harkusha works as a model, she is a third-year student at the Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University. She has also won other pageants, including Miss Artek 2008, Etnokoroleva Slobozhashchiny 2011, Miss Kharkiv 2012, Miss International 2013 and Miss Ukraine Universe 2014.