Zozibini Tunzi took home the 2019 Miss Universe title at the annual beauty pageant on Sunday, held this year at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.
Hailing from South Africa, the 26-year-old pageant winner is the first black woman from her country to wear the Miss Universe crown. She works as an activist and is particularly passionate about fighting gender-based violence. Natural beauty is also important to Tunzi, who believes women should
"love themselves the way they are," according to the Miss Universe website.
After being named the winner, Tunzi pressed her hands together against her head and grinned.
She was then presented with the Miss Universe sash, which was placed over her sparkling, long-sleeved gown.
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| Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, of South Africa, is crowned onstage by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray (R, in blue) at the 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) |
Of course, the Miss Universe crown followed. Tunzi looked emotional as Catriona Gray — who previously served as Miss Philippines and Miss Universe 2018 — placed the crown upon her head.
This year's crown is called the "Power of Unity," according to a video from Mouawad Jewelry.
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| Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, of South Africa, is crowned onstage by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray (R, in blue) at the 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) |
It's made with 18-karat gold and 1,770 diamonds, including a golden centrepiece stone weighing 62.83 carats, according to
Rappler. The floral design of the crown is meant to represent unity among women from all seven continents, while the crown as a whole was inspired by "nature, strength, beauty, femininity, and unity," according to Mouawad's video.
Miss South Africa looked stunning in the headpiece, and it's centre stone perfectly matched her golden dress.
She was up against Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Mexico, who took home second and third place respectively.
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| Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, of South Africa, appears at a press conference following the 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) |
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| Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, of South Africa, appears at a press conference following the 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) |
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| Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, of South Africa, appears at a press conference following the 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) |
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| Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, of South Africa, appears at a press conference following the 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) |
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| Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, of South Africa, appears at a press conference following the 2019 Miss Universe Pageant at Tyler Perry Studios on December 08, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) |
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