Jane Garrett, the first plus-sized contestant in Miss Universe history to make it to the top 20, faced both applause and backlash during her time in the competition. See stunning photos of the beauty, who opened up about the cruel things some people had to say about her. In November 2023, the spotlight shone brightly on El Salvador as the 72nd annual Miss Universe pageant brought together contestants from 84 nations. Among them was Jane Dipika Garrett, who represented Nepal with grace and determination.
At just 22 years old, Garrett captured global attention by becoming the first plus-sized delegate in the competition’s history, breaking barriers in an industry often defined by conventional beauty standards. Hailing from Kathmandu, she stood out at the prestigious competition that has previously crowned notable winners like Olivia Culpo in 2012. She represented her country as Miss Universe Nepal, becoming a fan favorite not just for her appearance but also for her unwavering advocacy.
A nursing student by profession, Garrett carried a powerful message of inclusivity, promoting body positivity and raising awareness about hormonal health, PCOS, and mental well-being.
Her holistic approach to beauty emphasized substance over style, earning her widespread admiration. Garrett’s participation celebrated more than her nation’s presence on the global stage — it symbolized a shift in the beauty industry toward embracing diversity. In the swimsuit segment, she confidently walked the runway in a metallic one-piece halter neck design. The ruching at the waist not only highlighted her figure but also made a statement about celebrating body confidence. In the evening gown category, Garrett paid homage to her South Asian roots. She dazzled in a red and gold figure-hugging ensemble, blending tradition with contemporary flair. The intricate design and bold colors spoke volumes about her pride in representing Nepal and its rich heritage.
However, after her groundbreaking run at Miss Universe 2023, Garrett opened up about the highs and lows of her experience. As the first plus-sized contestant to secure a spot in the top 20, her journey was filled with triumphs and challenges. Following her exit from Miss Universe 2023, Garrett opened up about her struggles with self-esteem, her determination to inspire others, and the harsh criticism she faced along the way during a candid interview. Garrett admitted that advancing to the top 20 was a pleasant surprise. Having once battled low self-esteem and eating disorders, she described the achievement as deeply validating. “I really did not expect to get that much applause on the stage or that much spotlight,” she explained.
“And I wasn’t expecting anything. I was just there to represent my country and to represent women all over the world. And that was my goal,” Garrett added. Her moment on stage, surrounded by applause, was transformative not just for her but also for societal perceptions of beauty. “I came with a humble heart… but when I won on that stage, I got the loudest applause from the whole entire audience,” she said. And that felt so good because it was like a breakthrough moment for me and for society that they see something different, that they see real-size beauty,” Miss Universe Nepal continued.