Introduction: A Symbolic Return to Peace
In the bustling arena of Miss Grand International 2025, Yara Bishi, representing Palestine, introduced a national costume that transcends fashion. The ensemble, rooted in cultural heritage and resilient storytelling, was designed to echo a hopeful yet steadfast voice for a people long seeking peace. Crafted by Palestinian designers Lauren Imseeh and Edmon Imseeh, with guidance from Hisham Anabtawi, the Dove of Peace costume stands as a wearable manifesto about identity, dignity, and perseverance.
Design Foundations: White as a Wreath for Peace
The dress begins with a deliberate white base, a color Yara described on social media as symbolizing the peace Palestinians have long yearned for but have not yet secured. This pristine foundation is not mere aesthetics; it sets a narrative canvas upon which traditional craftsmanship, modern technics, and symbolic motifs converge.
Tatreez: The Living Threads of Palestine
Central to the costume is the enduring craft of tatreez—Palestinian embroidery. Motifs from diverse cities across Palestine are woven into the fabric, turning the gown into a mosaic of regional identity. Tatreez has long been a visual language of community, memory, and resistance, and its presence anchors the outfit in a tangible cultural heritage that viewers can recognize and relate to.
The Dove and Olive Branches: Symbols of Resilience
The centerpiece of the look is a 3D-printed pigeon perched prominently on the costume. The pigeon carries a universal message of peace and becomes a powerful symbol of resistance and resilience within a geopolitical context. Complementing the dove, black olive branches appear throughout the ensemble, signifying both the rooted land of Palestine and the weight of present-day sorrow. The dual meaning invites audience reflection on history, land, and ongoing struggles for dignity.
Narrative Cape: Strength, Dignity, and a Call for Peace
A dramatic, long cape completes the overall silhouette. Its fabric movement adds a regal, dignified presence while reinforcing the dress’s core message. Inscribed along the cape is the direct and uplifting plea: Pray for peace. This line elevates the garment from long-form fashion to a call for international empathy and action, aligning with Miss Grand International’s broader mission of promoting global peace and unity.
Locally Produced, Globally Heard
Yara Bishi emphasizes that every element of the dress was designed and produced within Palestine. By foregrounding local craftsmanship—from embroidery to 3D-printing and fabric sourcing—the costume serves as a living showcase of Palestinian talent, innovation, and cultural pride. The collaboration among designers and artisans reflects a unified national identity that resonates with audiences around the world.
Comparative Spotlight: A Second Theme from the Philippines
In juxtaposition with Palestine’s Dove of Peace, Miss Grand International 2025 also features Emma Tiglao of the Philippines, whose national costume draws inspiration from the Kapampangan moon goddess Mayari. The two outfits offer a global dialogue on myth, heritage, and the ways national symbols travel beyond borders to inspire universal messages of grace and strength.
What This Means for Miss Grand Palestine
For Palestine, Yara Bishi’s national costume is more than a stage costume; it is a public, visible statement of identity and hope. The Dove of Peace fashion narrative invites audiences to consider the human dimension behind geopolitical tensions, encouraging a dialogue rooted in culture, resilience, and peaceful aspirations. It is a reminder that fashion can be a powerful platform for advocacy and storytelling on the world stage.
