Pakistani model Erica Robin has not only etched her name in history by being the first delegate from the country to participate in the Miss Universe pageant but has also challenged a major stereotype by opting for a unique approach in the swimwear round.
Breaking away from convention, the 25-year-old model chose to don a stunning pink kaftan by Rubin Singer, leaving the audience in awe at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant held in magical El Salvador.
Under the guidance of runway coach Ian Mendajar, Robin’s runway walk became a spectacle of confidence and grace. The unconventional choice for the swimwear round broke the audience into frenzy of clapping and screams of delight.
For the National Costume round, Robin conveyed a message of ‘Unity in Diversity by celebrating its own Identity’ in an outfit crafted by Khaadi.
Here’s another glimpse of the Pakistani beauty gracing the Evening Gown Competition in a sparkly silver gown and sheer veil by Amato Couture on the global stage.
Robin was crowned ‘Miss Universe Pakistan’ on September 12 as she competed against Hira Inam, Jessica Wilson, Malika Alvi, and Sabrina Wasim.
The 72nd Miss Universe Pageant brings together over 90 Miss Universe delegates vying for the prestigious crown, which will culminate with the 71st Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel, crowning her successor on November 19, 2023.
However, her journey to the global stage was not without challenges. Upon winning the inaugural Miss Universe Pakistan pageant held in the Maldives, Robin faced criticism from various quarters in Pakistan, including caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and religious leaders. The Prime Minister called the event a “shameful act” and demanded an investigation into how the pageant was organized without the country’s approval.
Robin, who is from Pakistan’s minority Christian community, stays resilient despite the backlash, viewing Miss Universe as a platform to showcase the achievements of women in any field they choose.
In an interview, she expressed her commitment to spreading positivity about Pakistan, stating, “A lot of people have asked me why I wanted to stay in Pakistan; my answer is very simple – it is my home,” she adds. “It is the place where I am grateful to live and where all my dreams came true. It’s not perfect, but I feel I should spread the message of positivity and highlight the goodness in my country, because there is a lot to celebrate in Pakistan.”
Ms Robin was born on September 14, 1999, in Karachi. She did her schooling from St Patrick’s Girls High School and then went to Government College of Commerce and Business Administration in Chandigarh.
Ms Robin started her professional modelling career in January 2020 and appeared in the July 2020 issue of DIVA Magazine Pakistan. She revealed in an interview that she once caught the attention of model and actor Vaneeza Ahmed, who got her into modelling.
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