By Halila Siham

In a mesmerizing blend of aesthetics, cultural richness, and artistic innovation, Xander Pratt, the trailblazing artist hailing from Morocco, recently graced the Miss Universe Coronation Night in El Salvador. His presence not only infused an international allure into the event but also symbolized the evolving dynamics of beauty pageants, emphasizing their growing emphasis on global connections. Xander Pratt, a dreamer and artist with roots in Zimbabwe and connections to Ghana and South Africa, draws inspiration from diverse cultures across Africa and the Asia-Pacific region, creating a unique brand marked by elements of global south cultures, futurism, and neo-Africanism. Currently residing in Morocco, Pratt has found a supportive environment for his creativity, especially in the realm of fashion design.

Earlier in the evening, Xander Pratt had the privilege of engaging with Francis Peña, Mrs. Latina from Colombia. Mrs. Peña’s impactful message resonated throughout the venue — “Beauty transcends age and knows no borders or cultures.” This sentiment echoed the inclusive ethos of Miss Universe, where contestants from diverse backgrounds unite to redefine conventional beauty standards. Accompanying Xander Pratt was Josh Yugen, the owner of the Miss Universe franchise in Bahrain, Pakistan, and Egypt, based in Dubai. This collaboration highlighted the global reach and interconnectedness of the beauty and art industries. Pratt’s worldwide journey, traversing continents and cultures, underscores the unifying power of art.

The Miss Universe pageant, an epitome of beauty and grace, has undergone a transformative journey, challenging norms and stereotypes. Acquired by a Thai mogul and trans-woman, the pageant has entered a new era under her leadership, with the capital relocating from New York to Bangkok. Under this new leadership, Miss Universe has emerged as a trailblazer in dismantling gender stereotypes, emphasizing not just physical beauty but also intelligence, talent, and social responsibility. This evolution aligns seamlessly with Xander Pratt’s vision, making his participation in this new era especially poignant.

Xander Pratt’s impact extends beyond his artistic performances. As the founder of Anticipate, a modeling and talent school agency with locations in Marrakesh and Manila, he is actively shaping the next generation of global talents. His appearance at the Miss Universe Coronation Night was not merely a performance; it served as a testament to the interconnectedness of art, beauty, and culture. As he embarks on his global tour, Pratt continues to break boundaries, leaving an enduring mark on the evolving narrative of beauty and art in a world that champions diversity and individuality.

Motivated by the strength of uniqueness, Xander Pratt serves as a concept developer, creative director, producer, and life coach. He views fashion as both a philosophy and a form of armor against the public’s concrete perception. His goal is to unite cultures worldwide through a modeling business that explores and exchanges cultural richness. Pratt collaborates with UNESCO Artists for Peace under Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, a Filipino activist and women’s rights advocate. He admires courageous, curious, and audacious women who push the limits of possibility, celebrating diversity and creativity through his multidisciplinary art forms. As a vocal critic of the patriarchal system, especially in the Global South, Pratt advocates for breaking the chains of conditioning imposed by the dominant culture and reclaiming feminine energy and individuality.

Xander Pratt, raised by a feminist writer mother from Zimbabwe, supports youth, women, and artists across the Global South through collective movements for passionate change. His alignment with Miss Universe is evident in their shared values of expressing feminine energy as a source of strength, creativity, and innovation. Both Pratt and Miss Universe champion the empowerment of women as leaders and role models, fostering positive change globally.