Tonight is the 60

th

anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant. A record 89 women will take to the stage in Sao Paulo, Brazil in national costumes and bikinis then answer questions such as, “Which animal would you like to be?” and “What advantage do women have over men?”

Sorry, girls, Miss Kosovo has already nailed that one with the blindingly insightful: “Because we can compete in pageants.”

Am I hearing right? This is 2011. Yet women of the modern world – sorry, Universe (come on Miss Pluto, Miss Venus – isn’t it time you showed up?) still think it’s empowering to parade in their smalls, and a staggering 6 million of us still think it’s fun to watch images like these:

Aboriginal Sunset Inspired via Facebook

Corrugated Iron and Australian Flowers inspired via Facebook

Steve Irwin Inspired via Facebook

Sydney Opera House inspired via Facebook

2014 winner Tegan Martin via Facebook

2014 winner Tegan Martin via Facebook

Jennifer Hawkins being crowned in 2004 via Facebook

This is what Renae Ayris - Miss Universe Australia - will wear at the internation competion next month.

2012 Miss Universe Australia, Renae Ayris trying on her National Costume

2011 Miss Universe Australia, Sherri-Lee Biggs in her National Costume

2012 Miss Universe Australia, Jesinta Campbell in her National Costume

2009 Miss Universe Australia, Rachel Finch in her National Costume

2008 Miss Universe Australia, Laura Dundovic in her National Costume

2007 Miss Universe Australia, Kimberley Busteed in her National Costume

2006 Miss Universe Australia, Erin McNaught in her National Costume

2005 Miss Universe Australia, Michelle Guy in her National Costume

Scherri Lee Biggs in her evening dress

Miss Australia, Scherri Lee Biggs, competing in the Miss Universe pageant

Miss Australia, Scherri Lee Biggs, in a bikini

Miss Australia in national costume

Miss Colombia in national costume

Miss Colombia in bikini

Miss Bahamas in national costume

Miss Bolivia in national costume

Miss Brazil in national costume

Miss Canada in national costume

Miss Cayman Islands in national costume

Miss Croatia in national costume