The evolution of Rikkie Kollé, a groundbreaking Miss Universe contender

It may have escaped viewers of the 2023 Miss Universe national costume competition, but Dutch participant Rikkie Kollé told a very personal story with her outfit.

Rikkie Kollé is 22 years old, 1.85 (6'06ft) tall, and the current holder of the crown of Miss Universe Netherlands. But there's something else important to know about her: she is a trans woman.

Born in the body of a man, Rikkie Kollé evolved to become the woman who was inside of her throughout the years. She depicted this transition in her national costume at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant.

Rikkie walked up onto the stage dressed as a tulip, a flower many associate with The Netherlands. But the petals of the flower bowed down and revealed a rainbow-colored dress. It was a graphic depiction of Rikkie's personal transition from a man to a woman.

In July 2023, Rikkie Kollé made history at the Miss Netherlands pageant for being crowned the most beautiful woman of the country.

As the first transgender woman to win Miss Netherlands, she went on to participate in Miss Universe in El Salvador, an event held in November 2023.

The jury loved its representative for the international competition. "Rikkie Kollé has shone throughout the entire show and has also made the most progress in the process. She has a very strong story and a clear mission," it declared on the Miss Netherlands website.

Ona Moody, winner of the 2022 competition, was in charge of handing over the crown to Rikkie Kollé, her successor in 2023.

Rikkie Kollé was ecstatic and delighted with the award, admitting that she could not believe her luck.

On the organization's website, she said: "As Miss Netherlands 2023, I want to be a voice and a role model for all young women and queer people. I know better than anyone what it's like to feel alone."

Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram

"Through my commitment, strength and as Miss Netherlands, I hope to bring about a change in society. With the backing of the organization, I hope that 'little Rik' will become a story that we can leave in the past and not have to repeat in the future," she added.

Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram

The Miss Netherlands 2023 pageant has acted as a springboard to fame for Rikkie Kollé.

Yet, despite her young age, the model was already well known in her country.

Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram

She became especially famous after participating in the reality talent show 'Holland's Next Top Model'. Rikkie made it to the final in 2018.

Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram

The election of Rikkie Kollé as Miss Netherlands 2023 has not only made headlines in the country, but around the world, as the international press has echoed this historic victory.

Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram -

However, Rikkie Kollé will not be the first transgender woman to participate in the Miss Universe pageant.

In 2018, Spanish transgender woman Ángela Ponce already entered the Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Bangkok that year.

And one of Rikkie's competitors in 2023, the Portuguese Marina Machete, is also transgender.

What awaits Rikkie Kollé? The world is waiting for her to inspire and motivate others with her newfound fame. However, what the Dutch queen wants most of all, is to support all those who have faced rejection because of their transition.

Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram