Miss Universe 1953 was the second Miss Universe pageant, held at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium in Long Beach, California, United States, on 17 July 1953. France’s Christiane Martel won and was crowned by actress Julie Adams; Miss Universe 1952 Armi Kuusela did not crown her successor after relinquishing her title to marry. Twenty-six contestants competed, the smallest turnout to date as of 2025, with debuts from Austria and Switzerland and several withdrawals. The pageant was hosted by Bob Russell and featured the Metallic Bronze Crown designed by American silversmith Allan Adler, used only for this edition.