Every year the Miss Universe competition returns in January to dazzle viewers with competitors in glittering gowns, sleek hairdos and fabulous walks.

Miss Australia for 2022, Monique Riley, has travelled to the United States to represent Australia.

As part of the swimsuit competition, she's donning a cover up designed by Kariyarra, Ngarluma, Nyul Nyul and Yawur artist and designer Bobbi Lockyer.

Lockyer said her designs on the Miss Universe stage all came about through an Instagram direct message.

"They asked if they could set up a Zoom meeting and then we chatted through and came up with some ideas," she said.

"Monique shared a bit about her story and how she does boxing, she's all about empowerment for women and self-defence.

"And so I wanted to incorporate her story into the story of a kangaroo tracks and Australian night sky."

The cover up blends deep shades of purple with soft blues. The pattern on the cover up represents the story of Ngunggumarnda.

Translating into strong in the Ngarluma language, the kangaroo tracks represent a journey of strength.

Lockyer said when Riley was talking about wanting to empower other women she immediately thought of the kangaroo.

"The kangaroo in our culture can symbolise strength and power and my design was inspired by Monique's passionate drive for women empowerment," she said.

"I want my design to portray the importance of leaning into our own inner power and for women to come together and share their strengths, their achievements, their successes and celebrate all women together."

Lockyer said it was amazing to see Riley don her design for the Miss Universe competition.

"It was just so special to see it up there on the stage," she said.

"She gave quite a performance showing off the cape. So that was pretty cool."

The Miss Universe competition continues January 14.