Grand appeal: The national costume design draws from a Pahang Malay folklore about a warrior princess. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s national costume for this year’s Miss Universe pageant finals has quickly attracted both praise and criticism.
While some people commended it for featuring songket, others said it is not elaborate enough.
Beauty queen Sandra Lim will don the creation when she represents Malaysia at the competition in Mexico City on Nov 16. It is inspired by a Pahang Malay folktale of a warrior princess named Walinong Sari.
“Very nice, but looks so simple,” one Instagram user said.
Another highlighted how the fierce look is appropriate for Lim, as she is a wushu practitioner.
“Approved! Maybe she can show off her martial arts moves in this design at the finals,” the comment read.
Others expressed worry that it may not be eye-catching enough to win the pageant’s “Best National Costume” award.
“In order for people to listen, you don’t have to shout... just a whisper is enough,” Bon Zainal Harun, founder of the Malaysian Bumiputra Designer Association, said.
He added that the use of traditional fabrics is always good for helping showcase Malaysia to the world.
“It’s a refreshing interpretation of Puteri Walinong Sari. Maybe it could be elevated even further by incorporating more vibrant colours,” fashion stylist Mughni Che Din suggested.
At a press conference here yesterday, Lim related how she worked very closely with designer Ezuwan Ismail to come up with the concept.
“When I first put it on, it made me feel so fierce, strong and powerful,” she shared.
Ezuwan is known for his designs for Malaysian celebrities like Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ziana Zain and Rozita Che Wan.
According to him, the entirely handmade design was completed in just three weeks. He also designed an evening gown for Lim, plus a “secret dress” that will only be unveiled during the competition in Mexico City.
The national costume weighs approximately 30kg and measures about 1.77m tall.
Made from locally-sourced fabrics, it features sulam tebuk, an elaborate embroidery technique that showcases the artistry of Malaysian heritage.
There will also be an on-stage reveal during the pageant finals where Lim unveils a surprise element to the design. This symbolises her transformation from princess to warrior, showcasing the balance between beauty and strength.
