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The National Costume for Miss Universe 2020 will make you incredibly hungry

The National Costume for Miss Universe 2020 will make you incredibly hungry

The National Costume worn by our Malaysian rep on the Miss Universe stage has always been the talk of the town every year.

We’re pretty sure you recall how sensational the designs have been.

Kiran Jassal donning Rizman Ruzaini’s Twin Tower National Costume for the 65th Miss Universe in 2017

Next year, representing Malaysia on stage for the 68th Miss Universe in Atlanta, Georgia, USA is Shweta Sekhon, donning a newly unveiled A Peranakan Indulgence’ National Costume and Evening Gown.

This unique creation is the brainchild of esteemed fashion designer, Carven Ong, renowned for his bespoke work ranging from breathtaking wedding gowns to chic evening gowns. His notable work was the wedding dress worn on Crazy Rich Asians by Araminta Lee (played by Sonoya Mizuno).

Miss Universe Malaysia 2019, Shweta Sekhon donning ‘A Peranakan Indulgence’ National Costume by Carven Ong (right)

Every element of this National Costume symbolises different aspects of the Malaysian cultural diversity and pride, from the material to the colour scheme.

The entire get-up is a tribute to the Malay, Chinese and Peranakan culture. The main body of the dress is made of songket (typically worn by Malay brides), while the wings are made of Nyonya batik as a representation of the Peranakan culture.

The headgear made of gold aster flowers represent love, daintiness and femininity.

Headgear for the National Costume

The golden cape made out of songket with golden thread and red beadings add a touch of ceremonial grandeur to the outfit.

The wings resemble tails of a goldfish to symbolise abundance of wealth and prosperity.

Finally, if there’s one thing we’re proud about Malaysia, it’s our food! To top off the Malay and Peranakan origins of the National Costume, the outfit is surrounded by an assortment of local kuihs like onde-onde, kuih koci, ang ku, kuih talam, kuih lapis, kuih sago and red eggs.

Next year’s Evening Gown is golden caramel and embellished with hand sewn seashells to resemble the fine grains of sand on Malaysian beaches .

Shweta Sekhon (right) with the Evening Gown by Carven Ong.

The competition is definitely on, we were definitely impressed by the bold design of the National Costume!

We at TRP wish Shweta Sekhon all the best in Miss Universe 2020!


What did you think of the National Costume and Evening Gown designs? Let us know via our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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