Miss Universe Malaysia, Shweta Sekhon, has won the hearts of pageant fans with her national costume. The 22-year-old was awarded Best National Costume at the 2019 Miss Universe pageant in Atlanta, via online voting.
Named “A Peranakan Indulgence”, the costume was designed by Malaysian couturier Carven Ong who was inspired by the rich heritage of the Peranakan community and its bridal traditions.
The elaborate design sports a bodice of woven Malay brocade songket. It also has a pair of wings made out of Nyonya kebaya fabric, commonly worn by Peranakan ladies.
Arranged around the gown is an array of Peranakan treats such as onde-onde, kueh koci, ang ku, kueh talam, kueh lapis, kueh sago and auspicious red eggs. A traditional basket, the bakul sia, also made an appearance.
Ong is well-recognised for his sumptuous creations. Last year, his dresses were featured in Hollywood film Crazy Rich Asians.
Host Steve Harvey first announced the Philippines as winning the award. The mistake was similar to what he did four years ago, announcing the wrong winner for the 2015 Miss Universe pageant.
"Earlier this week, all the contestants competed in a National Costume contest," he began explaining. "Here's the look at a winner, Miss Philippines..."
The real winner, Shweta, had to correct him. "It's not Philippines," she told the television personality. "It's Malaysia."
Harvey later said that he wasn't at fault. He was only reading from the teleprompter.
Source : The Star
