The national costume competition at the Miss Universe pageant is a spectacle complete with sky-high head pieces, eye-popping gowns and thousands of feathers.
But when the new Miss Universe Australia costume was unveiled on Wednesday morning, the public were quick to comment on the garment’s garish features.
Appearing on the Today show, the current Miss Universe Australia, Olivia Rogers, stepped out in the bold gown by bridal and couture designer, Begitta.
When the new Miss Universe Australia costume was unveiled on Wednesday morning, the public were quick to comment on the garment’s garish features
Appearing on the Today show, the current Miss Universe Australia, Olivia Rogers, stepped out in the bold gown by bridal and couture designer, Begitta
This year, the costume was inspired by the Opera House and Sydney Harbour during famed Vivid Festival
This year, the costume was inspired by the Opera House and Sydney Harbour during the city’s popular Vivid Festival.
The form-fitting bodice descended into a large Opera House-shaped mermaid skirt to bring the landmark to life and for a touch of drama, Olivia donned a large, tinsel-wrapped piece on her back that represented a fireworks display.
For a final surprise, the lights were switched off in studio to reveal a glowing skirt which was designed to transform the skirt’s Opera House ‘sails’ into how they would look during the popular lights festival.
Not everyone was pleased with the bold costume design
In 2016, the unusual Great Barrier Reed costume worn by Caris Tiivel was designed to ‘raise awareness about the issue of coral bleaching’
‘This piece was inspired by one of the most iconic (and my favourite) place in Australia, The Opera House and Sydney Harbour at Vivid!’ The designer wrote on Instagram.
‘Fireworks And Sails and an insanely gorgeous woman! So thrilled and honoured to contribute to this little part of Australian History.’
And while some were pleased with the ‘innovative’ look, others were less pleased with how Australia will be represented on stage at the November pageant.
‘She is gorgeous, but this is absolutely embarrassing on a world stage! Surely we can come up with something better than this!’ One woman wrote.
Monika Radulovic’s 2015 gown inspired by Dame Edna Everage also drew criticism
Tegan Martin wore an indigenous-inspired look in 2014 while Olivia Wells donned a reef themed gown in 2013
‘Oh you poor darling! No wonder people from other countries think that Kangaroos hop in our backyards,’ another wrote.
One added: ‘That is the ugliest dress I’ve ever seen’.
Despite many slamming the design, others praised it and commented on the creativity behind it.
‘Wow! I love it! These national dress “costumes” are meant to be theatrical & are meant to be a creative inspiration of our country in a dress! I think this is just that! Well done!’ A woman wrote.
Who could forget Renae Ayris in 2012, whose dress was inspired by the cockatoo
Scherri-Lee Biggs wore a swimsuit inspired by the Australian landscape in 2012
This isn’t the first time the national costume has divided the nation, with many of the previous gowns the target of critics and fashionistas across Australia.
In 2016, the unusual Great Barrier Reed costume worn by Caris Tiivel was designed to ‘raise awareness about the issue of coral bleaching’.
It was designed by her fellow Perth native Steph Audino – who had been creating gowns for Miss Universe Australia finalists since 2013.
Who could forget Jesinta Campbell’s heeled ugg boots back in 2010
Rachael Finch wore a gown dubbed ‘Sunset over the Opera House’ in 2009
The dress featured an embellished pink bodice and blue pants with a flowing tulle skirt inspired by the waters of the Great Barrier Reef – the costume completed with a multi-coloured tinsel-like headpiece and matching piece worn on the shoulder.
The dress, along with the 2015 gown inspired by Dame Edna Everage, was slammed by critics who labelled it as ‘tacky’ and ’embarrassing’.
‘In Australia, it’s always harder. The costumes always have a mixed reaction from the public because Australia doesn’t really have a traditional costume so our ones are sort of inspired by landmarks or famous people in Australia,’ Caris said at the time.
Laura Dundovic wore a layered design by Jayson Brunsdon in 2008
Kimberley Busteed took the audience on a trip to Bondi Beach in her 2007 costume while Jennifer Hawkins rocked a more understated gown in 2004
Michelle Guy channelled Crocodile Dundee in her 2005 look – mixed with a little formal glam
Other gowns raising eyebrows in the past include Tegan Martin’s indigenous-inspired get-up, Olivia Wells’ ocean themed look and Renae Ayris’ cockatoo-inspired mini dress.
Jesinta Campbell also drew criticism in 2010 when she rocked heeled ugg boots and the year before, Rachael Finch wore a gown dubbed ‘Sunset over the Opera House’.
Other looks have been inspired by Bondi lifeguards, traditional Australian khaki outfits and the Australian landscape as a whole.