KUALA LUMPUR: Miss Universe Malaysia Samantha Katie James will be competing in the Miss Universe 2017 pageant in a gown with a completely Malaysian flavour.
She will be draped, literally, in our favourite dish - nasi lemak, with all the condiments, sambal, ikan bilis, and a half-boiled egg, on a leafy daun pisang.
Elle Malaysia, in its report, said the gown, which was conceptualised by Malaysian designer Brian Khoo, took a month to make. It was unveiled recently in Petaling Jaya and will be paraded during the national costume category of the international pageant.
Last year, Miss Universe Malaysia 2016 Kiran Jassal, also wore an attention-grabbing costume designed by local fashion designer duo Rizman Ruzaini at the Miss Universe pageant.
She sashayed down the runway wearing a silver jumpsuit bearing the national icon - a replica of the Petronas Twin Towers - on her shoulders and sleeves.
The creation by designers Rizman Nordin and Wan Ruzaini Wan Jamil embodied a futuristic design, worn with knee-high boots.
Samantha, 22, will be competing against 41 other delegates in the 66th edition of the popular international event in Las Vegas on Nov 26. A model since 17, Samantha’s career has seen her living in the United States, Brazil, India and Thailand. She has also done commercials and movies in Indonesia and China.