A replica of a traditional kampung house, chickens and coconut trees will be a part of this year’s costume for Miss Universe 2020 which be held on May 16th, 2021 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, United States.
Designed by renowned homegrown designer, Carven Ong, “Kampung Halaman” is a celebration of traditional Malaysian architecture and the sense of nostalgia it evokes.
Photo via Instagram (@missuniversemalaysia)
According to The Borneo Post, Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James will be walking the runway lugging an impressive 3D replica of a kampung house as part of her national costume.
The Sarawakian beauty will be seeking to wow the Miss Universe judges and fans with the elaborate structure from which she will emerge during the national costume segment, and will don two national costumes!
The first costume is a black and white kaftan with a bicycle headgear and a matching kampung house backdrop. The black and white costume is meant to represent the sweet, innocent memory of one’s youth, reminiscent of a Lat comic book.
Her second national costume features Sarawak’s ‘pua’ ceremonial fabric as well as Orang Ulu and the Malay batik motifs.
Francisca will then turn the black and white kampung house structure to reveal a scene brimming with life and colour on the other side.
The reverse side of the house will include replica chickens and coconut trees as she re-emerges with a vibrant off-shoulder dress.
The bright orange design is inspired by the stunning sunset and is imbued with gold ‘kerawang’ wooden beads that pays homage to Francisca’s Sarawakian heritage, and completing her look, Francisca will be wearing a headpiece featuring a Borneo doll by Wesley Hilton.
The entire outfit weighs around 45 kg and took Ong three months to complete it!
...and to enable Francisca to quickly change into her second outfit, the rumah kampung also acts as a fitting room that includes a mirror! They really got it all planned out perfectly.
Meanwhile, Francisca will be wearing an evening gown designed by another local designer, Rizman Ruzaini, who drew inspiration from the Sarawak folklore of Puteri Sejinjang.
Wahh, the dresses are unbelievably stunning! We hope that Francisca will make it to the top 10! We’re rooting for you, girl!
We also had the chance to speak with Miss Universe Malaysia 2020, Francisca Luhong James and she shared with us her ups and downs throughout her journey to winning the title. Watch the full video here:
Get To Know Miss Universe Malaysia 2020
Meet Francisca Luhong James, newly-crowned Miss Universe Malaysia for 2020. We had the chance to speak with her, as she shared with us her ups and downs throughout her journey to winning the title.
Posted by SYOK.my on Thursday, September 17, 2020
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
