Miss Malaysia, Carey Ng, opts to wear her country's proud heritage on her sleeve by donning a Terengganu "songket" on the 62nd coronation night of the Miss Universe pageant on November 9 in Moscow.
One category that everyone who has a representative from their country is excited about is the "Best In National Costume" category, where delegates are encouraged to wear versions of their country's traditional garment heritage, or costumes, that are designed fit for the modern pageant. Miss Malaysia sure is ready for the category, as she is reported to wear a designer-tweaked songket for the big night.
Designer Syomir Izwa from Kuala Lumpur has designed the 24-year-old delegate's costume, which he calls 'The Princess of Perak." The costume will feature three intricate pieces-pants, top, and a wrap-around 'samping,' which will highlight his design for Miss Malaysia's pageant entry.
"I used 12 metres of 'songket' and the total cost is RM25,000 since some of the 'songket' are vintage while some are custom-made," said Izwa in a report posted by The Star. Izwa added that his design will feature a flora theme, with vintage materials to tap the traditional while showcasing for a modern audience.
Izwa also mentioned that he is more than excited to be the one crafting Miss Malaysia's national costume for Miss Universe. He recalled feeling "over the moon" when Eline Daily, pageant advisor and mentor, asked him to get involved with the project. Of course, every designer wishes to dress a beauty queen and Izwa surely had this dream come true.
Carey Ng and the rest of the Miss Universe 2013 delegates will showcase their national costumes on November 6, at Moscow's Crocus City Hall. It has been announced earlier that MSNBC anchor, Thomas Roberts, and ex-Spice Girl, Mel B will host the glamorous pageant.
