Cover image via SAYSWe've had nasi lemak burgers, nasi lemak condoms… and now, Miss Universe Malaysia is set to make a bold statement at the upcoming Miss Universe beauty pageant in Las Vegas with a nasi lemak-inspired dress!
Samantha Katie James, reigning Miss Universe Malaysia, will be donning the getup in the National Costume segment of the Miss Universe 2017 beauty pageant this 26 November at The AXIS, Las Vegas.
This year's entry for Malaysia's National Costume continues our diversion from traditional costumes following last year's much talked-about Twin Towers-inspired costume.
Image via Twitter @farahwazer
To emulate the classic elements of our national dish, the dress is white to represent the rice, complemented by ikan bilis, peanuts, cucumber slices, a sunny-side up egg, and hand-embroidered rhinestones for sambal
Image via Twitter @ChrisEnteri
Topping off the delicious getup is the pièce de résistance – a pair of massive banana leaf wings, which – according to Samantha – are actually pretty light.
The nasi lemak gown, a creation by local designer Brian Khoo, took a month to make. Apparently, he spent about 400 embroidering rhinestones onto the dress.
Image via Twitter @alhssnmnwr
Image via Instagram @pk.pencinta.kecantikan
Seeing as nasi lemak has been one of the biggest and most-discussed trends this year, people were quick to share their ~opinions~ about the dress:
Image via Facebook
Image via Twitter
Image via Twitter
On the other hand, some think that the dress stands out and a pretty classy way of shading Singapore's nasi lemak burger (heh):
Image via Facebook
Image via Twitter
Image via Facebook
Samantha will be competing in the Miss Universe 2017 beauty pageant next month on 26 November in Las Vegas. Good luck in the pageant, Samantha!
Image via Instagram @sh3nt3ll3
