Sandra Lim, the reigning Miss Universe Malaysia 2024, officially revealed the ‘Princess Walinong Sari’ national costume and evening gown for the 73rd MISS UNIVERSE competition set to take place in Mexico City, Mexico, on 16 November 2024 (17 November 2024 MYT).
Unveiling the two numbers at a press conference held at the MYEG Tower Auditorium, Petaling Jaya yesterday, it was revealed that the national costume was designed by renowned Malaysian designer Ezuwan Ismail, whose work blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion to create a breathtaking ensemble.
The design is inspired by the story of Princess Walinong Sari, a legendary figure from Pahang folklore known for her beauty and combat skills, symbolising courage, grace, and woman empowerment. In the legend, Princess Walinong Sari refused to settle down and marry simply for tradition, choosing instead to focus on honing her martial arts skills and protecting her kingdom.
“Through this costume, I want to show the world that a woman can be both fierce and graceful,” Sandra Lim said. “Princess Walinong Sari symbolises resilience and beauty, and I hope to bring those qualities to the Miss Universe stage, proudly representing the strength of Malaysian women while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse heritage.”
The costume is crafted using traditional, locally sourced Malaysian fabrics, with handwoven songket forming the foundation. Songket, known for its beautiful gold and silver threads, symbolises royalty and elegance. It also features sulam tebuk embroidery, an elaborate technique that adds delicate detailing, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of Malaysian heritage.
Key accessories of the costume include a headgear and a sword. The headgear is inspired by traditional warrior helmets and the sword represents the princess’s prowess in combat and her role as a defender of her people. These accessories pay homage to Malaysia’s cultural heritage and celebrating the courage of Malaysian women.
The creation of this national costume took several weeks to complete, involving a dedicated team of 10 skilled artisans who worked on various aspects. Weighing approximately 30 kg and measuring about 1.77 metres tall, the costume will feature a special on-stage reveal where Sandra unveils a hidden element that symbolises the transformation from princess to warrior.
Sandra will also don an elegant evening gown, also designed by Ezuwan Ismail, reflecting grace and sophistication, featuring luxurious fabrics and exquisite detailing.
As Sandra continues her journey to the global stage, this unveiling showcases her commitment to representing Malaysia while celebrating its rich cultural heritage and inspiring women.
