Malaysia's Sandra Lim unveils national costume for Miss Universe 2024
Miss Universe Malaysia 2024 Sandra Lim's national costume for Miss Universe 2024 was officially unveiled on Wednesday, October 23 at the MYEG Tower Auditorium in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Designed by renowned Malaysian designer Ezuwan Ismail, the national costume was inspired by the story of Princess Walinong Sari, a legendary figure from Pahang folklore known for her beauty and combat skills, symbolizing courage, grace, and woman empowerment.
"Princess Walinong Sari symbolizes 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," she said.
The costume was crafted using traditional, locally sourced Malaysian fabrics, with handwoven songket forming the foundation. Songket, known for its beautiful gold and silver threads, symbolizes 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 include a headgear and a sword. The headgear, inspired by traditional warrior helmets, serves as a crown that represents strength and authority, symbolizing the power and dignity of Malaysian women.
The sword represents the princess's prowess in combat and her role as a defender of her people. These accessories highlight the warrior aesthetic of the costume while paying homage to Malaysia’s cultural heritage and celebrating the courage of Malaysian women.
According to the Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO), it took a dedicated team of 10 skilled artisans several weeks to complete the 30-kilogram and 1.77-meter tall costume.
"One of the biggest challenges was sourcing authentic traditional materials while staying true to Malaysian heritage. Balancing these elements with modern design and ensuring stage functionality required precision and dedication," said the designer.
"Despite these challenges, I'm thrilled with the outcome. Bringing Princess Walinong Sari to life is an honor, and I hope Sandra's performance on the global stage will showcase Malaysia's heritage beautifully," he added.
The highly-anticipated 73rd Miss Universe pageant will be held on November 16 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
Photos: Miss Universe Malaysia Organization
