Miss Universe Malaysia Sandra Lim to wear warrior princess-inspired national costume

Malaysia’s national costume for this year’s Miss Universe pageant finals is inspired by a Pahang Malay folktale of a warrior princess named Walinong Sari.

Beauty queen Sandra Lim will don the creation when she represents Malaysia at the competition taking place in Mexico City on Nov 16.

The costume is the brainchild of designer Ezuwan Ismail , and Lim said she worked very closely with him to come up with the concept.

“When I first put it on, it made me feel so fierce, strong and powerful,” she shared at a press conference today.

The national costume design draws from a Malay folklore about a warrior princess. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

Ezuwan is known for his designs for Malaysian celebrities like Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ziana Zain, Rozita Che Wan and more.

According to him, the entirely handmade design was completed in just three weeks. He also designed an evening gown for Lim, plus a “secret dress” that will only be unveiled during the competition in Mexico City.

The evening gown for the competition taking place in Mexico City. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

The national costume weighs approximately 30kg and measures about 1.77m tall. Made from locally sourced fabrics, it features the sulam tebuk embroidery, an elaborate technique showcasing the artistry of Malaysian heritage.

There will also be an on-stage reveal during the pageant finals where Lim unveils a surprise element to the design. This symbolises her transformation from princess to warrior, showcasing the balance between beauty and strength.