Nasi Lemak is set to be featured on a wide scale on the world stage, after it was announced today that Miss Universe Malaysia 2017, Samantha Katie James, will be wearing a dress inspired by the popular dish during the National Costume segment of the beauty pageant:
Miss Universe Malaysia 2017, Samatha, will be donning a nasi-lemak inspired outfit for the National Costume category, designed by Brian Khoo pic.twitter.com/uVylOjigFh
— Astro Radio News (@AstroRadioNews) October 31, 2017
The dress features typical Nasi Lemak condiments like sambal, peanuts, anchovies and cucumber, besides the eponymous coconut-flavoured rice and pandan leaves.
The interesting costume is designed by luxury womenswear fashion designer, Brian Khoo. The Malaysian describes his style as “refined, yet provocative and challenges classic styles whilst combining them with visually dramatic concepts,” in his website.
Khoo gave netizens a sneak peek of the dress concept a few days prior to the unveiling today. He posted a photo of a banana leaf and ruby beads, meant to represent sambal, teasing netizens on his Facebook page on Friday:
Counting down the days to the reveal of something very exciting. Stay tuned! #bybriankhoo
Posted by Brian Khoo on Friday, 27 October 2017
Miss Universe Malaysia 2017’s risque evening gown was also unveiled today: