The costume of the Trump-Kim Summit is "a representation of what Singapore stands for": Miss Universe Singapore

SINGAPORE: The Trump-Kim summit may be over, but the historic event is back in the limelight thanks to an unlikely platform – the national costume of Miss Universe Singapore Zahra Khanum.

Revealed Thursday, November 29, the outfit presents an electric blue skirt with a hidden surprise: a huge digital print illustrating the historic handshake between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Miss Khanum will parade in the Miss Universe 2018 competition in Bangkok next month.

READ: In pictures: Walk to the historic Trump-Kim summit

The costume quickly attracted controversy. Many netizens wondered how the dress – with the flags of the United States and North Korea in her design – represented Singapore.

Addressing Channel NewsAsia, the 23-year-old responded to online criticism, saying the suit represented a "bigger" picture of what Singapore represents.

"I think it's a bigger picture than the one, it's just a representation of what Singapore stands for, peace in the world and the fact that Singapore seeks to build positive relationships with other countries. She said, "Singapore has been very successful in recent years and continues to do so."

"I think it's just an event that represents that," added Miss Universe's competitor. "I know this does not fully represent Singapore, as many would say, but I think it's a good representation of what Singapore has done and will continue to do in the future."

Designed by Mr. Moe Kasim of Moephosis Concepts in collaboration with Miss Universe's Singapore National Director, Nuraliza Osman, the costume also features large white feathered wings (reminiscent of a dove's wings), a symbol of peace scintillating on his bodice.

The different elements of the costume combine to embody world peace, said Miss Khanum. In addition, parts of the Singapore skyline, such as the Bay Gardens and Marina Bay Sands, are also depicted on the skirt.

"The story is that when you come to Singapore, you will come in from Changi Airport and then you will see all the scenery of the dress. So it's your view of the landscape upon your arrival in Singapore, "said Miss Khanum.

Compared with the national costumes of his predecessors – which include a LED "supertree" and a colorful wedding gown inspired by the Peranakan wedding, both also designed by Mr. Kasim – Ms. Khanum said that her costume had "a very different, "placing Singapore more of a global framework.

"I think the goal is very different, and I think the idea is also a bit broader," she said.

And how did her family and friends react when she showed them the costume?

"I think everyone was a little surprised (that's how) of what you said … like, how do you know this event would represent Singapore itself," she said. declared. "But I think they're all very happy that it's colorful and that it represents a kind of Singapore's diversity and architecture."

"WE HAVE BEEN A LITTLE HESITANT"

Costume designer Moephosis Concepts said she was "a bit hesitant" when she learned about the theme of the outfit.

"Earlier this year, when we were told that we needed to design something in the theme of this historic event, we were a little hesitant at first because we were well aware of the political sensibility that surrounds it," he said. writes the company in a Facebook message. . "But hi! # Challenge accepted."

"Singapore is widely known for its delicious cuisine, beautiful gardens and sunny smiles … and we believe this design will show the world that we love peace and that we are doing our part to promote unity and harmony." 39, friendship in the world, "said the company. added.

The Miss Universe 2018 Contest will be held in Bangkok, Thailand on December 17th.