Kiran’s towering aspiration

Dazzling display: Kiran showcasing the Twin Towers-themed costume she will be wearing at the pageant in the Philippines.

KUALA LUMPUR: The glittering Twin Towers that brought much fame to Malaysia has become the inspiration for Miss Universe Malaysia’s national costume.

Reigning Miss Universe Malaysia 2016 Kiran Jassal will be showcasing the iconic towers on the world stage through a custom-made jumpsuit designed by Rizman Ruzaini.

“We’ve got something special that has not been done before.

“This is a huge risk but a worthy one,” said Miss Universe Malaysia Organisation national director Elaine Daly about the costume and gown.

The silver and nude coloured piece wraps Kiran in more than 100,000 hand-sewn Swarovski crystals.

There are tower-shaped laser-cut metal shoulder panels pointing skywards with a crystal-encrusted choker symbolising the sky-bridge between the actual towers.

All this is embellished with geometric designs representing the country’s traditional basket weaving craft.

Kiran’s stunning mermaid-cut Preliminary Evening Gown for the 65th Miss Universe Pageant in the Philippines was also unveiled at Marini’s on 57 here yesterday.

With the motto “You can’t score without goals”, Kiran is all geared up to represent Malaysia in the finale.

“The pageant has changed my life in every aspect.

“Before it, I was quite a reserved and timid person but now I’ve become more open and outgoing.

“The costume symbolises our Twin Towers on my shoulders, it has me bursting with pride because it is the icon that best represents Malaysia,” she said.

She said the weight of the costume was secondary to how she feels about being able to represent the country.

Kiran will also be bringing with her a satin Swarovski Kuala Lumpur Scarf, featuring an illustration of the city’s skyline by Malaysian brand dUCk Scarves as the National Gift for auction at the pageant.

Also, there will be a contest for pageant fans who stand a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip for two to the Philippines to watch the finale on Jan 29.

To participate, viewers will have to log on at www.hurr.tv and watch Episode 39 of Kiran’s Diary on Jan 10, answer a question and submit a slogan. The contest ends on Jan 16.

For more details, go to http://missuniversemalaysia.com.my/.