For a country so rich in fashion tradition, it’s quite a shame that Indonesia has only won the Best National Costume award once at the Miss Universe pageant (in 2014). But for the 2016 edition of Miss Universe, it would take an even more awesomely over-the-top effort from Indonesia’s rivals to produce a costume that could compete with this glorious Garuda gem:
That is the Garuda costume reigning Puteri Indonesia Kezia Warouw is going to wear during the national costumes segment of the 2016 Miss Universe pageant, which is going to be held in Manila on January 30.
Designed by Dynand Fariz, the Garuda costume is supposed to represent Indonesia’s “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity) national philosophy, the timing of which can’t be more relevant due to the rising levels of religious and ethnic tensions in the country.
We can’t help but notice that the costume kind of resembles the battle armor worn by Wonder Woman in DC Comics’ Kingdom Come series, which of course only adds to its awesomeness.
We hope Kezia can kick ass like Wonder Woman in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, by at least winning the Best National Costume award, or, better yet, winning the whole thing altogether.
Correction: “Miss Universe 2017” was corrected to “Miss Universe 2016” in the headline.
