Francisca unveils national costume and evening gown for Miss Universe finals

Miss Universe Malaysia 2020 Francisca Luhong James showed off the ‘Kampungku’ national costume and evening gown at a media preview in Vogue Lounge, Kuala Lumpur on April 27, 2021.

The 25-year-old Sarawak native will be wearing the outfits for the National Costume and Evening Gown portions of the Miss Universe competition set to take place in Hollywood, Florida, USA on May 16, 2021.

The 69^th edition of the Miss Universe competition was postponed amid coronavirus pandemic from last year (originally scheduled on May 16, 2020) to this year at the same venue.

Inspired by traditional Malay village houses, the ‘Kampungku’ (which means My Village) national costume was designed by Malaysia’s renowned international couture designer Carven Ong, who also designed last year’s national costume called ‘Peranakan Indulgence’ worn by Miss Universe Malaysia 2019 Shweta Sekhon.

The traditional Malay kampung house evokes a sense of nostalgia and brings childhood memories of growing up in a village setting before migrating to the city.

The national costume is revealed in two outfits – a black and white kaftan with a bicycle headpiece and an orange gown with a Borneo doll headpiece.

Francisca first appeared wearing a black and white batik kaftan dress, and with the perfect headpiece in the shape of a bicycle, matching the 3D kampung house replica, illustrated in shades of black and white.

The colour scheme symbolizes the sweet memory of one’s youth while the motif on the dress is inspired by the Sarawak ‘pua’ ceremonial cloth as well as Orang Ulu and Malay batik print.

Francisca unveiling the batik black-and-white kaftan dress against a matching kampung backdrop.

The batik black-and-white kaftan with a bicycle-shaped headpiece.

The outfit features the Sarawak ‘pua’ ceremonial cloth and Orang Ulu and Malay batik motifs.

Francisca went inside the house which then rotated to reveal the reverse side, bringing the kampung scene to life in colour, complete with replica chickens and coconut tree. She emerged from the house wearing a vibrant off-shoulder orange gown and a Borneo doll by Wesley Hilton making up the whimsical-looking headpiece.

The orange gown represents a stunning sunset and the gold ‘kerawang’ wooden beads reflects Francisca’s Sarawakian heritage.

Weighing 45kg, the whole costume and headpieces took over three months to complete.

Francisca unveiling the second outfit for the national costume – an orange gown with a Borneo Doll headpiece.

The orange gown representing a stunning evening sunset.

The whimsical-looking Borneo Doll headpiece features a ‘Francisca’ doll with an identical down and crown.

Francisca will walk onto the international stage in her national costume.

For the evening gown, Francisca, who is of Kayan, Kenyah and Iban ethnicity, wears an ombre turquoise gown created by designer duo Rizman and Ruzaini who were inspired by Sarawakian folklore of Princess Sejinjang.

The hourglass silhouette and high slit on the front allow Francisca to radiate confidence as a strong and beautiful front-runner when she walks on stage.

Francisca reveals the ombre turquoise evening gown for the Miss Universe pageant.

Francisca looked amazing in her turquoise evening gown.

Francisca giving the dress a head-turning look.

Francisca is set to turn heads with this stunning evening gown at the pageant in the United States.

Miss Universe Malaysia Organization (MUMO) national director Datin Elaine Daly said fans who want to show their support for Francisca can vote for her into the Top 21 at the 69^th Miss Universe competition by downloading the Miss Universe official app and casting their votes now.

Carven Ong, Wendy Tan (Wescara), Rizman, Ruzaini, Miss Universe Malaysia 2019 Shweta Sekhon and Miss Grand Malaysia 2020 Jasebel Robert were among those present at the event which went on smoothly under strict standard operating procedure (SOP).

Also present was Malaysia supermodel Amber Chia, the founder and principal of Amber Chia Academy which is the official catwalk academy sponsor for Miss Universe Malaysia 2020.