Divita Rai, representing India at the Miss Universe pageant, turned heads in a stunning dress for the national costume round that symbolized “sone ki chidiya (golden bird)” – a term used for the country for its erstwhile massive wealth.
Designed by Abhishek Sharma, the outfit is a gold choli, white and gold lehenga with two giant gold wings attached to Rai – that she flapped as she took centrestage.
Watch her walk on stage:
“The National Costume is inspired by the ethereal portrayal of India as the golden bird which is a symbol of the wealth of our rich cultural heritage along with the spiritual essence of living in harmony with diversity,” Sharma wrote on his Instagram page with stunning photos of Divita Rai in costume.
Sharma wrote about the costume: “The lehenga is made from a hand-woven tissue fabric from the Chandheri District of Madhya Pradesh with the drape representing the image of a modern India.”
“The intense gold metallic hand embellishments are a true example of the finest craftsmanship of our artisans,” he added.
See some photos here:
The Miss Universe pageant is scheduled for tomorrow and over 80 countries will be competing for the crown at the Ernest N. Moral Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, US.
Divita Rai is an architect and model by profession. India's Harnaaz Sandhu is the reigning Miss Universe and will crown the new winner on stage.
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