MISS WORLD HOPEFUL IS BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL
THE Gold Coast’s Miss World Australia, Taylah Cannon, put the petal to the metal yesterday to unveil the latest bizarre national costume for the international beauty pageant.
Australia’s “national costume” for the event has a history of dividing opinion.
The latest design, inspired by our native waratah flower, features a sheer bodice with appliques of lace and Swarovski diamonds, with a skirt draped to represent the shape of the flower.
Its Sydney-based designer Joseph Sayadi admits the dress won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but hopes favour will blossom.
“I think it was a bit of a risk,” he said.
“I think a lot of people will think ‘Oh it’s a bit revealing’ but I think she looks amazing in it and it’s good to take a risk and see what people think.”
Cannon, 23, said she wanted the costume based on a flower as it was more culturally sensitive than featuring Aboriginal art.
“It’s quite different compared to some of the other ones we’ve seen so I’m really excited to wear it,” she said.
The pageant’s National Director Deborah Miller said the national costume is always “controversial” and this year is no different.
Cannon will take to the stage in the ensemble at the 68th Miss World pageant in Sanya, China on December 8.
Cannon is among the favourites to take out the crown. The last Australian winner was Belinda Green in 1972.