National Costume for Miss Universe Singapore (2022)

The much-beloved icon of Singapore, Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid flower, embodies Singapore’s strengths and character through our diversity, and served as an inspiration for our design for the National Costume for Miss Singapore in 2022.

Design and Fabrication: Baëlf Design and Frederick Lee

Photography: Jeff Chang Studio

National Director: Valerie Lim

Producer: Low Hwee Lee

Seeing this national symbol in a new light, we imagined the islands of Singapore composed of the five-fold petals of an orchid draping the upper torso of Miss Universe Singapore. By using computation to grow organic, veinlike structures, these petals form a high-rising collar as well as gracefully outstretched wings, all sensually enveloping the body in a lightweight, white 3D printed lattice. Ultimately, the 5 petals unite to compose the unmistakable silhouette of the islands of Singapore.

The Orchid Fascinator perched on Miss Universe Singapore Carissa Yap is also 3D printed. We invented a composite making process that allowed the material to be sculpted freely by hand and maintaining their resulting shape. This allowed Carissa to easily by hand shape the petals on both fascinator and dress to best accentuate her silhouette.

This project is in collaboration with Singapore Couturier Frederick Lee, who crafted the inner elegant sequin bodysuit and provided creative guidance. Our white florals accentuates the sensual, deep red of the underlying bodysuit, with eye-catching red sequins glittering through as sharp highlights.

This costume was showcased at the 71st Miss Universe Pageant costume segment in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, on 14th January 2023.

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