Avatar-esque Miss World Australia national costume sparks criticism

Miss World Australia, Jessica Kahawaty

The Aboriginal culture-inspired bodysuit for Miss World Australia, Jessica Kahawaty has copped the thumbs-down from fashion experts.

Some critics said that it looked more circus than serious fashion.

“I never knew Egyptian sea urchins were Australian? The creators of Avatar called, they want their catsuit back,” one critic said.

“I can’t see the connection to Australia in this – it has a little too much Cirque du Soleil for my liking.”

While another critic described it as: “Avatar going to the beach in a red sarong.”

Kahawaty, 23, unveiled the outfit at a charity high tea in Melbourne as she continues preparations before the 62nd Miss World pageant in Mongolia next month.

Designer Julie Sufi, of Belluccio, said the outfit was inspired by Aboriginal art.  “It was a bit hard determining what a national costume is because we don’t have one,” Ms Sufi said.

Source: Jackie Epstein, The Daily Telegraph