Winner of Australian Miss Universe Laura Dundovic will wear Jayson Brunsdon's version of our national costume at the international pageant in Vietnam next month.
The competition will be held at Nha Trang in Vietnam, with the international final to take place on July 14.
Dundovic's flowing gown is inspired by Australia's sun, surf and desert and is an elegant departure from previous Miss Universe outfits which included Crocodile Dundee hats and surf life saving gear.
"Rather than drawing inspiration from Australian characters, such as
surfers and shearers, I want to express the natural elements of the
country - the colour and shape to create a beautiful sweeping gown that
will comment on the sea, sand and desert," Brunsdon said.
Dundovic, 21, described the gown as "very comfy" and "very flattering".
"Most of them are very corsetty, I've got a lot of freedom in this one," she said.
Kim Busteed, Australia's 2007 contestant, wore a surf lifesaver costume, while Erin McNaught wore a khaki outback-themed outfit in 2006 and Michelle Guy sported a Crocodile Dundee-style hat in 2005.
Dundovic said she was excited, but would miss her boyfriend of three years Brock McDermott.
"He's a really lovely boy. I'm just not going to see him for a month and a half now," she said.