Beauty hopes dress is a cut above
It's been known to cause controversy in the past but this year the decision of what reigning Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin will wear on the international beauty stage in December is in the hands of the public.
The national costume worn by our Miss Universe entrant is supposed to represent what it means to be an Aussie but the final creation often leaves the nation divided.
So these days the outfit is chosen by the public, with designers encouraged to create a look and enter it into Seven Sunrise's national costume competition.
Finalists are selected by a panel, then those looks are open to a public vote.
In 2012, the public picked a white-and-gold dress for Perth's Renae Ayris inspired by the sails of the Sydney Opera house.
"We are trying to steer away from anything daggy this year," Martin said yesterday about what design she was hoping would win.
"We want it to be sexy, playful, sassy, still innovative and something that reflects our nation.
"We don't want it to be an evening gown."
Designers can submit their entry until July 25 via the Sunrise website, and then the final decision will be made by the public.
