Australia's Maria Thattil to wear 'Black Swan' national costume at the 69th Miss Universe

Miss Universe Australia 2020 Maria Thattil will showcase a black swan-inspired national costume in the upcoming 69th Miss Universe pageant in Florida, USA.

The costume weighs about 9 kilograms. It was constructed with a total of 105 feathers that were hand-cut from stiffened lightweight fabric and edge bound.

Designer Nicola Yeung worked closely with engineer Stuart Bryce of Dugite Designs, who was the mechanical mastermind behind the kinetics. The upper feathers spin, run by a small motor attached to the back.

The black swan is a native Australian bird, the emblem of West Australia, and a symbol of hope.

Up until the 16th century, swans were widely believed to be invariably white, so much so that the phrase “black swan” was coined to describe an unpredictable event that is beyond what is normal for a situation.

"Following its discovery, the black swan is a symbol of the unexpected and overcoming the impossible. It symbolizes the beauty and wonder in being open for change," Maria shared on her official social media page.

"As the black swan defied generalized assumptions, similarly, I have challenged many norms in order to stand as Miss Universe Australia, and believe in breaking barriers and expectations of women and people of color in society," she added.

"It is imperative that I embody this symbolism of the Black Swan because it is in line with the true Australian spirit of challenging molds to be more inclusive and open to all."

Photos: Ben Adams