It took seven students from the Hong Kong Design Institute to come up with the dress, but the “national costume” for this year’s Miss International Hong Kong has been largely panned by internet users since its unveiling on October 9.
But the response?
“Happy Halloween!” one user commented on the post. “Feel bad for the designers though. But sometimes the best design is to stick to tradition and timeless fashion! You want to represent HK well!”
Some even said the national costume reminded them of Kyogai, one of the primary antagonists in the Japanese anime Demon Slayer, with its pair of large circular shoulder embellishments, which feature the characters for “Hong Kong”.
Some did appreciate the students’ design though.
“Any dress would look beautiful when worn by a beauty. It is very Hong Kong, designers well done !!!!! Very eye catching! Admittedly I’d not be able to carry this dress!” one user wrote.
Leung is up against more than 70 representatives from around the world, at the end of which Miss International 2022 Jasmin Selberg of Germany will crown her successor at the Yoyogi National 2nd Gymnasium in Shibuya.
Leung is a fashion model who also runs a pet food bakery. The 25-year-old has received much praise from people online, unlike some of the contestants in the recent Miss Hong Kong 2023 pageant.
Hilary Chong, the champion, was harshly criticised online for not embodying the expected image of a winner, while first runner-up Lynn Wang became embroiled in a controversy surrounding a financial scandal in mainland China that allegedly involved her parents.
