Miss Universe Australia Olivia Rogers’ Opera House inspired national costume is ‘breathtaking’

IT didn’t take quite as long to construct as the real thing but this Sydney Opera House-inspired dress is still a work of art and our Miss Universe Australia can’t wait to show it to the world.

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IT didn’t take quite as long to construct as the real thing but this Sydney Opera House-inspired dress is still a work of art.

Designer Begitta Stolk’s creation will be centre stage at the Miss Universe competition in Las Vegas next month when it is worn by Australia’s contestant Olivia Rogers.

Miss Universe Australia Olivia Rogers in her Opera House-inspired national costume she will present to the world at the international pageant in Las Vegas. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The body-suit is covered in Swariovski crystals and the sails light up too. Picture: Justin Lloyd

It features a nude body-suit covered in pearls and Swarovski crystals, topped off by a light-up skirt with sails and sparkling replica fireworks inspired by the annual Vivid Light Festival.

The skirt took more than 100 hours to make.

“The Opera House is breathtaking,” Stolk said of the dress. “When I think of Australia, it immediately comes to mind and is the most iconic building known around the world.”

Tegan Martin in her Aboriginal inspired national costume in 2014. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

While in 2015, Monika Radulovic donned a Dame Edna Everage inspired gown with Opera House sail shoulder pads. Picture: Supplied

Rogers is thrilled with the outfit.

“I absolutely love it, I think it’s perfect and it’s really comfortable as well,” the speech therapist said.

There are two LED projectors built into the dress and more than 500 individual lights.