Miss Grand Malaysia 2021, Lishalliny Kanaran, wins the crown for Best National Costume at the Miss Grand International show in Bangkok, Thailand last Friday.
Selangor native Lishalliny donned a black-and-gold traditional Malay attire, denoting a shaman which is also widely known in Malaysia as ‘bomoh’. The brains behind the immaculate design were by a local bridal boutique, Aldrin’s Artistry. It featured seven mannequins draped in blue and gold towering behind her, depicting the seven princesses of the local Terengganu folklore, Ulek Mayang. It’s estimated that the whole set weighed around 50kg.
Story evolves around seven ancient princesses, a fisherman and a shaman
According to Lishalliny and Aldrin, the outfit design is based on local mythology about a fisherman whose soul was stolen by one of the sea princesses, who fell in love with him. With the help of a bomoh, the fisherman’s soul is able to return to the body.
While Lishalliny portrayed the bomoh in black and gold, the dolls draped in blue and gold represented the seven princesses of Ulek Mayang.
Third time’s a charm
Miss Grand Malaysia 2021, Lishalliny Kanaran is a 24-year-old Architecture student from Shah Alam. She is no stranger to the pageant world as this is her third time competing for Miss Grand Malaysia. Lisha, who advocates for period poverty and children’s education, emerged as a winner at the national competition. This 175cm queen really proved that everything will come to us with great hard work and strong determination.
Congratulations Lishalliny and Aldrin’s Artistry!
Once again, congratulations to both Lishalliny and Aldrin’s Artistry! You may not win the grand final prize but you will always win Malaysians’ hearts with your determination and confidence.
Hope your achievements will inspire more creative Malaysians out there and remind them to never give up on their dreams.
