Whatever one's personal views of the Miss Universe contest, to be held in Las Vegas later this month, it seems the outlandish outfit designed to represent Australia has caused more than a little disquiet on home soil.
Jesinta Campbell, who will represent her country in the competition defends the outfit - which includes a pair of 'bang on trend' Ugg boots- thus:
"Part of our Australian identity is our indigenous heritage and it was so important that it was included in the national costume," she said.
"An Aboriginal artist hand-painted my swimsuit, which is the base of the outfit, which is very special.
"I have a little sheepskin shrug, which I think is very Australian – very Outback"However, others have been less convinced, calling the odd combination of a lambswool shrug, brown handpainted swimsuit and flamenco style skirt a 'travesty' and a 'national joke'.
Hmmm. Some welcome publicity for an increasingly dated and exploitative competition perhaps.
Read the full story in the Telegraph.
