Tarvydas chosen to design Miss Universe Australia's National Costume for World Pageant

THE designer of Rachael Finch's all-important national costume has been unveiled. Perth designer Ruth Tarvydas has been chosen to create the costume, which Rachael will wear on stage at the Miss Universe final in the Bahamas in August. The costume will be `sexy, exciting, thrilling and beautiful', Ms Tarvydas said. She would not let any details slip about the dress, but said she was very excited to take up the challenge. "It's a big secret and it's so exciting," she said. "We're thrilled with the chance to create this beautiful costume and we've put a lot of effort into it." The Perth-based designer is most famous for designing Rebecca Twigley's red dress for the Brownlow Medal in 2004 and Jessica Bratich's stunning Allan Border Medal gown this year.

Ms Tarvydas said she would be using shapes from a famous Australian icon for the national costume but would not give away any hints. "It's a secret to Rachael as well," she said. "I'm just thrilled to design for her, she is gorgeous, she is natural, she has an electric smile and a captivating face." She said they would be meeting with Rachael at the end of this month and revealing the dress to Australia on July 21 at a gala event in Melbourne.

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