May 21 is the Miss Universe Costume Competition and Mia’s ‘Jewel of the Rainforest’ designed by veteran Guyanese costume designer, Mr. Bernard Ramsay, sure looks a winner.

Ramsay’s creation, which represents the rich and beautiful rainforest of Guyana, put together by local designer Pat Coates, features the unique 741-foot single drop waterfall, which is 822 feet above sea level.

The costume, designed in various shades of green and trimmed in gold and silver, is a snug body hugging mini dress decorated with a spray of leaves along the front and back and is attached to a bikini top with a single shoulder strap.

Below the bikini-style top, the sides are cut away to just above the waistline curve, exposing a bit of the body’s mid-section.

The bottom part of the skirt is cut deep to the top of the left hip, which is loosely covered by three large leaves decorated with gold veins and braided edges.

Flowing from under the leaf-decorated skirt, is a thin emerald green see through chiffon.

The main feature of the costume is the magnificent Kaieteur Falls, hand painted and richly glittered on a dark green cape edged with silver plaited braid.

Like a ‘Jewel of the Rainforest’, this spectacular waterfall is revealed only when the left hand is fully opened in line with the shoulder.

Completing the costume is the headdress, which is of an exotic pink orchid on the front and a yellow one at the back, mounted on a richly decorated base of gold and silver, representing Guyana’s rich mineral wealth.

When Pat Coates asked him to design the costume, Ramsay said he got “immediate inspiration” and sketched the design the very day he was approached.

The design would have cost about $80, 000, but Creative Advertising Agency, of which Ramsay is Managing Director, is not asking for the money, presenting the design as its gift to Mia.

With a beautiful costume, fabulous wardrobe, expert training, will Mia prove to be the Jewel of the Universe on May 29? (Neil Marks)