Reigning Miss Singapore Bernadette Belle Wu Ong, who is competing for the title of Miss Universe, just used the prestigious platform to make a powerful statement against racism. The 27-year-old wore a red and white cape with the words “Stop Asian hate” painted on it. “What is this platform for if I can’t use it to send a strong message of resistance against prejudice and violence! Thank you #MissUniverse for giving me this opportunity!” she wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the look. She wore a sequinned red monokini with dramatic sleeves-one red and the other white-and paired it with knee-length boots. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe Singapore 🇸🇬 (@bernadettebelle) Bernadette’s national costume was inspired by Singapore’s national flag, which, she said, symbolises unity for all and social harmony in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and inter-religious country. The costume, hand-painted by Paulo Espinosa was designed by Arwin Meriales. The colours red and white also had a symbolic meaning, the pageant winner revealed. “The red represents equality for all. White symbolises everlasting virtue. Singapore is a place for all races and they are very proud to be Asian.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe Singapore 🇸🇬 (@bernadettebelle) The costume was made in just two days, Bernadette further revealed. "I reached out to Filipino designer @arwin_meriales04 to create a design of my own and he executed! When he offered to get @kuyapawlo to hand paint something at the back I knew straight away that it had to be about the movement revolving racial spite and prejudice!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe Singapore 🇸🇬 (@bernadettebelle) She added, "Given the slim timeframe we had to get it sent from the Philippines to Singapore before I flew out to the US, I’d say this is a HUGE win for everyone! We got our message across loud and clear! Thanks for roaring back at us with love and praise!" For more lifestyle news, follow us: Twitter: lifestyle_ie | Facebook: IE Lifestyle | Instagram: ie_lifestyle
