#CosmoExclusive "How I Dressed Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu"

Early yesterday, we woke up to the happy news that the crown of Miss Universe 2021 has been won by a 21-year-old Indian girl, the lovely Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu. Previously crowned Miss Diva Universe, Harnaaz is the third entrant from India to bring home the pageant crown, and that too after 21 years. As she sashayed down the ramp and won the hearts of judges and audiences alike, Harnaaz wore 3 different outfits designed by Indian designers for various occasions of the event. Cosmo India spoke to designers Saisha Shinde, Abhinav Mishra and Pankaj and Nidhi to learn more about their experience of dressing the Miss Universe 2021 winner and take a closer look at the outfits she wore. 

Designer Saisha Shinde: The Gown that Won Her the Crown 

"I feel so honoured that I got to design this gown," shares Saisha,"especially because it was for Harnaaz, who is such an amazing woman, she is a girl with a heart of gold. The gown itself is a combination of silver and champagne, we wanted a gown that would make Harnaaz shine brighter. Keeping in mind that she is Miss India, we kept the design elegant and glamorous and avoided anything over the top. Having said that, the gown needed to have an element of strength and courage, it had to strike the right balance of both. It took us around 25 days to make the gown, from the sketching it to the embroidery to the final product. I hit it off with Harnaaz instantly and she trusted me blindly with her outfit, I have to give her credit for that. Keeping in mind her sensibility and the fact that she comes from Punjab, we created elements of the embroidery inspired by the Phulkari motif. However, we avoided a literal interpretation and tried to create a modern version of that by adding some geometric, symmetric elements so that she carried a touch of Punjab and India with her on her gown." 

Designer Abhinav Mishra: The Costume Round 

"When we were informed that the national costume will be celebrating the rich and illustrious class of India," shares Abhinav, "and the power behind the royal Indian queen, it was a great message for us as it resonated with our brand as we represent the modern women of today who celebrates her inner royalty and grace. We chose a delicate colour like pink to celebrate femininity however it holds strength and power too! It is our brand colour as well and we chose to show our signature intricate mirror work and gota patti work to showcase the fine craftsmanship of our country."

Designers Pankaj and Nidhi: A Memorable Entrance 

 "Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu wore our statement Rosenthum Orchid gown which is hand crafted on sheer orchid tulle and embellished in molten mosaic appliqué, share the designers. "We are thrilled beyond words to be a part of such a momentous occasion and are so proud of her representing India with beauty and dignity and for bringing back the crown after 21 years."