In Naomi's design for the Miss Universe crown, batik and orchids appear robust and contemporary - read more
The Miss Universe celebrations culminate with the crowning of the winner. The winner will keep the crown for a year until a new one is selected, so it’s not simply a fleeting moment of pride. In this most prominent international pageant, the crown is a symbol of triumph and is therefore extremely significant.
And when the crown, as the main symbol, is entrusted to the creation of a local designer, is undoubtedly a source of pride. This accolade went to Indonesian jewellery designer Naomi Julia Soegianto. The task of designing the crowns for Miss Universe Singapore, Miss Universe Indonesia, and Miss Universe Hong Kong fell to her. This marks Miss Universe Indonesia’s second crown, following 2024. For Naomi, this trust is both an honour and a major challenge.
Teratai Nusantara
Naomi was invited to base her design on either the Lotus or Garuda motif by the MUI (Miss Universe Indonesia) organizers last year. Naomi selected Lotus, citing it as a representation of Indonesian women’s softness and strength.
“I actually had a lot of resources at the time that I could learn from the crowns of prior years. But I decided to start from scratch and consider the Miss Universe concept that may be expressed through a design with a lotus motif,” Naomi stated.
As a woman from Indonesia, Naomi is aware of the tremendous impact that women can have on the world and their surroundings. “A woman’s gentleness and compassion will shine even brighter when accompanied by a strong personality, intelligence, broad insight, open-mindedness, and independence,” she stated.
She created the Teratai Nusantara, the 2024 MUI crown, with that in mind. With intricate Indonesian accents, the design is incredibly feminine and beautiful while projecting a strong, contemporary image. “I was given total creative license by the organizers, who only offered size guidelines. This independence was essential because it helped me create with total fun and concentration.
Batik & Orchid for The Universe
Naomi has once again gained the confidence to design the Miss Universe Singapore and Hong Kong crowns in addition to the Miss Universe Indonesia crown this year.
The crown’s theme for the 2025 MUI pageant, which takes place this September, is “Jiwanta,” which translates to “a tranquil soul” in Sanskrit. Batik, a significant part of Indonesian culture, served as the inspiration for the lovely decorations.
The exquisite qualities of the Indonesian people—nobility of character, knowledge, tenacity in the face of adversity, and patience—are embodied in Jiwanta’s crown design. a philosophy that is pertinent to the state of the world today.
Since the Miss Universe Singapore crown will be worn outside of Indonesia, it was an exciting challenge. To determine the ideal design ethos, Naomi had extensive conversations with the organizers.
“According to them, Singaporeans find this year especially significant as it commemorates the nation’s 60th anniversary of independence. I then inquired as to what well-known emblem best embodies Singapore. And they said, ‘Orchid.’ They also desired a bright, contemporary style rather than a traditional one.”
Naomi then created a crown with sixty ornaments in the shape of orchids. The organizers’ wishes were reflected in the contemporary design, which looked like a diamond.
Naomi conducted in-depth interviews to capture the essence of women in that East Asian nation in order to win the title of Miss Universe Hong Kong. Hong Kong women prefer simplicity and practicality, are independent, nimble, and diplomatic. Hard labor, intelligence, efficiency, and high mobility are characteristics of their lifestyle.
“I designed the crown with a simple, very modern look, yet elegant and sturdy.”
Silver, gold, and other stones, such as Swarovski zircons, are among the materials Naomi utilizes. A very artistic design that reflects both local culture and global taste is produced by the harmonic combination of white and yellowish gold.
By: Kazuri Team |Photo: Courtesy of Tim Muara Bagdja
2025-09-10