Another controversy has added up to the most talked about edition of Miss Universe 2020. The competition recently concluded but has been facing a lot of criticism and backlash from the followers of the pageant and supporters of delegates from around the world, ever since.

A recent development from the pageant that has surfaced is the controversy around Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza’s winning costume, of it being stolen from Kuwait-based Lebanese designer Nadim Soudaiha. The shimmery red fringe gown worn by Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza from Mexico while being crowned on May 16, 2021 was allegedly copied from a gown designed by him.

“Actually the international media found out the dress that Miss Universe was wearing during the ceremony was copied from my design, but in a different color,” said Nadim as he addressed the situation as he was surprised by the intellectual theft of one of his gowns, which he designed four years ago.

Pictures of Soudaiha’s golden gown were posted in 2017 were posted on his personal social account as well as on that of his brand La Bourjoisie’s. He also shared the process of making the gown as he said, “It took me around 10 days to design this dress that was made from tulle with Swarovski crystals and fringe beads.” On the other hand Ivis Lenin who designed Andrea’s gown had shared that the magnificent haute couture dress took him almost a year to be put together as the silk tulle attire was hand-embroidered with more than 40,000 crystals.

While the latter hasn’t commented on the situation yet, Nadim is saddened that his design appeared at a huge event like Miss Universe but his name was not mentioned. “On the other hand, there is a positive side to the story – that my designs have reached faraway places, and although this design was old, it was copied for such a big occasion. I have mixed feelings towards what happened,” he added.

According to Soudaiha, this story gets more interesting as he is originally from Mexico and the newly crowned Miss Universe Andrea Meza as well as his costume designer for the finale are also Mexicans. The industry now awaits for Ivis’ side of the story but the resemblance between the designs of the gowns is certainly uncanny.