Principles of Aesthetics of Indonesian National Costumes in the Miss Universe Pageant: The Chronicle of Borobudur

Abstract

The national costumes showcased in beauty pageants differ from the pre-existing national attire of a country. Indonesia has been participating in the Miss Universe pageant for a long time, showcasing various national costumes. However, it was only in 2014 that Indonesia was able to achieve the Best National Costume award with the national costume themed after the Borobudur Temple, known as “The Chronicle of Borobudur,” created by Dynand Fariz and the Jember Fashion Carnaval team. The national costume is of utmost importance as it serves as a representation of the nation it represents, therefore, every element incorporated should reflect that nation. Based on this achievement, the Indonesian national costume, “The Chronicle of Borobudur,” possesses its own beauty, which will be analysed using the aesthetic principles put forth by DeWitt H. Parker’s six aesthetic principles, namely: 1) The principle of organic unity, signifies that there is a connection between the different elements of costume design, 2) The principle of theme, where the costume is based on a main idea, with the primary source of inspiration being the Borobudur Temple, 3) The principle of thematic variation, where the costume represents the atmosphere of a sunset and incorporates additional ideas inspired by the reliefs found in the Borobudur Temple, 4) The principle of balance, showcasing the harmonious fusion of the inspirations derived from the Borobudur Temple, resulting in a beautiful and balanced work of art, 5) The principle of evolution, where the costume begins with the concept of the silhouette taken from the upper-class women depicted in the reliefs of the Borobudur Temple. It is then supplemented with other design elements aimed at completing the formation of a character and conveying a specific meaning to the audience. and 6) The principle of hierarchy in the costume lies in the meaning and representation of the Indonesian nation that it aims to convey.