WHEN Australia's Miss Universe representative takes to the stage in Russia next year, she might be wearing a dress designed right here in the Redlands.
Budding Alexandra Hills fashion designer Brandon Bazley's wattle-themed gown has been shortlisted as one of four dresses under consideration for Australia's Miss Universe to wear at next year's international pageant.
It's now up to the public to decide which dress Australia's Miss Universe, Olivia Wells, will wear, with a poll running on the Sunrise website until Thursday.
Brandon is the dark horse in the competition; this is the first design he has ever entered into any competition.
The 20-year-old is currently working three jobs to save up for tuition at a design school in Sydney next year and conceived the idea for the dress over two days.
"When I got the news I'd been shortlisted I was speechless at first," he said.
"Even if I don't win, even getting nominated is a massive coup less than 12 months into my career."
Brandon based his design on the wattle, which reminded him of life growing up on the Darling Downs.
"They're our floral emblem and also show off the national green and gold symbol," he said.
"Whenever athletes represent Australia they're wearing the green and gold, so it should be the same elsewhere on the international stage."
The winner will be announced live on Sunrise on Monday, September 30 and will travel to Moscow to see the international pageant.
More than 70,000 people voted in last year's competition, prompting Mr Bazley to ask the local community for as much support as possible.
Get behind the Redlands designer and lodge your vote
