Miss Costa Rica changes costume over national symbol controversy

San Jose, Jan 12 (EFE). —  Miss Costa Rica 2014, Karina Ramos, is to participate in the Miss Universe 2015 contest in a traditional costume different from the one that was initially chosen for her which displayed the national coat of arms.

The organizers of Miss Costa Rica announced Sunday that designer Daniel Moreira would design another dress which should be in Miami before January 21, the day she is expected to present it before the judges.

“To calm the concerns of the people and avoid offending anyone, the organization will send another traditional costume,” the image director of the televised event and the organization of Miss Costa Rica, Gabriela Alfaro, told the online news agency Teletica.

The traditional costume of the Costa Rican candidate was criticized on celebrity and social networking sites because it bore the Costa Rican coat of arms on the chest which is illegal.

The new dress which Karina Ramos will wear will trumpet Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and the design will be handpainted by the designer himself.

Miss Universe 2015 will be held on January 25 in Miami and has raised hopes in Costa Rica of Ramos’ chances following attention on the candidate by international media.