Sashing Ceremony Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 Held, Finalists Will Undergo a Series of Activities in Yogyakarta

Kapanlagi.com - Officially started, a series of activities for Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia (MMBI) 2024 second edition has been opened in Yogyakarta. The Sashing Ceremony event, held on Saturday, (04/05/2024), marks the inauguration of the finalists following the tradition of attaching the MMBI sash.

This event was held at the Royal Ambarukmo Hotel complex with a Javanese cultural theme. Ivan Gunawan, the founder of Yayasan Mega Bintang Indonesia and holder of 6 licenses for world beauty pageants, personally conceptualized the event.

Meanwhile, Ritassya Wellgreat, the winner of the Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2023 pageant, was appointed to attach the sash to the finalists. Ritassya Wellgreat's appearance looked very charming. The 50 finalists were also elegant in their kebaya. Curious about their pictures? Check them out here, KLovers.

1. Appearance of the Finalists

Portrait of Ritassya Wellgreat and the finalists of Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 (credit: Personal Documentation of Mega Bintang Indonesia Foundation)

Before the sash ceremony of Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia, the 50 finalists from 15 regions in Indonesia took turns on the runway. The accompaniment of gamelan music added a strong Javanese cultural atmosphere.

On the other hand, Ivan Gunawan revealed that the preparations of the finalists for the event were extraordinary. They had been doing their makeup since three in the morning. Meanwhile, the invited guests appeared fascinated by the appearance of the finalists wearing kebaya-themed attire, Gadis Kretek. Dominated by kebaya janggan with a combination of batik fabric, the finalists showcased the beauty of the fashion design at the Sashing Ceremony in a captivating way.

"What's unique about Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 is that from the first day to the last, the clothes are from the finalists. The clothes are made by designers from their respective regions. Earlier, the concept was actually Gadis Kretek. Black kebaya, with their own style and demeanor." Ivan Gunawan expressed when interviewed by Kapanlagi.com, on Saturday, (04/05/2024).

2. Winner of Best Kebaya and Best Walk at the Sashing Ceremony

Portrait of the winners of the best kebaya and best walk at the Sashing Ceremony of Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 (credit: Personal Documentation of Yayasan Mega Bintang Indonesia)

Apparently, since the beginning of the Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 series of activities, Ivan Gunawan as the only judge has provided evaluations. Including, in this sashing ceremony event held at Gadri Royal Ambarukmo.

"In this event, there is no panel of judges, I am the only judge. I didn't involve anyone else to be a judge, later on the 12th there will be guest judges but they will choose the best evening gown and best culture festival. It's not the individual's character that is assessed, only what is visible to the eye." Ivan Gunawan explained.

Two finalists were finally chosen as the winners of the best kebaya and best appearance. This assessment system apparently was given by observing their appearance. For the Best Kebaya category, Olla Levina representing DKI Jakarta 2 managed to win first place. Meanwhile, Anindya Gupita representing DIY 2 won the Best Walk category. Both finalists finally received prizes in the form of an iPhone 15.

3. Series of Activities in Yogyakarta

Moment Sashing Ceremony Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 (credit: Personal Documentation of Mega Bintang Indonesia Foundation)

The finalists of Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 conducted activities in Yogyakarta from May 3, 2024, to May 7, 2024. On the first day, the finalists participated in a welcoming event with a festive atmosphere. Various costumes were showcased with their respective uniqueness.

The finalists of Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 also attended a welcoming dinner held at Pendopo Agung, Royal Ambarukmo. In addition to the welcoming dinner and sashing ceremony, there are a series of activities that the 50 finalists of MMBI 2024 will participate in Kota Pelajar, including the Culture Parade Fashion Show at Candi Sewu.

Furthermore, during the quarantine period, the finalists of Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 will also visit several popular places in Yogyakarta. Moreover, the finalists will be accompanied by Gusti Bendara for a city tour of Yogyakarta.

4. Differences between Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 and Previous Editions

Difference Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 second edition (credit: Personal Documentation of Mega Bintang Indonesia Foundation)

Unlike last year, this Culture Parade Fashion Show became a new segment from the previous edition. Candi Sewu was chosen as the location for the Culture Parade due to Ivan Gunawan's interest in the place. Previously, the designer born in 1981 admitted to having surveyed several temple tourism sites in Yogyakarta to hold the Culture Parade Fashion Show.

"Then I also have a new segment, culture festival. So I made festival evening gowns, grand ones, but using Indonesian elements, that's what makes it different. There is no national costume, last year there was a sportswear competition which is canceled this year." said Ivan Gunawan.

Several famous designers collaborated, such as Maison Baaz Couture, Deden Siswanto, and Julianto. In addition, the finalists will also wear batik fabric gowns designed by fashion designer Iwan Tirta. The fashion collection worn by the finalists will be exhibited at the Iwan Tirta store. And, the profits from the sales will be donated to batik craftsmen.

5. Preparation Towards Grand Final

Portrait of the 50 finalists of Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 after the sash pinning (credit: Personal Documentation of Mega Bintang Indonesia Foundation)

Carrying the tagline It's Time To Shine, the event Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 will continue its activities in Jakarta. The event in the capital will take place from May 7, 2024, to May 19, 2024.

What's special is that the finalists from Yogyakarta to Jakarta are known to use train transportation. Not only that, the finalists of MMBI 2024 will also hold a fashion show on the train.

"On May 7, the journey from Yogyakarta to Jakarta, we will have a fashion show on the train," said Ivan Gunawan.

The grand final of Miss Mega Bintang Indonesia 2024 is known to be held on May 19, 2024, at Istora Senayan. To watch it, the event will be exclusively broadcasted through Vidio.com.

(kpl/nlw)