Meet Moe Kasim: The Costume Maestro Who Got Caught in the Trump‑Kim Crossfire
Task: Design a national costume for Miss Universe Singapore that mirrors a landmark meeting between President Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un.
Result: Critics whining, the designer defending – a hot‑pot of drama, humor, and a dash of Singaporean pride.
What Went Down
The design debuted on 29 November: a glossy skirt featuring a handshake—one arm sporting the North Korean flag, the other the American flag—set against the iconic Singapore skyline.
The verdict? A swirl of “annoyingly ugly” comments floated across social media.
Why the Costume Got the Raw Deal
- People love to binge‑watch drama, especially when it’s about international politics.
- Designers often lose the spotlight when a theme feels too political.
- “A literal handshake? That’s the angle,” critics chided, confusing subtlety with a blatant statement.
How Moe Handles the Heat
At 48, Moe Kasim—owner of Moephosis Concepts and a Golden Horse Award nomination in 2007—stepped into the ring.
“I didn’t pick the Trump‑Kim theme; it was handed to us in June. When they told me it was the 2024 theme, I was like, ‘Wow, that’s a tightrope,’” he recounts.
“Once I got the brief, I dove into it with a mission: win hearts while keeping the design on point.”
His mantra? Respect the brief. Deliver creativity. He’s worked with many directors and producers across theatre and film, always aligning with the vision on offer.
Why the Handshake Was a “Literal” Decision
“Had I made it subtle, folks might think I was hiding a secret code,” he explains.
The design had to condense a whole summit into a single look—no room for pocket‑style metaphors.
In a beauty pageant, you’re expected to make a statement: bold, bright, unforgettable. That’s exactly what Moe tried for Singapore.
Facing Police‑Like Criticism with a Grown‑Up Attitude
Three consecutive years of designing national costumes? That’s a reputation for recurrent backlash.
Moe says he’s “psychologically ready” for all kinds of reactions. “We hear the cheers and hear the jeers; that’s how we grow.”
His secret sauce: listen, learn, and move forward. “When people love Singapore, they want to celebrate – and that is a great motivation.”
Down the Road: The Final Show‑down
The real star? A‑list Singaporean Miss Universe contender Zahra Khanum—24, fierce, and dressed to wow in Bangkok this December.
“Rally behind Zahra – she’s the beacon of our representation. She’ll shine and make us proud.”
Despite the storm, Moe remains unshaken by the controversy. “Costumes are my life,” he affirms, “and I’m ready for the next Miss Universe gig if you give it to me.”
Final Takeaway
Even when politics, art, and public opinion collide, designers like Moe keep moving forward. They’ll paint a canvas that stands for more than a single dinner table debate, showcasing the bold spirit that defines Singapore.
