Miss Universe slammed for dress choice

Miss Universe New Zealand has been criticised for her choice of dress in the national costume category of the beauty pageant.

Ria van Dyke, who is currently in Las Vegas taking part in the international show, caused controversy by wearing a black dress by American designer Sherry Helen America.

The model did, however, wear a headpiece and cuffs designed by local designer Natalie Chan.

A director for the New Zealand section of the competition told AAP: "I was very upset about the fact that it was not a national costume. It was just a black dress with bling bling on it. Thank God we had a headpiece by Natalie Chan."

Van Dyke has previously said that she found it difficult to find enough clothes to take with her to the pageant.