Miss Japan has caused outrage by wearing a kimono so short that it exposed her pink underwear.
Emiri Miyasaka, who will represent her country at the Miss Universe competition later this month, was bombarded with angry messages from the public after wearing the black leather outfit at a media conference.
A spokesperson for IBG Japan, which organises the event, is quoted as saying: "We are just surprised by the harsh comments from many people." They added that the kimono had originally been longer but was cut short in a last-minute decision by designers.
Beauty pageant trainer Ines Ligron later wrote on her blog: "The conservative and fashion dinosaurs are criticising her costume, meanwhile the fashionistas love it. I care only about the movers and shakers in the fashion industry.''
Organisers reportedly said that 25-year-old Miyasaka will be covering up more at media appearances from now on.