The Perth designer who made Miss Universe Australia Rachael Finch's national costume says critics who savaged the gown don't understand fashion.
"I think negative criticism for the sake of it is like calling a diamond boring because it looks like glass," Ruth Tarvydas told ninemsn.
"The average Joe Blow wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two."
The sequined gown, dubbed "Sunset over the Opera House" has been labelled "hideous" and "tacky" by its detractors, with some even comparing it to costumes worn in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert.
But Ms Tarvydas, who also designed Rebecca Twigley's headline-grabbing dress for the Brownlow awards in 2004, said the dress had received rave reviews from those in the know.
"I have had lots of calls from top fashion designers in London and all over the world that really love it, they think it's hot," she said.
Ms Tarvydas said the feedback had been so positive she was even considering producing a commercial version of the gown.
Ms Finch will wear the gown when she travels to the Bahamas next month to contest the title alongside beauties from other countries.
The designer said criticism came with the territory when making high-profile creations and helped "keep her on her toes".
"I think there is a percentage of people that just love to bag, and if they get enjoyment out of it, then I say go right ahead."
Ms Tarvydas said she would not necessarily agree with some other people's vision of what Miss Finch's national costume should be.
"I'm sure some would like me to build a BBQ over her and put sausages on her head, maybe that's their idea of how Australia should be portrayed."
Despite the criticism, Finch is reportedly impressed with the gown.
"My goodness that woman (Tarvydas) is magnificent," she was quoted recently as saying.
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