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As pageant aficionados know, she's the only Miss Singapore to have cracked the Top 10 of the international Miss Universe contest, which was hosted in Singapore that year.
And millions all over the world saw Marion parade Hayden Ng's (right) red frou-frou frock during the evening gown segment.
Twenty-two years on, Hayden - now a prominent local fashion designer - is back on the Miss Singapore Universe (MSU) circuit.
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| STAND OUT FOR SINGAPORE? Miss Singapore Universe Rachel Kum says it was like love at first sight when she tried on the gown, which took three months to construct. PICTURES: DP PHOTOGRAPHY, THE STRAITS TIMES |
He has custom-made reigning Miss Singapore Universe Rachel Kum's national evening gown, which she'll wear at this year's finals held in Bahamas on 24Aug.
While previous local delegates opted for safer hues like black and red, this apple-green silk-chiffon number is hand-beaded with multi-coated sequins and boasts a plunging cowl back and rounded train.
The gown, which took three months to construct, will be available for sale at $12,889 under Hayden's One.Of.A.Kind range.
The 43-year-old owner of Hayden Boutique at Club Street told The New Paper he was inspired by Rachel's 'skin tone, angelic face, gentle demeanour and sweet qualities'.
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He added: 'The colour is unusual; but then Rachel is an unusual girl too!
'(This shade of green) is the colour of nature and symbolises growth, harmony, freshness, fertility and also suggests stability and endurance.'
He had earlier sponsored the evening wear for the Miss Singapore finals in April.
Hayden is well known in the industry for his National Day Parade and theatre production costumes, and for dressing TV celebs for Star Awards.
But he gained infamy for putting Singapore Idol judge Florence Lian in a black crocheted silk-wool shawl with rosettes around her shoulders on one of the episodes of the reality singing show.
Faux pas
It screamed fashion faux pas; and fashionistas screamed at him.
Which is why Hayden is prepared for another onslaught of backlash over Rachel's gown that may come his way.
He said: 'I did not hesitate (to come on board MSU).
'In fact, it's because of the bad reviews about the event held last year that I decided that I had to make the time to help him (MSU organiser, Daryl Pang of Derrol Stepenny Promotions) out as a friend.'
Miss Singapore Universe 2008 was plagued with problems and drew public flak: From the pageant not being telecast on TV anymore to winner Shenise Wong's notorious Merlion-inspired national costume.
'Everyone is entitled to their opinions,' Hayden said. 'For me, the process of meeting Rachel, designing and making the gown has been happy and thought-through.'
Hayden says he believes that the wearer will shine if she is comfortable and confident in the creation. To him, that is the most important.
Rachel also shrugged off potential detractors as she feels honoured to represent Singapore on the world stage in the green garment and is also 'proud' of Hayden's effort.
The 24-year-old brand manager said: 'It looked more beautiful in (real) life than expected as compared to the drawings...
'It was kinda like love at first sight when I tried it on.
'It should stand out in the crowd... (The colour) blends in with my skin tone and it makes me look fresh and vibrant.'
Mr Pang added: 'It's nice - and the most expensive (evening gown) we've had so far! It feels scary just holding it!'
Hayden feels 'great' returning to MSU because he has 'happy' memories of it.
He recalled how he was doing national service in the army and freelancing with a boutique in 1987 when Marion came a-knocking and zeroed in on his file sketch of an off-shoulder mermaid princess-cut gown fabricated out of Thai silk.
According to Hayden, it was sold to a client from Dubai after the competition, but he can't remember for how much.
He was also 'very elated' when Marion made it to the elusive Top 10 and his dress shared the limelight on TV.
'I remember watching it in camp!' he said.source : The Electric New Paper, Singapore