Miss Universe South Africa proudly reveals her farewell costume
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
The place is beautiful, a hidden gem in Johannesburg actually. When we descended there, ushered into the Restaurant, we were met with beautiful people who welcomed us in with warmth.
I am talking about the Royal Johannesburg, a golf course north of Linksfield. We were there on Friday to witness Miss Universe South Africa reveal the costume that she will be wearing at the Miss Universe. Indeed the costume reflected the cultural diversity that South Africa is. The dress is the fusion of the South Africa culture. Partly inspired by Zulu culture and Indian Culture. The event was held against the backdrop of greens, and in fact from the garden of the restaurant where the event was held, we could see golfers doing what the like doing, apparently oblivious of what was happening next to the greens.
It was also interesting to notice that new players have come on board as sponsors of the new South Africa pageant. For example I found myself sharing a table with jewellery designers, young people who operate from the new home of the jewellery design centre which has since relocated from Jewell City in Maboneng to its new home in Bedfordview. There were there to present a diamond design for the Miss South Africa. And of course the presence of MoFaya’s S’bu Leope’s energy drink was unmistakable. He too has come on board sponsoring the Miss South Africa pageant. These were not the only sponsors though as Bonang Matheba’s drink was served to the guests. She too is a sponsor.
Proudly showcasing the green and gold at the Miss Universe pageant
Miss Universe South Africa Bryoni Govender reveals national costume and farewell gown
The point is Miss Universe South Africa, Bryoni Govender, at the event proudly flaunted her farewell gown and the national costume she will wear when she represents South Africa at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant which takes place in El Salvador on November 18. You could tell that she was indeed proud of her costume.
Her national gown – by acclaimed KwaZulu-Natal designer Casey Jeanne – celebrates her Indian South African heritage while also allowing Govender to take centre stage.
The reveal took place at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club’s Old Oak venue with Govender’s family in attendance, including her father Deven, her mother Shireen and her grandmother, Mangany Govender.
Miss South Africa Organisation’s Creative Director, Werner Wessels, explains that the national costume is of critical importance when it comes to showcasing the country of the pageant contestant, and is also one of the favourite events for Miss Universe fans and followers.
“This year’s national costume is an African-Indian fusion and a celebration of Bryoni’s heritage. It was inspired by a sari and is adorned with traditional Zulu beads in a pattern inspired by an Ndebele print.
“We deliberately didn’t want an ostentatious and over-the-top national costume,” says Wessels. “But rather a high-fashion couture version that allows Bryoni to shine.”
Casey Jeanne, who is based in Morningside, Durban and is designing her first national costume, says she is delighted that the costume isn’t gaudy: “It’s a modern take on the sari and is quite refined. Green is the main colour, which currently represents South Africa so well. The biggest and most time consuming challenge has been the beading.”
Casey Jeanne, who has previously designed evening wear for the Miss South Africa pageant finale, is known for her couture dresses as well as being one of the country’s leading wedding dress designers: “I am delighted to be able to showcase my work on a platform as large as Miss Universe; it is something I’ve always wanted to do. The national costume took me by surprise as I usually do more evening wear, but I loved the challenge and put my spin on the costume. I hope that South Africans are inspired by it and love it as much as I do.”
Govender, the first woman of Indian heritage to represent the country since Miss South Africa 1997 Kerishnie Naiker, is delighted with the national costume and believes it will allow her to shine on the international stage: “It is an accurate reflection of who I am and represents my rich and diverse cultural heritage. The fabrics, colours and design uniquely tie my two heritages together and I am very comfortable wearing it.”
Govender also unveiled her farewell gown, designed by William de Beer, designer and owner of Willet Designs Couture, who was also responsible for all her pageant gowns including her preliminary outfit and finale gown. De Beer was also responsible for the outfits Miss South Africa 2021, Lalela Mswane, wore at the Miss Supranational pageant and he also dressed the finalists in the opening sequence of the 2022 Miss South Africa pageant.
Says Wessels: “Today’s gown gives everyone a glimpse of what they can expect on the Miss Universe stage next month. We have a special Indian connection throughout most of her gowns and the fabric for the corset of the farewell gown – which was inspired by the peacock, the national bird of India – was imported from the sub-continent. We wanted her dresses to tell her story in a visual representation and allow her to be the focus.”
Adds Govender: “My entire wardrobe is very well thought out; it comprises vibrant patterns and colours which represent the warm spirit and diversity of the South African people.”
She says that she has been hard at work preparing both physically and mentally for the Miss Universe stage: “I have found myself outside my comfort zone multiple times and I absolutely love it because I have grown immensely. I am committed to continuing the hard work whilst enjoying the entire journey and remaining authentic to who I am. The support I have received from my fellow South Africans has been unwavering and I want to thank them for cheering me on every step of the way.
“I believe in excellence and that is what I am going to do at Miss Universe. I will strive to give the best performance I can, whilst having fun and enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime experience. So get ready to see me wave South Africa’s flag high for the universe to see!”
Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. SABC3 is the official broadcast partner.
Casey Jeanne is based in an old-world atelier in Morningside, Durban. At 16, she was gifted her first sewing machine and still displays it on a shelf in her workroom. She studied Fashion & Textiles at the Durban University of Technology right up until Masters level. Her journey has always been about the detail. “That has been my obsession and the process to make this detail come to life has taken a wholehearted dedication. There are no half measures; it’s all or nothing. Having the freedom to create what happens in my dreams is definitely the best part!” With a long inventory of awards, Casey Jeanne has grown from a small-town dreamer to a national sensation, with a reputation in the local bridal industry second to none. She has been featured in local, national and international magazines and has won several awards.