As the days wind down until Bryoni Govender represents South Africa on the Miss Universe stage, one of the most exciting parts of her Miss Universe journey has been revealed—her national costume!
South Africa (01 November 2023) — As Miss South Africa runner-up Bryoni Govender prepares to represent our country on the glittering Miss Universe stage in El Salvador, one of the most exciting parts of the preparation process has recently been revealed—the national costume.
Every year, the Miss South Africa representative plays muse to a designer’s imaginings as threads flow, meshed with symbolism and South African story-telling.
Bryoni’s 2023 national costume encompasses visually captivating elements of South Africa’s story; spotlighting Indian heritage amid other proudly South African, symbolic notes.
Dubbed the African-Indian interpretation of South Africa, the Sari-style gown is adorned with Zulu beading in a Ndebele print against the backdrop of vibrant green with yellow accents to represent the green and gold that courses through our veins.
Designed by Casey Jeanne Walters, the mind behind the piece shared that when she was first asked to create the national costume for Bryoni, she was wonderfully surprised.
“We deliberately didn’t want an ostentatious, gaudy and over-the-top national costume for South Africa. But rather a high-fashion couture version that allows Bryoni to shine,” shared Casey Jean.
“It’s not flashy, it’s not huge but it’s REPRESENTATIVE and THAT is what a national costume should be about. No gimmicks,” the designer added.
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In its vibrant dose of subtle silhouette, Bryoni’s gown speaks to so many factors that resonate with what it means to be South African.
Our nation isn’t flashy, but we have a wealth of vibrance that’s even more apparent in our simplicity.
We are a mosaic of cultures that, like the beadwork, become even more beautiful when threaded together.
And, like the gown’s trail, when South Africans rise, a beautiful, bold and fierce display truly comes alive.
The 72nd Miss Universe pageant will take place on 18 November 2023.
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