Celebrated fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee wowed the crowd at the Miss SA pageant with an array of gowns created via technology, 3D-printed magic and artistic flair!
Pretoria, South Africa (12 August 2024) — Celebrated South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee once again made a dazzling impact on the Miss South Africa stage after the pageant night was graced with his innovative marriage of art and technology.
No stranger to the spotlight, Gert’s designs some of South Africa’s best known creations in fashion, with stars Oprah, Cardi B and Chloe Bailey having shown off Gert’s unmistakable local flair before.
On home ground, the name Gert Johan-Coetzee is synonymous with glamour and artistry—with the likes of the now former Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert being adorned with Gert’s imaginings before both when she represented South Africa in the famous children’s canvas dress on the international stage and when she won her crown in red and beaded beauty in 2023.
This year, the designer’s creativity reached new heights on the Miss SA stage with a new task—to create the gowns for the opening sequence of Miss South Africa. There, 11 stunning gowns transformed the stage into its own South African-proud runway where fashion coalesced with technology seamlessly.
Breaking into largely untapped territory; every piece of fabric seen was an example of fashionable tech with each having been meticulously created and printed in the Gert-Johan Coetzee studio.
But, the 3D-printed elements on the gowns were not void of human touch. In fact, these elements were quite the opposite; acting as storytelling elements unique to each contestant’s personality.
“I believe in embracing change, in letting each year’s contestants and their unique stories guide my creativity,” says Gert. “It’s about crafting gowns that not only celebrate their beauty but also resonate with the vibrance of our country. The thrill of creating something new and exciting each year is what drives me.”
“Remember, fashion is not just about following trends; it’s about setting them, about being fearless in your expression, and about inspiring others to see the world in a new light.”
Though each gown was a winner for South African fashion, only one wearer would take home the Miss SA crown. Aptly, this year’s Miss South Africa is also a boundary pusher—with the gorgeous Mia le Roux becoming the first hearing-impaired Miss SA to take on the reign!
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