According to DRUM, Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux, recently unveiled the national costume she would have worn at the Miss Universe competition, showcasing it at Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW): The Edit Spring/Summer 2024. The event, held at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse, featured top South African designers and was presented by Africa Fashion International (AFI). However, the costume, which received mixed reactions, has sparked debate among South Africans.
The national costume was a striking Ndebele-inspired gown, featuring intricate, colourful geometric designs. It was created in collaboration with Dr. Esther Mahlangu, the iconic Ndebele artist renowned for bringing the vibrant artwork of the Ndebele people to international attention. The gown incorporated an original piece of Dr. Mahlangu’s artwork at the base, making it a unique blend of cultural celebration and high fashion. Mia le Roux expressed her pride in the design, especially after having to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition due to severe vertigo, which required medical treatment. “The gown is an original work of art by Dr. Esther Mahlangu, one of South Africa’s most iconic cultural ambassadors, and celebrates our interconnectedness,” Mia said. “Its intricate handmade design demonstrates the creative traditions of South Africa. It is a silent but powerful request to celebrate our differences, preserve our cultural practices, and foster inclusion.”
Le Roux also drew inspiration from the words of Maya Angelou: “Through adversity still, I rise.” These words, Mia explained, have resonated with her throughout her journey, especially in light of her health challenges.
Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation, praised Mia’s resilience and the unveiling of the costume. “We are thrilled we have been able to reveal this year’s national costume on such an iconic stage as CTFW and on home soil too,” Weil said. “Mia has once again demonstrated how she has triumphed over disability and done us proud.”
A standout feature of the costume was its white cloud wings, made of ostrich feathers sourced from Mia’s hometown of Oudtshoorn. The wings, created by Hollywood Costumes, were inspired by a deeply personal moment in Mia’s life. When Mia received her cochlear implant two years ago, her first spoken words were “look there, white clouds,” a moment that symbolised her newfound ability to use her voice. Hollywood Costumes owner, Heidi du Toit, explained, “The white clouds, made from ostrich feathers, represent hope.”
Despite the heartfelt story behind the costume, the design has faced criticism from some South Africans, who feel it falls short of expectations for a Miss Universe national costume. “If this is what Mia was going to be wearing!? Then her not participating was a blessing in disguise!” wrote @i_am_mangema on social media, echoing the sentiments of others who felt the costume lacked the grandeur typically associated with the pageant.
Some fans also voiced concerns over the partnership between Miss South Africa and AFI. @allthingsmisssa noted that the collaboration with AFI seems to have overshadowed the Miss SA brand, reducing opportunities for fans to engage with designers they’ve supported for years.
On the other hand, @fit_malome was blunt in their critique, saying, “Zero whelms! Underwhelming is an understatement. No whelms at all!”
