This year’s Miss SA 2024 finale is about fashion meeting technology with South Africa’s leading fashion designers, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Anel Botha alongside Londeka Buthelezi Ndaba and Lydia Mbayo, both making their debut as Miss SA 2024 fashion designers.
Anel Botha is the owner of Anel Botha Couture. Botha is well-known for her red carpet designs, which have been seen at many major events.
This time around is special for Botha who celebrates her 10th year as an official evening wear sponsor for the Miss South Africa Organisation.
And 'third time is a charm' for Botha indeed, as this is her third year dressing the finalists for the pageant.
“I dreamed of being a Miss South Africa official designer when I started studying fashion design.
“Each time I get the call up I have to pinch myself! It is a privilege and I take the responsibility of designing for this huge platform seriously.
“You’re not only there to make the finalists competing for the Miss South Africa title feel confident and look their best, but you have a responsibility to South Africa to show them that we can perform on the world stage as equals with other countries with so many more resources and opportunities.”
Botha also shared with us what the audience can expect on the show. “I will be dressing the Top 5 in the final scene of the night.
“The newly crowned Miss South Africa will be introduced to South Africa and the watching world in an Anel Botha Couture evening gown.
“It will exude glamour, movement and sparkle as one would expect from a pageant gown, but with a subtle African twist!”
Gert-Johan Coetzee, one of South Africa’s most loved and well-known designers, also joins the Miss SA 2024 designer team.
Coetzee has dressed international A-listers from Grammy winners Lauryn Hill and Fantasia, to Kelly Rowland, Kourtney Kardashian, Kristin Cavallari, African musical superstar Tiwa Savage and popular American rapper Cardi B.
“This year, I am thrilled to take on a new challenge by creating the gowns for the opening sequence of Miss South Africa,” Coetzee says.
“It is a role that allows me to infuse the event with a fresh perspective and I’ve poured my heart into ensuring that every detail reflects innovation and creativity.
“The live audience and viewers at home can expect an experience that’s completely different from what they have seen before.
“From the production elements to the garments themselves, we are pushing the boundaries to bring a spectacle that is not just visually stunning but also deeply engaging.
“My goal is to captivate and entertain and to elevate the show to new heights by merging art with fashion. This year’s show is about redefining expectations and delivering a performance that resonates long after the final bow.”
He was excited about blending fashion with technology in this year’s Miss South Africa pageant.
“Every fabric has been meticulously created and printed in our studio, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation.
“The 3D-printed elements you will see on all the gowns are a testament to our commitment to pushing the envelope and redefining what’s possible in fashion.
“Every piece was thoughtfully designed to highlight the unique personality of each contestant, ensuring that their individuality shines through,” he said.
Another spectacular fashion designer who will be dressing the Miss SA hopefuls is entrepreneur and owner of the Dream House brand and fashion label Malondié, Londeka Buthelezi Ndaba.
The Malondié owner shares her excitement about her first shot at dressing Miss SA finalists.
It is a dream come true, she says, adding that she has relished the challenge.
“When Werner (Miss South Africa creative director Werner Wessels) called me, it was a dream come true. I felt so proud of the work I have done in growing this brand.
“There was a time when this kind of recognition was only something I could dream of and was thrilled with the recognition.
“I am responsible for the resort and swimwear segment of the live show. I chose to stick with the Malondié brand’s DNA.
“Malondié is known for its bright resort wear every summer and I can’t wait to unveil some gorgeous designs on the Miss South Africa stage.
“We will bring so much colour, beauty and excitement, while taking everyone to an island destination,” she says.
Lydia Mbayo is the owner of La Jaqueta, a clothing line specialising in blazers, suits and similar attire.
She will be creating garments for the “Power Suit” segment of the show.
“When I got the call up, I was very excited as it means the Miss South Africa Organisation has recognised my abilities and potential and allows me to be a part of a team of very talented designers.
“More especially, I was very excited because I travelled all the way to Greece to find the perfect fabrics for this project combining my love of travel with my work.
“The name of the collection is ‘Pastel Power’. As women we feel a sense of empowerment and confidence when wearing a powerful suit as a well-tailored outfit can evoke feelings of professionalism, competence and authority; it often boosts self-esteem, giving the wearer that boss lady vibe!
“A pastel coloured suit evokes feelings of freshness, calmness and approachability; you can look powerful but approachable adding a touch of elegance and charm to the overall look,” she says.
The 10 finalists are Kebalepile Ramafoko, Kirsten Khan, Layla Zoubair, Lebohang Khoza, Mia Le Roux, Nompumelelo Maduna, Onalenna Constantin, Ontshiametse Tlhopane, Palesa Lombard and Taahira Katz.
The Miss South Africa 2024 Finale will take place at Sun International’s SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria on Saturday, August 10.
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