Miss South Africa Mia le Roux showcased the stunning garment designed by Dr Esther Mahlangu at the Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW) Edit Spring Summer 24. Originally intended for the Miss Universe pageant, the national costume finally made its debut on the runway at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse.
The CTFW, organized by Africa Fashion International (AFI), featured top designers from South Africa and the African continent. AFI, the official fashion sponsor for Miss South Africa 2024, collaborated with the Motsepe Group of Companies to bring this spectacular event to life.
Mia Le Roux’s national costume was inspired by Ndebele artistry, showcasing intricate designs by the renowned South African artist, Dr Esther Mahlangu. The garment featured white cloud wings crafted from feathers sourced from Cape Karoo International, paying homage to Le Roux’s hometown of Oudtshoorn. The wings symbolized her personal journey, with Hollywood Costumes owner Heidi du Toit revealing that they were inspired by Le Roux’s first words after a cochlear implant procedure.
The white clouds, made from ostrich feathers, represented hope and resilience, reflecting Le Roux’s journey towards finding her voice. The gown, a masterpiece by Dr Esther Mahlangu, celebrated the diversity and cultural richness of South Africa. Le Roux emphasized the importance of celebrating differences, preserving cultural traditions, and fostering inclusion to build a sustainable future.
Despite having to withdraw from the Miss Universe competition in Mexico due to severe vertigo, Le Roux expressed her joy in sharing the eye-catching garment with South Africans. The gown symbolized unity, strength, and resilience, echoing Maya Angelou’s words, “through adversity still, I rise.” CEO of the Miss South Africa Organization, Stephanie Weil, commended Le Roux for her courage and determination in overcoming challenges and representing South Africa with pride.
The reveal of the national gown at Cape Town Fashion Week marked a significant moment in Le Roux’s journey, showcasing the creativity and artistry of South African culture. The garment served as a symbol of hope and inspiration, uniting diverse cultural traditions to create a vision of unity and inclusivity. As South Africans celebrated the beauty and craftsmanship of the gown, they also embraced the message of resilience and unity embodied by Mia le Roux and Dr Esther Mahlangu.
