Although Mia le Roux was unable to walk the runway at Miss Universe 2024 due to a severe case of vertigo, fans will soon get the chance to see her national costume after all. Mia will be debuting the costume she had prepared for the pageant during the Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW) Edit Spring/Summer 2024, which will take place from November 29 to 30, 2024. She will take the runway on November 30 at 13:00.
In an official press release, Mia shared her excitement about the opportunity: “I am so excited to announce that I will be showcasing my national costume and one of my evening gowns at Cape Town Fashion Week. Countless hours of work went into these two one-of-a-kind, magnificent pieces, and I cannot wait to wear them proudly and share them with the rest of the world as well as the story behind them!”
Stephanie Weil, CEO of Miss South Africa, praised Mia for her strength and resilience throughout her challenges. “The past month has been challenging, but Mia has once again demonstrated her ability to triumph over any setbacks. We are extremely proud of her,” said Stephanie. She also expressed excitement about the upcoming reveal of Mia’s national costume, noting that it would be a special moment for South Africa: “We are thrilled that we will be able to reveal this year’s national costume on such an iconic stage as CTFW and on South African home soil.”
The national costume, designed by Africa Fashion International (AFI)—the official fashion sponsor for Miss South Africa 2024—was crafted over 150 hours by a team of artisans and designers, led by AFI creative director Gavin Rajah. The design also features a collaboration with renowned South African artist, Esther Mahlangu.
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Founder and Executive Chair of AFI, spoke proudly of the costume’s significance. “Each crystal and bead celebrates the rich cultural heritage of South Africa,” she said. “We are committed to honoring African talent and creativity, and this collaboration is a testament to that vision.”
The decision to reveal Mia’s national costume at CTFW came after initial plans to keep it under wraps. A representative from the Miss South Africa Organisation explained, “On Mia’s return, there was no plan to reveal the national costume. However, the opportunity arose to showcase the dress at AFI’s CTFW, as AFI is the official fashion sponsor for Miss South Africa 2024.”
This exciting moment at CTFW marks a celebration of both Mia’s journey and South African fashion, giving fans a chance to finally see the stunning design that was meant to represent the country at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico.
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