Mia le Roux's Miss Universe costume was revealed on Saturday, November 30 at CTFW. Supplied / Miss SA
Image: Supplied / Miss SA
An uproar on social media was sparked after Mia le Roux showcased her national costume at Cape Town Fashion Week on Saturday, November 30. Social media users expressed disappointment with her national costume that was Ndebele inspired.
After Le Roux’s withdrawal from the Miss Universe beauty pageant due to vertigo, South Africans were waiting in anticipation to see her national costume as well as her other outfits that she was supposed to wear at Miss Universe.
The Ndebele-inspired national costume had culturally significant symbols and featured an original artwork at the base of the gown from the legendary Ndebele artist, Dr Esther Mahlangu.
The colourful dress with the popular and culturally significant geometric Ndebele patterns was paired with white cloud wings attached at the back of the dress and a pair of black, open-toe heels.
The Miss SA organisation took to Instagram to share the look and concept behind the national costume.
“Mia le Roux’s national costume was crafted in collaboration with @hollywoodcostumes_sa and afi_sa through the Esther Mahlangu Foundation. It features a stunning Ndebele-inspired gown, an original artwork by Dr Esther Mahlangu. This piece celebrates South Africa’s cultural richness and interconnectedness,” they wrote.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DDAUuhrOI4P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Social media users flooded the comment section, with many dragging the look and expressing their disappointment.
Instagram user @khutsanane_skosana commented, “I love our Mia so much however, this is not the costume snippet we saw from the Miss Universe prelims. This is not a complete costume. This is definitely not giving the Miss South Africa brand.”
Instagram user @sirkitsothihira wrote: “Maybe the withdrawal wasn’t a bad thing.”
“If this is what Mia was going to be wearing!? Then her not participating was a blessing in disguise! Cause what level of embarrassment is this,” Instagram user @i_am_mangema said.
Instagram user @warren.t.v said, “At this point there was no need to reveal this. Can we close this Miss Universe chapter and move on to 2025. Miss SA organisation is messing around with true supporters and fans.”
IOL
