South Africa's Bryoni Govender to wear sari-inspired national costume for Miss Universe 2023


Miss Universe South Africa 2023 Bryoni Natalie Govender will be wearing a sari-inspired national costume at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant.

A sari (saree) is an elegant and traditional dress worn by women from the Indian subcontinent (South Asia).

Designed by multi-award-winning designer Casey Jeanne Walters, Bryoni's national costume is a tribute to her African-Indian heritage.

The beautiful costume representing South Africa's rich culture and its diversity is decorated with traditional Zulu beads in a pattern inspired by a Ndebele print.

"When Werner Wessels asked me to design the national costume for Miss South Africa for the Miss Universe pageant, I was initially a bit like, huh, what, me!?," the designer shared on social media.

"But then the concepts of mixed South African and Indian heritage came together and I just had to create something truly special," she added.

"I'm so proud of this piece and how it pushed us. I just love the colors and all the custom beading we created. It's so different to what we normally do and yet it's totally up my alley."

Bryoni will present her national costume at the Miss Universe 2023 competition this coming November in El Salvador.

Photos: Willem Botha / Miss South Africa

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