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The meaning behind Ndavi Nokeri’s ‘Hosikati’ gown
Ndavi Nokeri represented Mzansi at last week’s 71st Miss Universe completion in New Orleans. The Limpopo-raised model wore a “Hosikati,” work of art by fashion designer Juan William Ari.
HOW DID NDAVI NOKERI COMPETE AT THE 71ST MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITIONS
The 23-year-old stunning model waved the flag high for South Africa in the competition and made it among the top 16 contestants out of 84 countries.
According to Sunday Times, other fellow contenders that competed alongside Miss South Africa were Colombia, Puerto Rico, USA, Dominican Republic, Canada, India, Venezuela, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Laos, Australia, Peru, Curacoa, and Haiti.
USA, Venezuela, Curacoa, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic made it into the final top-five round. And, R’Bonney Gabriel from the USA won first place against Harnaaz Sandhu from India.
NOKERI’S DRESS WAS THE TALK OF THE TOWN DRESS AT THE 71ST MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITION
Nokeri wowed judges and viewers who watched her strut down the catwalk in the grand finale.
According to the designer, “The radiant colours represent the vibrancy of our people and the beauty of our land. The gown was hand beaded and assembled by ten artisans and took more than 550 man hours to complete,” IOL quoted her Ari saying.
Although Miss South Africa 2022 did not win the competition, the beautiful lady was stunning in her Tsonga dress by designer Scarlo. However, it was her “Hosikati” dress, meaning Queen in Tsonga, that was the showstopper of the evening.
Aria reportedly said that the dress took eight artisans to head each and every bronze sequin of the 110 000 sequins on the masterpiece.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MISS SOUTH AFRICA 2022?
Nokeri plans to continue fulfilling her duties as Miss South Africa and focus on her Ed-Unite responsibilities.
CEO of the Miss South Africa organisation, Stephanie Weil reportedly expressed that she was incredibly proud of the South African Nokeri.
“We are incredibly proud of Ndavi and how she represented both us as an organisation and the country on a world stage. We believe that she did South Africa proud, and her performance was remarkable from start to finish.
“We look forward to welcoming her home where her Miss South Africa journey will continue, Weil added”
MORE ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE COMPETITION
Only three South Africans have ever won the Miss Universe title.
• Marget Gardiner crowned in 1978
• Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters-Tebow crowned in 2017; and most recently
• Zozibini Tunzi crowned in 2019
ALSO READ: Miss Universe result: Ndavi Nokeri finishes in Top 16, Miss USA wins