Beauty queens all over the world have always been a source of inspiration for the world, putting forward strong examples and ideas for people to look up to. One such queen is currently representing South Africa at the ongoing Miss Universe pageant.
Miss South Africa 2021 Lalela Mswane has recently announced that 50% of her Miss Universe wardrobe will be clothes that the former South African representatives have worn to Miss Universe in order to align with Miss Universe’s mission and advocacy for this edition which is the green agenda, and with that among other things.
She also shared, “The Miss Universe organization asked us during our on camera interviews about sustainability especially as it relates to fashion and that got me thinking. Why is it that we are so against repurposing previous garments even when those garments and fashion outfits made such an impression? We are so hungry for new, exciting and previously unseen items that we completely forget the implications of those choices and the effect it has on our planet. That is why I decided that half of my Miss Universe wardrobe will consist out of outfits previously worn by my predecessors, the women who came before me and took our breaths away, I’ve decided to put my own spin on it and make sure that you still see me but I’m so grateful that I get to have a little piece of them with me, and all while making a small contribution towards a more sustainable future for fashion.”
For day 5, lalela wore this embellished blazer & shorts combination in which none other than Miss Universe 2018 1st runner-up Tamaryn Green arrived in Bangkok for her competition. “We are so hungry for new, exciting and previously unseen items that we completely forget the implications of those choices and the effect it has on our planet,” said Lalela.
She also founded the ‘Lalela Mswane Foundation’, an NGO that strives to empower the youth to soar beyond the boundaries that life has placed before them. The foundation envisions to empower young South Africans, particularly those stemming from parentless backgrounds, to soar beyond the boundaries life has placed before them by means of mentorship programmes as well as equip them with the necessary tools to ensure that they succeed in their chosen paths.
Mswane is one of the most potential faces in the competition this year, emerging as a strong contender. Lalela shows great potential and can definitely make it far in the Miss Universe 2021 competition, scheduled to be held on 12th December 2021 in Eilat, Israel.