A “delegation” of 18 beauty queens from South Africa descended on New York City this weekend to take part in various New York Fashion Week (NYFW) auxiliary shows.
The Miss Global Princess South Africa and Miss Teen Global Princess Africa representatives took to the catwalk yesterday and today for a slew of South African designers.
The Global Princess platform celebrates beauty and empowerment, while cultivating self-development and leadership to create opportunities for young South African women to shine on the international stage and promote their culture.
“We started out as a leadership and empowerment foundation,” said Zandi Kogo, continent director of Miss Global Princess Africa.
“Over the past four years, we have grown into a pageant awards programme that encourages both beauty and academic excellence. We needed a vehicle to make it happen, and I’m so excited for the girls that we are here in New York, representing South Africa on the world’s top fashion stage.”
Since arriving in the Big Apple on Wednesday, the young women have had a nonstop schedule of fittings, meetings and hair and makeup sessions. They also had a morning meeting at the South African consulate general, where they shared their ideas about NYFW.
Consul-general Simon Cardy said: “You are all cultural ambassadors, and everything you do and say when you’re abroad speaks to South Africa and [affects] how people see you. So, with your crowns, beam with pride, because today is your day, and this is your journey, your community and your opportunity to make a difference around the world.”
The beauty queens representing South Africa include Global Princess award-winners Taylor da Costa, Asante Tofi, Aiza Msibi and Tshegofatso Kwenaesele, and models and Amber-Leigh Szendrei and Malkia Kogo (who in 2022, at the age of five, was the youngest African ever to walk the NYFW runways).
Da Costa is in New York for the first time. “When we arrived, the whole airport was amazed at all our crown boxes, as each crown needs to be specially transported and protected,” she said.
Kwenaesele added: “It’s like everything about New York I’ve seen in the movies is coming to life. I can’t wait to try crumble cookies, bagels and burgers — any American foods.”
The girls walked the runway yesterday for South African designers Carita Adams and Simply Mooi as part of NYFW HiTechMODA at the Edison Ballroom in Times Square.
They will be taking to the catwalk again today for South African costume designer Heidi du Toit and her label Heidi Couture, which caters to the global film and entertainment industry.
The Miss Global Princesses area also showcases the beauty queens’ national costumes on the catwalk. All the events are auxiliary fashion shows held off-site, both parallel to and independently of the NYFW official schedule.
“The girls have not only had an incredible opportunity to walk the runway during NYFW, but they have also been able to take part in a competition,” said Kogo.
“The girls will be judged on their poise and confidence on the runway, which will count towards the final-round competition in April.
“Back home, it’s compulsory for the girls to attend leadership workshops and fundraising activities so that back-to-school uniforms and sanitary towels can be distributed to those in need. It’s not just about beauty and brains — it’s also about mentoring others,” Kogo said.
“They’ll soon be off to Paris Fashion Week for the following round of shows and the next competition round.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.