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Miss World contestants modelled frocks by designers from around the world at the World Designer Awards, in the run up to the pageant finals.
JOBURG'S designers did well against couturiers from around the globe at the World Designer Awards, at which Miss World contestants modelled their work.
Newtown's Turbine Hall was filled with gorgeous gowns and gorgeous girls on Saturday, 28 November as the beauty queens modelled dresses by designers from their respective countries.
Joburg's executive mayor, Amos Masondo
First place went to Sierra Leone's Dany Tabet, who took the award for a crystal-emblazed design with ornate patterning, modelled by Miss Sierra Leone, Mariatu Kargbo. Second was South Africa's Malcolm Kluk and third place went to Sherry Couture of Jamaica.
South Africans who designed outfits for the competition were Thula Sindi, Kluk CGDT, JJ Schoeman, Marc & Michael, Haroun Hansrot, RJKay and Diamond Face Couture. Each provided golden dresses for 12 contestants. "Miss World in gold representing Johannesburg - the city of gold," was how the evening's host, former beauty queen Michelle McLean, put it.
Miss Mexico, Perla Beltran Acosta, was named Miss World Top Model on the same evening. She wore a ball gown designed by Kluk CGDT. Second was Miss Vietnam, Tran Thi Huong Giang, with Miss Martinique, Ingrid Litter, in third spot.
"The importance of the pageant can hardly be exaggerated. With a viewership of about one billion, it will position Johannesburg as a tourist destination of choice," said Executive Mayor Amos Masondo.
"It is a great honour to be here and showcase the many facets and textures of our country. Our place on the African continent attracts people from all over the world, having had two Nobel Peace Prize winners [Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu] from the city."
The World Designer Awards are important in terms of giving South African designers international exposure. "It's quite phenomenal, people will start taking our brand more seriously," said RJKay designer, Paledi Segapo, who was dressed identically to business partner, Reginald Molamu.
With her Miss World Top Model win, Miss Mexico has been fast tracked to the Miss World semifinals. The finals take place on 12 December at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand. She joins Miss Japan, Miss Sierra Leone, Miss Canada and Miss Gibraltar, who all won fast-track events.
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