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Miss SA Lalela Mswane to wear recycled gowns from predecessors
The Miss Universe pageant has challenged this year's contestants on how they will implement fashion sustainability should they be crowned the winner.
Miss SA Lalela Mswane wears a dress previously worn by Zozibini Tunzi. Picture: Instagram
In the name of sustainable fashion, Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane is taking what has been a seasonal issue, seriously.
In the fashion industry, the latest trends come and go due to seasonal changes, but fast fashion has become problematic due to its lack of sustainability.
Fast fashion refers to inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.
The Miss Universe pageant has challenged this year’s contestants on how they will implement fashion sustainability should they be crowned the winner.
Mswane says people need to stop looking down on repurposing previously won garments, even when those garments and fashion outfits have made 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 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,” she wrote on Instagram.
Mswane has already started wearing looks from Miss South Africa 2018, Tamaryn Green, and Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi.
Take a look at how Lalela Mswane repurposes looks from her predecessors.
Mswane is participating in a pageant that has caused much political uproar since Miss Universe will take place in Israel.
The government pulled its support in the name of supporting the Palestinian people. NGO Citizens for Integrity wants the high court to rule that the boycott is unconstitutional, irrational and is a violation of several human rights and laws.
READ NEXT: Africa4Palestine joins legal case brought against govt over Miss SA stance
One Miss SA representative whose participation isn’t grabbing the political limelight is Miss SA 2020 Shudufhadzo Musiḓa, who is currently in Puerto Rico for the Miss World pageant.
Announcing her national gown on Tuesday, titled “Buhule” designed by Warrick Gautier, she explained that she wanted her dress to represent our dreams and their value.
