Miss Universe South Africa 2020, Natasha Joubert has announced the 12 design labels chosen to take part in her upcoming #DestinyDesigned virtual fashion show this month, aimed at empowering and showcasing local fashion designers.

Randburg’s very own Rethabile Ntsekalle is one of the chosen designers. Ntsekalle studied clothing management at the University of Johannesburg and graduated in 2014. She started her brand Retha N in 2016 and went on to be part of a fashion reality TV show/competition which aired on SABC 1 in 2018. She has worked with several well-known media personalities, including Yasmin Furmie, Jessica Nkosi and Dineo Langa.

“My garments are mainly for the red carpet and so when Covid-19 hit, my business felt the impact. I felt like I was slowly getting into a depression as there was nothing I could do and having to home school my son for a couple of months also added more stress. This won’t hold me back because I believe in my work,” she said.

The designers, who come from around the country, will each make two garments and have them modelled by reigning Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida, Miss Supranational South Africa 2020 Thato Mosehle and the Miss SA 2020 finalists. “I waited a couple of hours trying to figure out whether this was real. After having several conversations with myself I figured ‘Yes girl, you made it through, I was ecstatic,” she said.

The virtual fundraiser fashion show takes place on misssa.live on 10 April at 11am and viewers will be able to subscribe to the platform and watch for free. They will also have the option to donate to the campaign with overall profits going to the 12 designers. After the show, the designers’ garments will be auctioned off online with the proceeds from each item sold going to the respective designers.

Joubert, who will be representing South Africa at the Miss Universe pageant on 16 May, will also reveal her Miss Universe national costume and one of her gowns during the not-to-be-missed event. #DestinyDesigned is Joubert’s Miss Universe social cause initiative and is close to her heart as she is a fashion designer who started her own company Natalia Jefferys in 2016.

Details: www.misssa.co.za