Miss World South Africa Thulisa Keyi unveils gorgeous pageant costumes ahead of Miss World competition
JOBURG – Thulisa Keyi ready to take to the Miss World stage.
Thulisa Keyi revealed one of her pageant costumes as she prepares to compete as Miss World South Africa in the Miss World competition.
Twenty-six-year-old Keyi, who hails from Mdantsane outside East London in the Eastern Cape, will be representing South Africa against contestants from 119 other countries in the competition, which is watched by millions of people worldwide.
Read: Tamaryn Green crowned Miss South Africa 2018
Miss World 2018 will be the 68th edition of the Miss World pageant and takes place in Sanya, China on 8 December when Manushi Chhillar from India will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Keyi was crowned Miss World South Africa at the Miss South Africa pageant in May this year. At the time of taking the title, Keyi was doing her articles at one of the big four audit firms and planned to become a chartered accountant. She is a B Comm Accounting and PGDA graduate from the University of Cape Town. Keyi had never entered a pageant before but was a professional model for five years while completing her university studies.
She said, “It’s going well; there is still a lot to do but we’re getting there. From a fitness point of view, I am being trained by Letshego Zulu who has customised my training according to my fitness needs. This will help me tackle the sports category at Miss World. For the talent category, I will be dancing and Ryan Hignett is choreographing my routine.”
Keyi explained that from a wardrobe perspective, she and designer Biji are going for an effortless feel: “I love my designer of the world dress as it incorporates a traditional twist and I am delighted to reveal it. My dress for the finale will also be simple but elegant.”
Designer Biji Gibbs said, “When we sat down to discuss Thulisa’s gown, the words that kept coming up were simple, fitted, bold and elegant. I had asked Thulisa to send suggestions of designs or patterns which meant a lot to her personally and culturally. This is a wonderful way to create a synthesis of my skills fused with the soul of the person who is to wear one of my creations.
Read: R3-million worth of prizes for Miss SA 2018
“Thulisa sent me many reference pictures of traditional Xhosa attire which is mostly black and white in bold geometric patterns and stripes. Pageant coach Werner Wessels had the idea to make up a sleeve with the patterning possibly dropping to the ground. This thought sparked a whole side of my imagination which led me to design an even bolder concept of creating a fully beaded collar, shoulder and arm which cascades into a black-to-white ombre beaded fringe dropping generously to the floor. It’s boldly patterned and beautifully frames the silhouette of her absolutely minimalist, yet, luxurious slim-fit black velvet gown.”
Pageant coach and fashion stylist Werner Wessels is assisting Keyi ahead of her departure, “She has been working hard and is ready to take to the Miss World stage. She is going to do South Africa proud.”
Miss South Africa 2018, Tamaryn Green will be competing in the Miss Universe contest which will be held on 17 December in Bangkok, Thailand.
