Bonang Matheba hosts Miss SA 2024 wearing stunning Nigerian-made designer dresses

Against the backdrop of controversy about South African-Nigerian Chidinma Adetshina’s eligibility to compete in this year’s Miss South Africa, the fourth-time host, Bonang Matheba rocked five different outfits made by Nigerian designers to the finale of this year’s pageant.

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Each outfit showcased the rich fusion of style that transcends borders, embracing the exquisite taste of Nigerian designs in a dazzling display.

Why not dresses by South African designers, you might ask? Bonang’s choice to explore the glamour of Nigerian fashion was a deliberate departure from her usual style.

Each outfit, crafted by these top Nigerian fashion designers, spoke a unique language of style and class.

It was a way for them to showcase their ability, vast creativity, and skill to weave cultural narratives into breathtaking fashion statements that transcend geographical boundaries.

Here’s a look at the Nigerian fashion designers behind Bonang Matheba’s outfits to host Miss SA 2024:

Veekee James

Veekee James designed an outfit featuring a blend of blue and green hues. Completed within a week, according to the designer, the masterpiece features a corseted green tube bodice with a sweetheart neckline, complemented by a structured blue bottom with tiny pleats that flare elegantly.

Emagine by Bukola

One of Bonang’s standout looks was a custom white floral and spiral dress by Emagine by Bukola, accented with blue to capture the essence of the wind and the butterfly’s gentle grace.

The designer said the look was “inspired by the whispers of the wind and the elegance of butterflies,” making it “perfect for our entertainment royalty”. The design embodies the team’s dedication to innovative fashion and natural beauty.

Mazelle Bridal

Mazelle Bridal’s futuristic-looking silver feathered dress showcased exceptional craftsmanship. Speaking about Bonang’s look, the designer said, “For the Miss SA 2024 grand finale, we set out to craft a look that would redefine elegance.”

Each element of the outfit—from the hand-cut pieces delicately placed to the finishing touches of spray paint that blend into a seamless ombré masterpiece—was crafted with passion and precision.

Sheye Oladejo

For Sheye Oladejo, “creating Bonang Matheba’s dress for #MissSA2024 was an emotional journey for all of us. Even while I was away, my amazing team poured their hearts into every part of this masterpiece, from the one-of-one custom-designed and produced fabric for Bonang to the synergy of the theme, ensuring that our vision came to life beautifully.”

The luxury Lagos-based fashion brand designed a peach-coloured floral outfit that celebrates African royalty. Every stitch and detail in the dress combines structure with softness, reflecting the timeless grace and glamour embodied by Bonang.

Somo by Somo

The brief for this look was simple: Roman goddess dipped in gold. The Somo by Somo team delivered the brief perfectly. The golden dress took three weeks of craftsmanship and featured thousands of strings tirelessly hand-fitted onto the dress. It celebrates femininity, strength, and grace, also exuding a sense of divine elegance.