Miss Teen World South Africa, Roxanne Zeller, has unveiled the dress she will be wearing at the Miss Teen World pageant in Houston, Texas next month.
“It is amazing and completely different from what you usually see,” she said.
The unique dress, designed by Dennis Lloyd, is meant to reflect South Africa’s diversity.
“The rich colonial colours, beads, and crystals are a symbol of African opulence, while the facial decorations were inspired by the Zulu culture.”
The dress also features a central pleated organza frill, representing the oceans which border the country, as well as Ndebele pattern work.
The silk and crushed taffeta outfit, which cost R20 000 to make, is complemented by a 60cm-tall hat, bringing the dress’s weight to almost 5kg. “It’s heavy, but comfortable,” said Roxanne.
The 17-year-old beauty from Pretoria, a matric pupil at Crawford College, has been modelling for 18 months, but is already one of Vogue Model SA’s rising stars. She was crowned Miss Teen World SA in June, and placed second in the Miss Jacaranda City pageant.
“I’m excited. I think I stand an excellent chance. South Africans have done very well in the past, probably because we are more natural,” she said of the challenge facing her on August 6.
The pageant and a fashion show afterwards mean that Roxanne will miss a few weeks of school – but her mother says she is not worried, because “she is a good student and works very hard”. - Sunday Argus