WATCH: Bryoni Govender jets off to El Salvador for Miss Universe competitions

Miss SA 2023 first runner-up Bryoni Govender’s journey to becoming Miss Universe has officially begun.

The beauty queen has jetted off to El Salvador, where she will participate in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant on November 18.

Taking to Instagram, she said she was grateful for the opportunity and thanked South Africa for believing in her.

She wrote: “As I sit here ready to depart my heart is filled with such a sense of gratitude for this opportunity, to be able to represent my beloved South Africa on the biggest stage in the Universe!

“All I can say is “Thank you”! Thank you for allowing me to have this incredible responsibility, thank you for believing in me, thank you for making me feel seen, heard, and loved! I will carry each and every one of you in my heart!”

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Farewell gown and national costume

Last week at her farewell party, Bryoni revealed her farewell gown and national costume that she will wear at the Miss Universe pageant.

The green and gold costume was designed by the acclaimed KwaZulu-Natal designer Casey Jeanne.

Miss SA Organisation’s Creative Director, Werner Wessels, said the costume is an African-Indian fusion and a celebration of Bryoni’s heritage.

He added: “It was inspired by a sari and is adorned with traditional Zulu beads in a pattern inspired by a Ndebele print. We deliberately didn’t want an ostentatious and over-the-top national costume. But rather a high-fashion couture version that allows Bryoni to shine.”

Speaking about the farewell gown, he said: “It gives everyone a glimpse of what they can expect on the Miss Universe stage next month. We have a special Indian connection throughout most of her gowns and the fabric for the corset of the farewell gown – which was inspired by the peacock, the national bird of India – was imported from the sub-continent. We wanted her dresses to tell her story in a visual representation and allow her to be the focus.”

The reveal took place at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club’s Old Oak venue, with Bryoni’s family in attendance.

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