One of the more colourful and interesting categories at any international pageant is the national costume parade. Unlike the swimsuit and evening gown competitions that deal with fashionable universal attire, the national costume parade is that one category that differentiates the one participating nation from the next.
Whilst the older nations from Europe, Asia, Africa and the islands have, over the years, defined a national or traditional "dress" that expresses a national identity, the same cannot be said for the new countries. That is why it is more appropriate to speak of a national "costume" for these nations. Whilst there is no one traditional dress, they present an outfit that identifies elements of their history, cultural or social life.
The new countries are often criticised for their over-the-top creations, but in their defense, one should add that it is a national costume and not a national dress parade. The definition of costume is "fanciful dress" and whilst their costumes are often ridiculous to the extreme, at least it does tell a story that is relevant to life in the country it represents.
The USA, for example, does not have a national or traditional dress, yet every national costume over the years has allowed one to easily identify the country of origin of the delegate wearing the outfit. If you don't know that Uncle Sam or Stars 'n Stripes or Astronauts or Red Indians are unique to the story of the USA, you've been living in the deepest darkest jungles of Africa, or you've been in solitary confinement since birth.
But what of South Africa? Do we have a national dress? In my opinion we do not. I see that the "native outfit" (no offence intended) with the "isicholo" (wide hat made of straw and decorated with beads) has reared it's head again. Is this our national dress and will it appear in different variations in years to come? It is not new or unique and first made an appearance at Miss World in the early 70's.
The dreadful "Voortrekker Rok" was the standard for our international delegates during the 50's and 60's, and thankfully it disappeared in the 70's (it did make a solitary appearance at Miss Universe 1984) when all the grass frocks with beads and bangles and feathers made an appearance. Whilst I suppose it is apt that any national costume should reflect something African, a single national "dress" should be decided upon, or the designer should create something really fanciful that reflects life in South Africa.
It is interesting to note that the only two "national costumes" that have made any impact at an international pageant are the "Golden Sunrise" creation that Veronica Wilson wore at the 1979 Miss Universe pageant, and the "Blue Peacock" ensemble that Tansey Coetzee wore at the 2008 Miss Universe pageant. Veronica's outfit won third prize, and Tansey's outfit was placed in the Top 10 in the National Costume competition.
Neither of the two aforementioned costumes had an ethnic or racial origin, and depicted elements of life in SA. Another problem with the national costumes that our representatives are required to wear is that they do not necessarily identify the wearer as being South African. For all intents and purposes, the outfits of late could come from any one of 15 African countries.
So, designers! Either come up with a standard "national dress" or really go to town with a "national costume" that is going to compete with those spectacular costumes from South and Central America. And whilst you're at it, ask some of your composer friends to come up with an all inclusive new national anthem as well. That "mutant aria" being sung at present is not very flattering or sensible.
Whilst the older nations from Europe, Asia, Africa and the islands have, over the years, defined a national or traditional "dress" that expresses a national identity, the same cannot be said for the new countries. That is why it is more appropriate to speak of a national "costume" for these nations. Whilst there is no one traditional dress, they present an outfit that identifies elements of their history, cultural or social life.
The new countries are often criticised for their over-the-top creations, but in their defense, one should add that it is a national costume and not a national dress parade. The definition of costume is "fanciful dress" and whilst their costumes are often ridiculous to the extreme, at least it does tell a story that is relevant to life in the country it represents.
The USA, for example, does not have a national or traditional dress, yet every national costume over the years has allowed one to easily identify the country of origin of the delegate wearing the outfit. If you don't know that Uncle Sam or Stars 'n Stripes or Astronauts or Red Indians are unique to the story of the USA, you've been living in the deepest darkest jungles of Africa, or you've been in solitary confinement since birth.
But what of South Africa? Do we have a national dress? In my opinion we do not. I see that the "native outfit" (no offence intended) with the "isicholo" (wide hat made of straw and decorated with beads) has reared it's head again. Is this our national dress and will it appear in different variations in years to come? It is not new or unique and first made an appearance at Miss World in the early 70's.
The dreadful "Voortrekker Rok" was the standard for our international delegates during the 50's and 60's, and thankfully it disappeared in the 70's (it did make a solitary appearance at Miss Universe 1984) when all the grass frocks with beads and bangles and feathers made an appearance. Whilst I suppose it is apt that any national costume should reflect something African, a single national "dress" should be decided upon, or the designer should create something really fanciful that reflects life in South Africa.
It is interesting to note that the only two "national costumes" that have made any impact at an international pageant are the "Golden Sunrise" creation that Veronica Wilson wore at the 1979 Miss Universe pageant, and the "Blue Peacock" ensemble that Tansey Coetzee wore at the 2008 Miss Universe pageant. Veronica's outfit won third prize, and Tansey's outfit was placed in the Top 10 in the National Costume competition.
Neither of the two aforementioned costumes had an ethnic or racial origin, and depicted elements of life in SA. Another problem with the national costumes that our representatives are required to wear is that they do not necessarily identify the wearer as being South African. For all intents and purposes, the outfits of late could come from any one of 15 African countries.
So, designers! Either come up with a standard "national dress" or really go to town with a "national costume" that is going to compete with those spectacular costumes from South and Central America. And whilst you're at it, ask some of your composer friends to come up with an all inclusive new national anthem as well. That "mutant aria" being sung at present is not very flattering or sensible.