Latest news with #NationalCostume
News24
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
SA's Lebohang Raputsoe stuns in Swarovski-studded baobab costume at Miss Supranational
Lebohang Raputsoe dazzled in a baobab-inspired costume at the Miss Supranational National Costume preliminaries in Poland. The intricately designed dress features 26 400 Swarovski stones and a stunning baobab tree headpiece. Ahead of the grand finale, Raputsoe urged South Africans to vote for her to secure a spot in the Top 12. Lebohang Raputsoe captivated the audience at Wednesday's Miss Supranational National Costume preliminary with a breathtaking design that celebrated South Africa's iconic baobab tree. Raputsoe is currently in Poland, where she is among 66 contestants from around the world competing for the title this year. Ahead of the prelims, the 26-year-old shared on Instagram that she is excited to represent the nation, share her story, and 'showcase the incredible dedication, hard work, and talent that went into creating this masterpiece!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebohang Raputsoe (@lebo_raputsoe_) Designed by Hollywood Costumes, the dress features an impressive 26 400 Swarovski stones. Its sleeves are crafted from flowing blue fabric, featuring bold white patterns. Complementing the ensemble is the headpiece, a stunning representation of a baobab tree, complete with an intricately detailed trunk and foliage. Miss Supranational SA shared a video of Raputsoe walking the stage on Instagram. 'The Majestic Baobab - Tree of Life, a blend of African soil, beauty, landscape, culture, and legacy,' reads the caption. '26 400 Swarovski stones later show the immaculate work and artistry of women and creatives in our country as we unite in telling the story of the 'Oh Majestic Baobab'.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Universe South Africa (@missuniverseza) In May, it was announced that former Miss South Africa top 12 finalist Lebohang Raputsoe will represent the country at the upcoming Miss Supranational competition. The announcement came after the Miss South Africa organisation withdrew from the international pageant with no plans to renew its licence. Shortly thereafter, Bokang Montjane, a former Miss South Africa titleholder, announced her appointment as the new national director of Miss Supranational South Africa. Raputsoe, an HR professional currently pursuing her PhD, has been in Poland since 9 June, where she has been participating in various events and preliminary rounds. Her preliminary gown was designed by Jose De Canha and featured a structured bodice adorned with beadwork. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Supranational South Africa (@misssuprasa) Ahead of tonight's grand finale, where Harashta Haifa Zahra will hand over the crown to her successor, Raputsoe wrote on Instagram: 'I am taking another big leap of faith tonight. And I am fully trusting in the Lord with all my might, heart, and soul.' She also appealed to South Africans to vote for her in the confidence round. 'Those votes will count towards making the Top 12 tonight. We can do this; let's show our patriotic power. I certainly need you to lift me!' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lebohang Raputsoe (@lebo_raputsoe_)
GMA Network
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Alexie Brooks on being androgynous: ‘I'm comfortable and I feel confident'
Alexie Brooks confidently expresses her androgynous identity, celebrating freedom and authenticity in how she presents herself. In Tuesday's 'Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,' the Filipina beauty queen spoke candidly about how she embraces fluidity in both style and relationships. 'I express myself as an androgynous woman or person. So, basically, if I feel like, I wake up in the morning and I feel like dressing up as masculine, I go for it. I have days that I feel like very feminine and I literally go for it,' she said. Per Alexie, those who are close to her know that it's just the way she is. 'And I feel like it's better if you don't put yourself a limit into what you can, you know, expression mo sa sarili mo. And it's so much better. I'm happier. I'm comfortable and I feel confident and I don't think—there's nothing wrong with that,' she said. When asked if being androgynous means one can have relationships with men and women, Alexie said yes. 'I think it's up to you kung saan ka mas comfortable. But yes. Kung saan ka masaya,' she said. Alexie was crowned Miss Eco International 2025 last April at the Hilton Green Plaza in Alexandria, Egypt. Following her win, Alexie honored her late grandmother, Lola Basing, and also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to those who supported her in her journey. Aside from the title, Alexie also won the National Costume competition with her Philippine Eagle-inspired costume designed by Tata Pinuela. —Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News
Gulf News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Miss Universe Philippines 2025: All you need to know about pageant and how you can help choose winner
Sixty-six dazzling candidates. One glittering crown. And now? One massive twist: you get to help decide who gets it. Miss Universe Philippines 2025 is going full democracy glam this year, announcing that fans can vote in real-time to push their favorite candidates all the way to the top. That's right—from Top 24 to Top 12 to Top 6, your tap could make someone's sash dreams come true. 'It's your turn to help shape the destiny of Miss Universe Philippines 2025!' the organisation posted on Instagram. Voting is live on the Miss Universe Philippines app—so may the best queen (and fanbase) win. The coronation night, set to light up the SM Mall of Asia Arena tonight, is already being billed as one of the grandest ever. National director Ariella Arida and executive VP Voltaire Tayag are promising a spectacle packed with power, poise, and a whole lot of pageant prowess. 'These girls are running on a schedule three times tougher than ours back in the day,' Arida told ABS-CBN News. 'But you wouldn't know it. Their energy? Unmatched.' Just one night after the elaborate National Costume Show, contestants were still in high spirits during Thursday's all-day rehearsals. Tayag praised their stamina and savvy: 'They're maximizing every break. It's pro-level discipline.' And Arida? She's feeling the chills. 'I've watched their entire journey—from auditions to now. This is their moment.' The pageant is also coming off its global high: reigning queen Chelsea Manalo made history earlier this year when she became the first Miss Universe Asia 2025. The pressure is on—and the competition has never been fiercer. So what separates a contestant from a queen? Tayag says it's all about real, effortless confidence. 'When she's not pretending—when she's just being —that's when she lights up the stage.' 'There's always fan favorites,' Arida added, 'but Miss Universe Philippines has a way of revealing the one right when it counts.' In fact, so many candidates brought their A-game that the org had to bump the Top 3 National Costume awardees to a Top 5. As they say: too much fabulous to contain. Catch the action live via Empire Philippines' YouTube channel, or watch the delayed telecast on GMA Network on May 4. One thing's for sure: the sash, the crown, and the crown-worthy drama are all coming in hot.
