Miss South Africa is ready to take on the Universe

Ready to fight for the crown: Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam, poses in the gown she will be
wearing for Official Evening Gown Portrait at the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas in December.

Miss South Africa 2011, Melinda Bam revealed some of her outfits for the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant at an event in Johannesburg yesterday. Bam will leave South Africa on November 29 to fly to Las Vegas, Nevada where she will be preparing to join 87 other beauties from around the world, all hoping to become the 61st Miss Universe.

This is the first time in the known history of the pageant that the outgoing titleholder will not be present to crown the next queen. Bam said that she will be a part of the ceremony as a special live link between Las Vegas and Sun City will be set up at the time of the crowning.

At the send-off, Bam showcased some of the gowns she will be wearing at the Miss Universe Pageant. Her gown for the Official Evening Gown Portrait was designed and made by Peter Bondesio. The gorgeous green gown is a mermaid design with green and bronze diamante.

The back of the stunning gown

The evening gown for the Evening Gown Portrait

The national costume was designed and sponsored by Go Wild Designs. The dress represents South Africa's rich mineral resources. The design also includes a wooden sceptre with a gold-plated Protea head and crown representing South Africa's coat of arms.

The green and the national costume are both amazing. Both are showstoppers. Just too about the quality of the photos. Sun International should have arranged a shoot and handed professional photos to the press at the send-off. In these situations. they should take the opportunity to build the brand again. Great gowns though. Can't wait to see the gowns they have ready for the preliminaries and finals.

Information and photos:
The New Age Online
Jucy Africa
Miss SA Facebook Page