Miss SA Liesl Laurie wows ahead of Miss Word

Johannesburg - Miss South Africa, Liesl Laurie this weeks leaves for China to compete in the Miss World pageant.

Designer Casper Bosman, who also created some of Miss World Rolene Strauss' outfits during her win, says his inspiration for Liesl's dresses was that of an African Goddess. "All the pieces my team and I have created have a fantasy element to them. We played with a lot of feminine tones for all of the main looks for the pageant."

The Eldorado Park beauty says she is more than ready for the competition. "My preparations started when I was crowned Miss South Africa and I know that I am ready for the international stage. I feel confident and ready to take on whatever lies ahead. I have faith that in my 30 days in Sanya, China I will show the world the beauty of our special country. We are the country of love and ubuntu and I plan to showcase this every day."

The 65th Miss World pageant takes place on 19 December and contestants will be judged in various categories including Top Model, Talent, Multimedia, Sports & fitness and beauty with a purpose.

We're behind you, Liesl!