Johannesburg – On 26 October Miss Earth 2019 will be crowned at the Cove Manila in the Philippines.
Representing South Africa on the big night is Miss Earth SA 2018 Nazia Wadee.
The Miss Earth pageant forms part of what is known as the "Big Four" international pageants which also includes Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International. The titles are seen as the most prestigious to own worldwide.
As with the other pageants, the national costume round is a big part of the competition. The theme for contestant's costumes this year is the national flower of their country.
For Nadia, that means wearing a dress that is inspired by the King Protea.
The dress was created by local designer Sonwabile Ndamase who is well known for designing the iconic Madiba shirt.
SEE SKETCHES OF THE DRESS HERE:
According to the national director for Miss Earth SA, Ella Bella, it took about six weeks for the design to go from inception to a complete outfit.
WATCH THE NATION COSTUME SEGMENT HERE:
The costume design took us on a short trip down memory lane, reminding us of Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters' Protea inspired outfit that she wore at the Miss Universe pageant in 2017.
Who knows, maybe the Protea will bring luck to Nazia as well and help her bring home the crown.
HERE'S WHAT DEMI-LEIGH'S PROTEA INSPIRED COSTUME LOOKED LIKE:
The Miss Earth South Africa Organisation also shared images of the beautiful evening gown Nazia will be wearing at the competition. The dress was designed by Fati Gani.
TAKE A LOOK:
(Photos: Miss Earth SA Oganisation/Sonwabile Ndamase/Faadil Cassim)