“Fly the Flag”: Mzansi Wowed by South Africa’s Miss Grand International National Costume

• Miss Grand South Africa, Boitshepo Lamola, impressed many when she modelled her national costume at Miss Grand International
• Her blue outfit represented South Africa's national bird, the blue crane, which symbolises national pride, grace, and resilience
• Several social media users applauded Boitshepo and shared how much they loved the design
• Briefly News reached out to fashion designer Ashleigh Ramsavas, who shared her insights with Briefly News writer Gloria Masia on what makes a national gown memorable, how South African designers balance tradition with modern trends, and the impact of pageants on local fashion talent

After documenting her manifestation journey to becoming Miss Grand South Africa, Boitshepo Lamola wowed South Africans when she wore her national costume at Miss Grand International. Many online viewers felt that her representation of the blue crane, South Africa's national bird, was one of the best to ever walk the pageantry stage.

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On 13 October, 2025, Miss Grand International uploaded a video on its TikTok account showing Boitshepo showcasing her blue, feathery costume. The blue crane symbolises national pride, grace, and resilience, all of which the local beauty queen impressively represented.

The international pageant competition, hosting 78 contestants, takes place in Hua Hin, Thailand, with the grand finale scheduled for 18 October, 2025. Speaking about the national costume segment, Miss Grand International stated on its website:

"With the diverse national costumes of each country being created and designed from the creativity of world-class designers, they guarantee the grandeur and dignity of the Miss Grand International beauty pageant."

Ashleigh explained to Briefly News writer Gloria Masia that a gown truly stands out when it tells a story and evokes emotion, capturing culture and identity while connecting with the world. She shared:

"For me, a gown really stands out when it feels alive, when you can see the story, the emotion, and the culture behind it. It’s not just about how fancy it is; it’s about how it makes one feel. I think a strong national gown should represent where you come from, but still connect with the world. I love when designs mix bold structure with movement and detail, something that makes people stop and go, 'That’s unique.' It’s that mix of storytelling, craftsmanship, and confidence that makes it unforgettable."

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On balancing cultural symbolism with modern fashion, Ashleigh highlighted the versatility of South African design and the importance of experimenting while honouring heritage. She said:

"I think the beauty of South African fashion is that we don’t have to choose, we are cultural and modern at the same time. For me, it’s about respecting the roots of where inspiration comes from, but not being afraid to experiment and reimagine it. I’ve always believed in being versatile. I like to take traditional elements and mix them with new textures, silhouettes, or even streetwear influences. That balance keeps things fresh while still representing who we are as a country that’s full of creativity, colour, and talent."

Finally, she emphasised how pageants provide a global stage for local designers and inspire the next generation. She shared:

"Pageants like Miss Grand International give young designers like me such an incredible platform. It’s a chance to show the world what South African fashion really looks like… bold, emotional, and full of identity. When one of our designs is showcased, it’s not just a garment; it’s our story being seen by many. It puts the spotlight on local talent, opens doors, and proves that we can stand next to the best in the world. I think it also inspires more young people to chase this dream and believe that our creativity deserves that international recognition."

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National costume impresses South Africans

With nearly 2 million views since its publication, the viral video saw several local members of the online community heading to the post's comment section in awe of the South African representative's national costume.

@thuleh_dube was thoroughly impressed with the design and stated:

"The best national costume in the history of South African pageantry. She ate!"

@boitysupremacy added under the post:

"I just know her arms were in pain! So much dedication. How do we vote? She deserves to be in the Top 5, if not Top 3. This is beautiful."

@shamilahnkuna1 said in the comments:

"Oh, I hope Miss Universe South Africa is taking notes from Miss Grand South Africa."

A supportive @leeanne6105 remarked:

"Yes, girl! The crane is in the house. Fly that flag."

@dats_dipi shared their opinion about the costume, writing:

"It looks more like a Spix’s macaw in 'Rio' (the movie) than a blue crane. I thought it was Brazil."

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@ngunichildog, who was one of the few who critiqued the look, wrote:

"She carried it well, but it lacked innovation and interpretation. I am still proud of it, but nah, we have way more talented designers to have really done an incredible job here. It’s literal and looks like a last-minute attempt. Look at the other countries, see how much detail and storytelling are in their presentations. Too, too literal and lacking in creative design."

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Other stories about beauty pageants

• In another article, Briefly News spoke to Enhle Mdakane, a 16-year-old entrepreneur who became a finalist for the Miss Teen Grand South Africa competition. She shared her hopes in helping the youth survive the world.
• On 30 September, 2025, Miss South Africa Organisation confirmed that one of the contestants, Lebohang Msimanga, had withdrawn from the competition. They explained the reason for her departure during a media briefing.
• After Miss South Africa Top 10 finalist Bridgette Jones was accused of being a bully by a Cape Town-based pageant organiser, Miss South Africa Organisation shared its response to the allegations.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News