Cobus Möller

A trip down memory lane with Miss Namibia's national costumes.
June Shimuoshili
The reigning Miss Namibia Selma Kamanya is currently in Thailand for the 66th Miss Universe pageant. As part of tradition, Miss Namibia had to reveal her national costume and like the previous years, the public had its opinions. According to pageant director Connie Maritz, Kamanya's costume is inspired by diamonds, Namibia's crown jewel to be specific because, well, they are a girl's best friend.

The reigning queen will be wearing a bodysuit which is bedazzled with faux diamonds holding an intricately worked wing representing one extremely large diamond which will sparkle continually on stage. Kamanya also has a diamond headdress to complete the look. The many facets on the costume are made to mirror that of a true diamond. “This awe-inspiring national costume worn by Miss Namibia represents the essence of Namibia, a country renowned worldwide for its magnificent diamonds. It embodies the proud spirit of this country and her beautiful Namibian people. It is a true reflection of the magnificent and diverse Namibian landscape where the oldest desert in the world meets the Atlantic Ocean,” said Maritz.

Kamanya's dress is designed by Cobus Möller who has designed the national costume for Miss Namibia dating back as far as 2012. He is notoriously well-known for designing costumes that have gained much attention. Whereas various members of the public have ridiculed his designs for being audacious, there are those who have adored them. Möller's works include the rhino-inspired dress from last year, worn by Suné January as well as Tsakana Nkandih's feather dress.

Some members of the public took to social media to air their opinions. Some of them believe that the diamond garment is likely to have Miss Namibia stand a chance to win. Others felt that the dress lacks inspiration and went as far as asking if the organisation has a lifetime contract with the designer as they regard his work as tacky.

Questions, including why the Miss Namibia national costumes are designed by Möller, were sent to the director and they went unanswered by the time of going to print.

JUNE SHIMUOSHILI

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-10

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