Designer defends Miss Namibia's snake

Local fashion designer McBright Kavari came under fire on social networks this week after he designed a dress inspired by a traditional Herero costume, with a snake posed on the headdress, as Miss Namibia Paulina Malulu's national costume for the Miss Universe pageant. Paulina left for Russia over the weekend to get ready for the Miss Universe pageant that will be held in Moscow on November 9. Speaking to Namibian Sun this week, McBright said the dress was inspired by the beautiful Namibian landscapes and cultures. He said he went for ethnic dark colours and used three different fabrics. The traditional Herero dress "is truly Namibia", he said, defending his choice of style. Asked about public criticism that snakes are associated with witchcraft and bad luck, McBright said the dress is unique. "The dress showcases our beautiful landscape and here in Namibia we have snakes that other countries don't have. The snake adds value to the dress," he said. The director of the National Art Gallery of Namibia, Hercules Viljoen, said the snake could be interpreted in many ways but he feels it was used in a playful way in the design and doesn't look threatening. "That's the beauty of art. It can be interpreted in different ways and can become an object that you can discuss," he said. Herero cultural expert Jonathan Katjimune expressed dismay at the combination of a Herero dress and a snake. "In Herero and many other Namibians cultures snakes are a symbol of bad luck, unhappiness and untrustworthiness," he said. Katjimune said it is unfortunate that Namibia will be represented internationally with something that is frowned upon by most Namibians. "It sends a bad signal about Namibia and even more about the person wearing it." He said a snake isn't a true representation of the belief systems of Namibians. The national director of the Miss Namibia pageant, Conny Maritz, said she hadn't seen the criticism yet so she couldn't comment. WINDHOEK GORDON JOSEPH