For years, Miss Namibia’s national costumes have sparked debate and evoked bittersweet opinions amongst the public.
But according to the chief executive officer of Miss Namibia, Umbi Karueihe-Upi, every costume carries a deeper purpose.
In an interview with VIBEZ!, Karueihe-Upi said the national costume segment is important in international pageants because it tells the story of a country.
“They promote cultural heritage and national pride. Visual storytelling can promote tourism and national designers,” she said.
Karueihe-Upi explained that the design process begins with the national delegate.
“We first talk to the contestant and ask what she prefers, since she is the one who will wear the costume. I then advise on what we can showcase for that specific international pageant. It is a combination of many inputs, but the final costume must suit the delegate so she can display it confidently,” she said.
The reigning Miss Universe Namibia, Johanna Swartbooi, costume celebrated the heritage of the San people.
“We wanted to highlight this important group of people in our country. We then added seven other cultural groups to give it national representation. Inclusivity is very important so all Namibians can feel part of this experience,” she said.
Karueihe-Upi said Miss Namibia works with about 20 local designers, and only Namibian creators are chosen.
“We want to educate and inform the world about the unique and important things about Namibia’s costumes and over the years we have drawn inspiration from the Welwitschia plant, the cheetah, the aloe tree, the pangolin, and more. Some of these are protected trees and endangered species.
Through these costumes, we promote tourism, support local fashion designers and help drive fashion trends,” she explained.
A look back at Miss Namibia’s national costumes
2018 – Selma Kamanya
Miss Universe Namibia 2018 Selma Kamanya wore a costume inspired by Namibia’s “Crown Jewel”, its rare, high-quality diamonds. Designed by Cobus Moller. The diamond-themed outfit symbolised the spirit of Namibia and its people. Moller said the many facets of the costume reflected both the brilliance of diamonds and the country’s diverse landscapes, where the ancient desert meets the Atlantic Ocean.
2019 – Nadja Breytenbach
Nadja Breytenbach’s costume, created by South African designer Mzukisi Mbane, celebrated the strength of Namibia. The headpiece represented Africa’s wildlife, while the bodysuit included references to the country’s various cultural groups.
2021 – Chelsi Shikongo
Chelsi Shikongo’s costume honoured her hometown, Walvis Bay. The design drew inspiration from pink salt pans and flamingos. It featured pink and white tones, salt-crystal detailing, chiffon fabrics symbolising water, and traditional Owambo ondelela cloth. The outfit, created by six artisans over 150 hours, celebrated Namibia’s culture, nature and industrial heritage.
2022 – Cassia Sharpley
Cassia Sharpley’s national costume represented Namibia’s national bird, the fish eagle, symbolising strength and freedom.
2023 – Jameela /Uiras
Designed by Mwatile Kapolola, the 2023 costume paid tribute to the resilient oryx, a key symbol on the Namibian Coat of Arms. The “Diamond Oryx” design represented endurance, strength and the harsh beauty of the desert landscape.
2024 – Prisca Anyolo
Prisca Anyolo’s costume reflected the traditional attire of northern Namibian communities. Made from red, blue and pink odelela fabric, it showcased versatility in Namibian textile art. A cream and gold fabric symbolised the sand dunes and Khoisan heritage. Lantern earrings represented the Namibian sun, while a basket-style crown honoured cultural symbols from the Zambezi, Kavango and Aawambo communities. The ehoro container, from the Otjiherero group, highlighted traditional village life.
2025 – Johanna Swartbooi
Miss Universe Namibia 2025 Johanna Swartbooi’s national costume pays tribute to Namibia’s cultural diversity and natural beauty. The costume blends influence from various ethnic groups to symbolise a united nation. A quiver-tree-inspired crown features a beaded headband with a diamond centre-piece, while a sunset-printed cape reflects the majesty of Namibian landscapes. A colourful ostrich-shell necklace featuring yellow, orange, blue, green, red and brown represents harmony among Namibia’s cultures.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na