- Veekee James unveils stunning dress for Bonang Matheba at Miss SA as she designed a breathtaking turquoise and green mermaid couture dress for the event.
- The dress was completed in just two days, highlighting James’s exceptional skills and ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
- Bonang Matheba showcased five outfits from Nigerian designers during the Miss South Africa finale, emphasizing the rising influence of Nigerian fashion globally.
- The event celebrated diversity, culminating in the historic crowning of Mia Le Roux, the first deaf winner in the pageant’s history.
Newsypeople – In an exclusive behind-the-scenes chat with BellaNaija Style, the celebrated fashion designer Veekee James Atere opens up about the inspiration, creative process, and the hurdles he had to clear to craft Bonang Matheba’s jaw-dropping opening look for the Miss South Africa 2024 finale—all within the span of just two days.
Veekee James Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Veekee James Atere |
| Profession | Fashion Designer |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Notable Works | Bonang Matheba’s Miss SA 2024 opening look |
| Awards | N/A |
| Social Media | @veekee_james |
Inspiration and Design Process
Drawing deeply from the pageant’s theme, Veekee James infused vibrant colors and intricate details into a mesmerizing mermaid-style couture dress. The gown dazzles with its top adorned in delicate beadwork, while the skirt flows effortlessly in shades of turquoise and green, creating an unforgettable statement.
“I see Veekee James is trending here for the 2nd time in 1 week… Guys I just wanna humbly say na ‘JESUS’ dey run am… Emphasis on ‘J E S U S,'” the designer humbly shared on X.
Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
With a mere two days to work his magic, Veekee James and his dedicated team burned the midnight oil to bring this vision to life. They faced the daunting task of executing the intricate beadwork with precision while ensuring that the dress fit Bonang like a glove for her grand entrance.
“Discover the story behind the colors, the intricate design elements, and the challenges overcome to produce this remarkable piece in just two days,” the BellaNaija Style feature teases, hinting at the sheer determination behind the masterpiece.
Bonang’s Glam Squad
Bonang Matheba’s stunning look for the Miss SA finale was a collaborative effort, brought to life by an all-Nigerian glam squad, showcasing their immense talent and creativity. Alongside Veekee James, she donned outfits from designers Somo by Somo, Sheye Oladejo, Mazelle Bridal, and Emagine by Bukola.
Her styling was masterfully handled by Nigerian stylist Dahmola, while her makeup and hair were flawlessly done by South Africa’s THE DON HAIR and Nigerian Hair by Bukks. The entire glamorous affair was captured by The Lagos Paparazzi, a top-tier Nigerian photographer and videographer.
Significance and Impact
Bonang’s decision to spotlight Nigerian designers at the Miss SA finale resonated deeply with Nigerians, who viewed it as a powerful response to the xenophobic campaign against Miss Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina. This move not only showcased the exceptional talent and creativity of Nigerian designers but also sent a strong message of unity on a global platform.
“Every look was a hit. Nigerians were elated about the decision, which they deemed a worthy ‘compensation’ or solidarity for Miss South Africa hopeful Chidimma Adetshina,”
as highlighted in an article by Premium Times.
FAQs
Q: How long did it take Veekee James to design Bonang’s dress?
Veekee James and his team created the dress in just two days.
Q: What were the main design elements of the dress?
The dress features intricate beadwork on the top and a stunning turquoise and green mermaid skirt.
Q: Why was Bonang’s choice to wear Nigerian designers significant?
It was seen as a positive response to the xenophobic campaign against Miss Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina and highlighted the talent of Nigerian fashion designers.
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