One week before the finals of Miss Burundi 2023, this blogger come back to the recent semifinals of this a pagant has continuously been a stage on which local designers have adapted as an advertisement platform. With the growing number of designers reaching out for brand recognition through the offer of a sponsorship towards the organization and yet a continuously rising concern as to the appearance of candidates, questions continue to arise. Has there not been thorough concentration on clothing criteria, or are Burundian fashion icons asleep or non-existent?
This Saturday twentieth may, Burundi witnessed the Miss Burundi semifinals, an important event capable of altering the life of candidates and creating a spot for growth of ideas within the Burundian population. While this would have served as an opportunity for local designers and stylist to build the long sort for recognition, participants are obliged to style themselves individually for the Semi Finals as it has been for several years.
Is it a question of ignorance? Lack of finances? Why do we prefer to be left at the back seat of most pageants? Those are some of the many questions circulating pageant viewers.
The tip, the top and the tabs
Stepping into a night where we were unable to neither witness preparations nor identify what happens behind closed doors, various fashion gurus continue to question the necessity of a stylist in the MISS BURUNDI committee. This year appeared to be a rush from a work day interview right into a much-needed pageant.
When asked what should be changed when it comes to the clothing of a group of women who are set to represent the nation worldwide or the need of a stylist within the organization, one of this year committee members, Ruhara Ketty replied: “I do not have much to say in regards to this matter but I genuinely think the ladies presented themselves very well, very politely with a lot of humility. I do not have anything I would have desired for them to change. They were very well dressed, presented themselves beautifully as well.”
Viewers complain though
Niyonkuru Jean Bedel owner of Timiza fashion; a brand that has operated in Burundi for over eight years says: “In my most genuine opinion the ladies were dressed badly, horribly dressed. That affects us designers at large in that it gives us a bad image. The Miss Burundi committee knows us; they have seen our work over and over again so until now I fail to understand why they do not give us or what we do value. If they honestly cared about this aspect of the competition, they’d get in touch with us and ask for our help.”
With an elegant choice in color, the song that has rung over Burundian soil constantly rotates on the concept of clothing choice. Overlooking the variety of options on designers and stylists available locally, there stands a need to pinpoint where a blind spot begins within their preparations or committee at large.
“This year, as compared to previous competitions, a few of the girls tried. A fair number however still came as though they were attending a salsa dance evening or going to a wedding. There is still some sort of negligence in the ladies’ attires which is visible in the imbalance of style. Some people dress really well others as though they have no idea what kind of event they are attending”, said Kazoza Martial, a fashion content creator who was privileged to attend the event and undergo his own personal analysis.
With question still arising in the area of pageants attire, is it necessary that a nation comes together in raising funds to eliminate public humiliation? Is there anything we can do to build a pageant worth showcasing worldwide? What boundaries do they encounter that limit the penetration of brand new ideas into the awakening of long lasting fashion solutions? These are only a few of questions that remain unanswered.