By Ijeoma Ilekanachi
Miss Universe Nigeria, Maristella Okpala, won the Best National Costume award at the just concluded Miss Universe 2021 pageant.
The 28-year-old model who hails from Anambra state displayed the ‘Mmanwa’ masquerade in Sunday’s exhibition. The costume was designed by Filipino fashion student Kenny Gasper.
The costume was inspired by a “Mmanwa”, a traditional masquerade of the southeastern tribe of Nigeria.
According to Maristella Okpala on her Instagram page, “Mmanwa” is a female masquerade costume that’s designed for ceremonial and festive purposes to celebrate the rich Nigerian cultural heritage paying closer attention to the strength women possess.
“The 3ft tribal mask with the colorful ancient back cape. With Mmanwa’s Face boldly crested on the mask and cape. It represents the beautiful Mmanwa who fought tirelessly to stop girl child mutilation and child slavery while the colorful patterns and embellishments portray the African dashiki which offers a visual appeal and forms meant to invoke the ancestral spirits.
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Speaking on the reason for the costume and its symbolism, the model said, “It represents the beautiful Mmanwa who fought tirelessly to stop girl child mutilation and child slavery while the colourful patterns and embellishments portray the African dashiki which offers a visual appeal and forms meant to invoke the ancestral spirits.
“I picked this particular costume because I see a self-reflection of my cause in this Mmanwa who protects children and women against any form of abuse.
The Filipino designer, Gasper expressed his thanks in a Facebook post following Maristella’s win for Best in National Costume.
“Thank you Lord. Hindi pa rin ako makapaniwala talaga. Umiiyak ako kanina habang kayakap si mama (I still can’t believe it. I was crying earlier while hugging my mom),” he wrote.
The 2021 Miss Universe grand finale took place in Eilat, Israel on Sunday, December 12. India’s Harnaaz Sandhu won the crown of Miss Universe and South Africa’s Lalela Mswane made it to the pageant’s Top 3.
