On March 7, Dee M Fashion Promotions Model Agency hosted its annual Miss Summer pageant and competition.
A precursor to the highlight shows of the year, the Miss Teenager and Miss Sweet Sixteen show, the Miss Summer pageant has no preliminary knock-out rounds and all participants are featured in the show.
This year, judges were looking for a fresh, natural, fun-loving girl with lots of personalities. No modelling experience was necessary or taken into consideration with regard to the judging format.
The evening comprised different runway themes including fashion and swimwear.
Stirling High School’s Tayla Collins claimed the title of Miss Bikini, Olothando Mjila from Stirling High was crowned Miss Summer and Zoey van Niekerk from Clarendon Girls’ Primary School was awarded the title of Little Miss Summer.
“Winning this title has proved to me that I can do anything if I believe in myself,” Collins said.
“The most challenging part was doubting myself and thinking that all the other girls had a better chance of winning. However, I overcame this mindset when I decided to have fun and be myself.”
Mjila said: “Winning Miss summer is a true blessing and it is proof that I have more abilities that I was not aware of.
“I was focused, dedicated, listened to instructions and I put in time and effort in practising my walk and routine, and these steps guaranteed me the win.”
Van Niekerk said: “I am so thrilled for winning the title at 12 years old. It’s definitely a dream come true.
“My favourite part included participating with my friends and my sister, having my family there to support me and in the end making new friends.
“My advice to others hoping to take the crown next year is to be prepared, smile, enjoy the moment, take your time down the ramp and don’t forget to have lots of fun!”
Dee M Fashion Promotions Model Agency would like to thank Crawfords Beach Lodge, Boston College and new sponsor Anthony Klopper Photography for their outstanding support.
