Celebrating heritage: Melissa Nayimuli's modern Xhosa costume steals the show at 2025 Miss Universe

The highly anticipated Miss Universe National Costume Competition is a yearly highlight of the Miss Universe pageant, offering contestants the unique opportunity to showcase their country's rich culture and celebrated heritage to a global audience.

This year’s Miss Universe did not disappoint, and SA’s very own Melissa Nayimuli revealed her stunning national costume at the international Miss Universe pageant on Wednesday,  November 19.

Designed by Hollywood Costumes, her national costume was a modern Xhosa Umbhaco, celebrating South African women.

According to African Beauty International, the official license holders for Miss Universe SA, the black and white costume also pays homage to Nayimuli’s Xhosa culture.

“Raised by a powerful Xhosa woman, her mother, Melissa’s national costume is timely, by celebrating women in South Africa

“Draped in a majestic black and white cape, Melissa Nayimuli’s national costume is a regal homage to the indomitable strength and spirit of Xhosa women.

“The contrasting tones of black and white represent balance - a visual metaphor for the duality of grace and resilience carried by generations of Eastern Cape women,” the organisation revealed on Instagram.

Her costume includes black and white pants with geometrical patterns all over them and a strapless corset top with a sweetheart neckline.

To top it off, it also features a cape as well as a headpiece with a beaded fringe detail. The costume was completed with black and white geometrical beads, including bangles and earrings.

The African Beauty International organisation also explained the inspiration behind the cape and the meaning behind the black and white colours of her costume.

“The flowing cape, handcrafted with meticulous care, pays tribute to the powerful matriarchs and trailblazers who have shaped South African history -  from her mother’s quiet strength to the unyielding courage of icons like Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Zozibini Tunzi, who stood tall as a global voice for authenticity and pride in African beauty.”

In addition, the organisation shared that the traditional Xhosa headpiece symbolises wisdom, dignity, and the crown of womanhood.

While the national costume itself was an improvement from last year, we would have loved to see something theatrical and exciting.

Furthermore, the finale and crowning of Miss Universe will take place on Friday, November 21.