 Mrs South Africa 2009 parades in ostrich4 August 2009 
“I told the designer, Deon Oelofse, that this golden
yellow ostrich leather and feather dress was a winner,
and that’s exactly what happened.” So says Mrs Joani
Johnson (28) who was crowned as the new Mrs South Africa
on Friday evening in Midrand.
“For me as a married woman it is important to look after
myself and to be sexy. This beautiful bright and stylish
ostrich dress does precisely this.”
Joani works for the local newspaper in Mossel Bay and will
compete in the official Mrs World competition in November.
“I want to win for my country. There has never been a South
African Mrs World.”
She emphasised her Southern Cape roots with her choice of
dress for the crowning ceremony. “Deon is my favourite
designer and the yellow ostrich dress was designed and
made exclusively.”
The dress that Joani wore for the Mrs South Africa gala
function was one of five unique new dresses designed by
Deon at the request of the South African Ostrich Business
Chamber (SAOBC).
The leather and feathers come from Klein Karoo International
(KKI) in Oudtshoorn. This dress also formed part of the
SAOBC fashion shows in Portugal and Spain this year.
“The dress was designed for illustrious occasions and fits
Joani like a glove,” says Deon.
“I finished off this ostrich outfit with a corset-style top
studded with Swarovski crystals. The skirt consists of six
layers, sloping outward, and here I used 24 metres of rouge
ostrich feathers.”
For the top only the crown or quill marks of the ostrich
leather was used. I first made the dress and then applied
the bright yellow pastel colouring.
The rouge was also nuanced from pastel yellow to bright
yellow. A lively number that you cannot overlook,” says
the designer proudly.
Deon has been in the industry for 26 years. “Ostrich
feathers have always been a favourite of mine. I have been
associated with it since 2005. These days the Klein Karoo
ostrich leather is so supple that one can do virtually anything
with it. From a sexy number in red or yellow to a stylish pair
of trousers or shiny jacket,” he says.
He pointed out that he likes to combine ostrich leather with
silk chiffon and Swarovski crystals or other precious stones.
It can be very modern and stylish.”
For Joani there lies a busy time ahead. In addition to her
obligations as journalist and owner of a local modelling
school, she has many other engagements and must also do
charity work.
Her husband, Arthur, is her greatest supporter. “With his
assistance I want to make a difference in the community and
empower women during my term as Mrs South Africa,” says Joani.
Source: KLEIN KAROO International (KKI) 
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