Picture: Jo-Ann Strauss, Roxy Louw and Michelle McLean
Imagine making a grand entrance at your matric farewell in a dress so special it’s fit for Miss South Africa.
If you’re a winner in our novel competition you could be wearing a fabulous gown that might once have been modelled by graceful former Miss SA Jo-Ann Strauss in a photoshoot. Or been worn by singer Juanita du Plessis, top model Tracy McGregor or one of several other local celebrities.
TV presenter Jo-Ann has launched the Princess Project to help matric girls and other women who couldn’t otherwise afford dream outfits for important occasions.
“Celebrities always wear gorgeous dresses to events,” she says, “but once photos have appeared in the media you can’t really wear the dresses again. Now readers will have a chance to feel like princesses.”
Her matric farewell at Hottentots-Holland High in Somerset West in 1998 didn’t go smoothly, Jo-Ann recalls. “The woman who was supposed to make my dress fell ill and I had to make another plan in a hurry. I found a second-hand designer dress for R120 but it was a size 40! My mother took it in and I didn’t look at all bad.”
Former Miss SA Amy Kleinhans-Curd was the first to join the initiative, donating three evening gowns. Hot on her heels were fashion designer Uyanda Mbuli, Roer presenter Tammy-Anne Fortuin, former Miss Universe Michelle McLean and surfer/model Roxy Louw.
HOW TO ENTER
Only matrics may enter. Send your name, age and a sentence on why you deserve to win a special dress. Include the number that appears next to the picture of the gown you’d like to win (see YOU, 14 May). E-mail princess@media24.com and include a phone number where you can be reached during the day or SMS 34923 and start your message with the word princess. The judges reserve the right to choose the winners based on further enquiries. The closing date is 12 June. You may send as many SMSes as you like; each SMS costs R2.
