Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar recently recounted an uplifting experience from just hours before the Miss World finals, where she lent her support to Miss South Africa, Adè van Heerden.
In a recent YouTube video, Manushi recreated her iconic Miss World pageant makeup look and shared a significant moment from the competition. She revealed that Adè van Heerden faced a wardrobe malfunction when her gown ripped, and her backup outfit also failed to fit due to a broken zipper. Seeing her fellow contestant in distress, Manushi instinctively offered one of her gowns, which fortunately fit Adè perfectly.
Recalling that frantic morning, Manushi said, “A night before the finals, we had our costume rehearsals where we kind of judge whether we’re okay walking in those gowns and everything has to be timed to perfection. And Miss South Africa, Adè van Heerden’s gown ended up ripping apart. I have no idea how that exactly happened, but that was a lot of stress.”
She further noted, “So, for some reason, I don’t know what was going on that day with her, but I remember the morning of the finals seeing her, and she was quite low. And I was like, ‘Hey, you know what? I have many outfits. I have many gowns. Why don’t you just take one of mine?’ So she luckily fit into my clothes. It did look like the gown was made for her. I think she looked beautiful in it.”
While assisting Adè with her gown, Manushi lost track of time and didn’t complete her makeup for the finals until she was en route to the venue. She humorously added, “But while we were supposed to be getting ready for the finals, I was helping Adè with her fitting. So I didn’t do my makeup. I literally did my makeup in the bus on the way to the venue, which I’m really, really proud of.”
Amidst the chaos, Manushi went on to clinch the prestigious Miss World title, bringing pride to her country.