By Rita Okoye

Fashion events are much more than just occasions to admire beautiful clothes and sparkling jewellery. They are celebrations of culture, creativity, and identity.

These events offer a glimpse into the world of style and artistry. It’s a way to preserve and showcase beauty, style and substance—especially in Africa.

Events like the Miss Universe Angola pageant are examples of how African fashion, beauty, and culture can come together in one powerful moment. These pageants do more than crown a winner; they are a celebration of who the contestants are, where they come from, and what they represent.

Miss Universe Angola is an event that has become synonymous with glamour and grace, but it also has a deeper significance. Launched in 2003, the pageant was born out of a desire to not only spotlight Angola’s stunning beauty but also to give a platform to its women, empowering them and encouraging them to embrace their identities.

Over the years, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated in the country, drawing attention both within Angola and abroad. It serves as a reminder of the country’s resilience and its dynamic presence in the world.

The Miss Universe Angola 2022 featured a range of activities, including preliminary rounds where contestants were judged on beauty, personality, and interviews. They participated in swimwear and evening gown showcases, as well as talent performances, demonstrating versatility.

The event also highlighted Angola’s culture through social activities, and contestants engaged in community outreach initiatives. Media appearances, photoshoots, and interviews were part of the promotion, leading to the grand finale where the new Miss Universe Angola was crowned to represent the country at the international pageant.

The evening of the Miss Universe Angola 2022 event, held on August 6 at Pérola dos Navegantes in Benguela, was a perfect reflection of this spirit. The night was filled with energy and excitement as 25 contestants took the stage to compete for the title. Among them, Swelia Da Silva Antonio, a 24-year-old beauty from Benguela, ultimately claimed the crown, defeating 24 other women to become Miss Universe Angola 2022.

But while the crowning moment was the main show of the evening, the true highlight for many was the stunning fashion that accompanied the event, particularly the breathtaking gowns worn by the contestants.

Among those who have made a significant mark in the event and fashion world are Ifeoma Umenyiora and Eberechukwu Chioma George, whose brand, Pillz ‘n Poizn (Ppoizn) Atelier, continues to redefine style and empowerment.
Founded in Lagos in 2018, Ppoizn is dedicated to celebrating femininity and the strength of diversity.

Together with her Partner, Eberechukwu Chioma George, Ifeoma has crafted a brand that emphasises individuality, designing garments for women of all shapes and sizes.
Her brand combines innovative styles with impeccable craftsmanship, creating pieces that inspire confidence and highlight the beauty in diversity.

Ppoizn has quickly gained international recognition, showcasing its designs at major events like Lagos Fashion Week, African Fashion Week London, and Paris Fashion Week.

A major highlight came in when the brand dressed contestants for the Miss Universe Angola pageant, further establishing its reputation for elegance and sophistication.
The dresses, designed by Pillz n Poizn, were nothing short of spectacular. Ifeoma and her partner Eberechukwu are well known for their good crafts, excellence and attention to detail.
The gowns they created did not only enhance the contestants’ beauty but also exuded luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. With every twirl and every step on the runway, these gowns came alive, turning the evening into an unforgettable visual feast.
Let’s explore some of the beautiful gowns designed by Pillz n Poizn during the Miss Universe Angola 2022 event.

The first design made of soft wine lace fabrics is nothing short of stunning. The flower-like white designs added beauty and gave more meaning to the design. With its delicate floral design, it created a graceful and timeless look. The gown flowed effortlessly to the floor, creating a beautiful silhouette that highlighted the natural beauty of the wearer.
Its loose fit and minimalistic design gave it an air of sophistication, while the subtle singlet straps added a modern touch.
What truly made this dress stand out was the exquisite craftsmanship. Piillz n Poizn’s attention to detail and mastery of design allowed the gown to enhance the beauty of the Miss Universe contestant, without overshadowing her. The lace flowers added depth and texture, while the overall simplicity ensured the dress was both timeless and contemporary.
The designer’s thoughtful choice of fabric, design, and structure truly elevated the contestant’s appearance, making her look graceful, poised, and effortlessly stunning. Pillz n Poizn’s contribution to Miss Universe 2022 was a perfect example of how a well-crafted gown can enhance both the beauty of the wearer and the moment itself.
The collection stood out because of the thoughtfulness behind it. Each piece was carefully crafted to showcase the feminine form and silhouette, using a mix of textures and colours that captured both modern flair and traditional African beauty.
Pillz n Poizn’s expertise in designing for both local and international stars made them the perfect choice for this prestigious event. Their gowns were not only a visual representation of the pageant’s glamour but also the importance of African fashion in the global arena.
Pillz n Poizn’s second creation showcased during Miss Universe 2022 was really breathtaking. This off-white lace gown was a showstopper, hugging the wearer’s body to perfection while bringing out her shape and height. The dress cascaded gracefully to the floor, its hemline brushing the stage, giving the impression that the wearer was walking on air.
The lace itself was stunning, a shimmering, diamond-like sheen caught the light as the contestant moved, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour. This simple and dazzling detail made the gown feel truly luxurious, elevating the overall aesthetic without overwhelming it. The tight fit of the dress emphasised the wearer’s natural curves while still allowing for fluid movement.

Another beautiful detail was the gown’s tiny, delicate sleeves. The combination of the intricate lace, the shimmering accents, and the flattering silhouette made this dress a true masterpiece.
The 2022 Miss Universe Angola pageant wasn’t just about the show-stopping gowns. The night also featured collections from other local designers, each bringing their own unique vision to the stage. Duarte Paciência, for example, presented a collection that perfectly blended simplicity with high-fashion elegance.
His evening gowns, adorned with traditional African prints and modern cuts, added a sense of timelessness to the event. Also, Maria Borges made a mark during Miss Universe 2022. Maria Borges is known for her elegant and innovative collections that celebrate African culture and craftsmanship, blending traditional elements with modern luxury.

The striking purple lace gown above combined drama with elegance; the rich, regal purple hue was further amplified by the gown’s shimmering lace fabric, which caught the light beautifully, creating a glow as the contestant moved across the stage.

The shine from the lace, combined with the lighting, made the dress appear as if it were sparkling, adding a touch of glamour and luxury to the overall look.

The design itself was both bold and tasteful; the gown featured a daring cut that reached the contestant’s lap, revealing just enough leg. On the opposite side, the gown flowed down to the floor, covering the other leg.

A standout feature of this dress was its single sleeve, a striking detail that added a modern, edge to the classic lace fabric. The one-shouldered design allowed the dress to be simple

The gown’s slightly tight fit further enhanced the wearer’s shape, showcasing her figure in a way that was refined.
As the evening progressed, the anticipation built, leading to the final moments when Swelia Da Silva Antonio was crowned. Her poise, beauty, and confidence were the perfect embodiment of the spirit of Miss Universe Angola.
But beyond the crowning, the Miss Universe Angola 2022 pageant was a powerful reminder of the role fashion plays in shaping culture and identity. The collaboration between local and international designers, the stunning collections, and the celebration of Angolan beauty were all part of a bigger narrative, one that tells the story of a nation that is rising on the global fashion scene.
Events like this show that fashion is not just about looking good but empowered, celebrating who you are, and sharing that with the world.
In the end, the 2022 edition of Miss Universe Angola was a truly remarkable occasion. It was a night filled with glamour, culture, and creativity, but it was also an important step in putting African fashion and beauty on the map.
The final gown was a breathtaking creation. The gown, crafted from a luxurious purple lace, was adorned with shimmering accents that caught the light from every angle, giving it a radiant quality. The sparkle on the fabric added beauty to the simple design, making it perfect for the stage where all eyes were on the contestant.
Similar to the previous dresses, this gown also featured a striking one-shoulder design, which added a modern twist to the classic lace fabric.
What truly set this gown apart was the dramatic flair at the bottom. While the top was tight, hugging the wearer’s shape and highlighting her figure, the gown began to flare out from the knee down, creating a sweeping effect like a wedding gown to the floor.
Piillz n Poizn has once again demonstrated their mastery in crafting a design that was understated but impactful. These gowns, with their perfect blend of simplicity and sparkle, truly graced the occasion.
The exquisite collections, particularly the works by Piillz n Poizn, made waves not just in Angola but across the fashion world, showing that African designers are making their mark in the international spotlight.