THE GOLDEN GODDESS -- "When I walked into my meeting with @missuniverseba I was only supposed to be pitching to design Cherell's wardrobe," said Elyett. "But something nudged me to stay up the night before and sketch a gown with the hope that they'd consider it as well. The rest is history..."
A new Miss Universe was crowned on January 29th in the Philippines and representing The Bahamas was 24 year old Cherell Williamson of Nassau was showing up in stellar exclusive fashions throughout the pageant thanks to local designers, Theodore Elyett, and Javotte Bethel.
According to Theodore Elyett, who is one of the best designers to ever come out of The Bahamas, this was the first time in 13 years that a Miss Universe Bahamas wardrobe was provided by a Bahamian designer. After seeing Cherell glide across the Miss Universe stage during preliminaries in his "Golden Goddess" gown, Theodore wrote the following on his Facebook page, "...yup...crying my eyes out...to that 13 year old boy that never gave up! To both of my parents who lost their battle with cancer. To my loving sisters who show me so much love and support. To my true friends that have been so encouraging. To the Miss Universe Bahamas committee for believing in a Bahamian! To The Island Game for offering your financial support. To our beautiful queen that wore the hell out of this gown! To my supporters near and far....and most of all...to a God that never sleeps and never fails...THANK YOU!!!"
The Golden Goddess gown was chosen by Cosmo Style Philippines as one of their top 20 favorites.
Cherell's dazzling national costume was created by Bahamian designer Javotte Bethel, who is no stranger to pageant national costumes, in particular after her incredible piece "Sea Goddess" for the 2014 Miss Universe pageant became quite the controversy. Cherell's outfit, resembling the Commonwealth of The Bahamas coat of arms is being reported and seen among the best of the costumes at this year's pageant by a variety of international news media.
Cherell Williamson, Miss Bahamas 2016 debuts her National Costume on stage at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, January 25, 2017. The contestants have been touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in the Philippines. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, January 29, live from the Philippines to see who will become Miss Universe. (Photo: HO/The Miss Universe Organization)
Cherell Williamson is a gifted and creative makeup artist, face painter and jewelry designer. Hailing from the island of New Providence, she has spent 8 of her young academic years competitively swimming. During her final year of high school she had the privilege of participating in The National Art Enrichment Program where her natural artistic talent blossomed under the tutelage of industry experts.
Cherell has walked the runway of many hometown and international stages but still finds time to work with her mother, jewelry artist, Chevette Williamson in their Bahamian boutique and train hearing impaired young ladies the art of jewelry making. It is through this giving program that these young ladies have empowered another group of young ladies to become business women by opening the Hearing Impaired Native Craft Center.
Cherell, you gave it your all. We are proud of you!
Miss Universe Bahamas wardrobe pieces created by Theodore Elyett.
Cherell Williamson, Miss Universe Bahamas in Theodore Elyett
