When Cherell Williamson hopped the pond to the Philippines she took more than just a suitcase and crown.
She took with her the hopes and dreams of every past queen and the potential of the future. Leaving one archipelagic paradise for another she also carried one more very special dream; the dream, fulfilled, of local fashion designer Theodore Elyett.
Not only has the decorated and well known designer created Ms. Bahamas’ entire wardrobe for the pageant, but he also designed and made her gown for the popular and much anticipated evening gown competition; a first for a Bahamian designer in 13 years!
Theo’s colorful, detailed and carefully curated and captioned Instagram feed tells the story of how outfitting Ms. Bahamas Universe for the 2017 pageant is a dream come true.
“When I walked into my meeting (with the Miss Bahamas Universe Organization) I was only supposed to be pitching to design Cherell’s wardrobe, but God nudged me to stay up the night before and sketch a gown…the rest is history,” he says on Instagram.
Theo says he had long dreamt of seeing his designs on the Miss Universe stage and after years of waiting, he finally got the opportunity.
“At 14 I missed an opportunity to outfit Miss Bahamas for the Miss Universe competition. For 19 years I tried my hardest to provide a wardrobe for our Miss Universe Bahamas queens but it just never happened. After 19 years of putting in the work, I am so proud to announce that Miss Universe Bahamas @cherellwilliamson (has worn) an extensive wardrobe by Theodore Elyett in Manila, Philippines! God is always…on time! Thank you to the @missuniverseba organization for believing in me!!”
From flawless pantsuits to ball gowns, party wear and everything in between, Theodore Elyett the designer, has ensured that our queen strut in style in them Manila streets!!
Yup! crying my eyes out,” Theo exclaimed. “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 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!!!
Cherell’s evening gown has been listed at one of the best in this year’s competition and has been highlighted by Cosmopolitan, Project Runway alum NickVerreos and the Miss Universe committee itself. The shimmery, sexy gold number got our queen listed in as one of this year’s golden goddesses.
