In a breathtaking display of cultural pride and artistic innovation, Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025, Lyshanda Moyas, set the National Costume competition alight on November 19, 2025, in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Her ensemble, titled “Born of the Baobab, Forged in Flame”, transformed the iconic African Baobab tree into a living symbol of Zimbabwean resilience, ancestry, and transformation—a powerful statement that has captivated global audiences and sparked fervent discussions across social media.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant, hosted in Thailand ahead of its grand finale on November 21, 2025, featured over 120 delegates showcasing elaborate national costumes inspired by their homelands’ heritage.
Amidst a sea of feathers, jewels, and cultural motifs, Moyas’ fiery tribute to the Baobab stood out as a bold celebration of Zimbabwe’s natural wonders and enduring spirit.
The Symbolism Behind the Masterpiece
Known affectionately as the “Tree of Life” or “Upside-Down Tree” across Africa, the Baobab (Adansonia digitata) holds profound significance in Zimbabwean culture.
These ancient giants, some over 2,000 years old, provide food (from their vitamin-rich fruit, known as mawuyu), shelter, medicine, and even spiritual sanctuary for communities.
They symbolize longevity, strength, and the interconnectedness of generations—roots delving deep into the earth while their vast canopies offer protection and nourishment.
Moyas’ costume, crafted from sustainably sourced Baobab fiber, masterfully embodied this essence:
- Silhouette: A rooted base representing grounded ancestral strength, a narrow waist evoking the sturdy trunk that has withstood centuries of droughts and storms, and a dramatic, full crown mirroring the tree’s generous canopy that feeds and heals entire villages.
- Fiery Color Palette: A striking blend of black, red, and orange flames, each hue laden with meaning:
- Black: Honoring the rich soil and the resilient people of Zimbabwe.
- Red: Symbolizing the bold bloodline and sacrifices of the nation’s forebears.
- Orange: Evoking transformation through fire—the refining flames of adversity that forge unbreakable spirit.
“This is more than fashion,” the official description proclaimed. “It is a living story—a tribute to resilience, ancestral memory, and the unbreakable bond between Zimbabwean women and the land that shapes them.”
The design cleverly intertwined elements of Zimbabwe’s national flower, the Flame Lily (Gloriosa superba), known for its vibrant orange-red petals and symbolism of beauty emerging from hardship.
The flame motifs not only amplified the “forged in fire” theme but also nodded to the country’s cycles of renewal, much like the Baobab’s ability to thrive in arid landscapes.
Global Spotlight and Social Media Frenzy
As photos and videos from the National Costume Show flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram—shared initially by Zimbabwe’s public broadcaster ZBC—the reaction was electric.
ZimLive reported: “Miss Universe Zimbabwe Lyshanda Moyas has unveiled her national costume for the world pageant’s finals—an ensemble dubbed ‘Born of the Baobab, Forged in Flame.’ It highlights the baobab tree as a symbol of resilience, ancestry, and transformation.”
Praise poured in from Zimbabweans and international fans alike:
- “Absolutely stunning. 🔥🇿🇼 The creativity behind this costume is on another level. The baobab symbolism, the colours, the flames—everything screams strength, heritage, and resilience. Lyshanda really carried the spirit of Zimbabwe with pride. Thailand is definitely not ready!” gushed one enthusiastic commenter.
- “At first sight… I thought the dress is the national flower the Flame Lily which symbolizes the country’s beauty and resilience. Either way, that’s quite artistic and bold. Well done team Zim!”
- Another insightful reaction linked the two icons: “The combination of the baobab tree and a Flame Lily is also realistic… we eat mawuyu, while the Flame Lily, though appealing, its beauty ends there—we can’t eat it. I love it as a Baobab and Lily.”
- “I love it, it’s unique… fashion shows are not for everyone. Once you understand the concept you will get it. Nailed it! It’s sizzling hot!!”
Deeper interpretations emerged, with one user noting: “Trees and flowers are a core part of our childhood… The natural cycle of vegetation, the dry season, the shedding of trees and the subsequent blooming truly sums up life, it really speaks more to us Zimbabweans.”
Mixed Reactions: Debate Fuels the Fire
Not all feedback was unanimous. The costume’s bold, literal interpretation divided opinions, highlighting the subjective nature of artistic expression in pageantry:
- One critic voiced: “I think it’s literal and over the top… I see literally interpretation of the baobab and fire. I did not like it.”
- A more provocative take: “The Baobab’s resilience is waning, in crisis, and engulfed in flames 🔥, demanding immediate rescue. She is protesting!”—perhaps alluding to environmental concerns like deforestation affecting these ancient trees.
Despite the critiques, the overwhelming sentiment celebrated the costume’s authenticity and cultural depth.
As one defender put it: “The designer deserves an award for the creativity… It is a breath of fresh air into the true identity of Zimbabwe.”
Lyshanda Moyas: Carrying Zimbabwe’s Flame Forward
The 26-year-old from Gweru, a qualified nurse turned finance executive, was crowned Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 earlier this year.
Known for her advocacy on UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), Moyas has used her platform to champion empowerment and progress.
Her poised performance in Thailand—striding confidently amid cheers—embodied the very resilience her costume portrayed.
As the Miss Universe 2025 finale approaches on November 21 at Thailand’s Impact Challenger Hall, Moyas continues to represent Zimbabwe with grace and fire.
Whether or not she claims the crown, her Baobab-inspired masterpiece has already etched a memorable chapter in pageant history, reminding the world of Africa’s ancient wisdom and unyielding strength.
In an era where national costumes increasingly blend tradition with bold storytelling, “Born of the Baobab, Forged in Flame” stands as a testament to Zimbabwe’s vibrant heritage—one that burns brightly on the global stage. 🇿🇼✨
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