Come on, that’s not our national costume! Mariam Jarra got it wrong

A locally made bra-top teamed with a matching wrap miniskirt was what Mariam Jarra wore for the national costume round of the Miss Globe International, held recently in Azerbaijan.

The poorly designed two-piece outfit was a clear deviation from the traditional gowns that Gambian beauty queens have been wearing at international pageants.

One of our fashion commentators said: “Total rubbish! How can you call a bra-top and a micro miniskirt the national costume of The Gambia? Mariam just wanted to show too much skin and attract enough attention.”

According to her manager Alhagi Manka, the outfit was designed by a non-Gambian, Willians Brown.

“The outfit did not fit her when we got to Azerbaijan, so she had to tear it and manage with it.”

Yassin Faal, a US-based beauty queen that represented The Gambia at the last Miss Africa USA, said: “It’s beautiful with the way it had been accessorized (nice concept). Different pageants have different criteria. Congrats to her for being comfortable in her own skin and representing.”

Mariam’s selection was also clouded by controversy. She was hand-picked by her manager, who is also the West Africa Director for Miss Globe International.

“Mariam was chosen by me, because I know she has the quality and the experience to represent The Gambia very well. I am so proud of her.”

Mariam Jarra, who is currently enjoying her newly found fame, declined an interview with What’s On-Gambia, saying: “I’m busy!”