Fresh off the electric energy of the International Miss Universe pageant where he arrived in bold Pan-African regalia and unmistakable presence, South Africa’s creative powerhouse Mervin Marvey speaks to Glamour SA about confidence, culture, mentorship and the global momentum shaping this season of pageantry and performance.
The award-winning performance coach, creative director and founder of ICFK has had a milestone year. Between leading creative direction for Miss Universe SA and Miss Supranational SA, coaching four of theTop 10 finalists at Miss South Africa, celebrating young ICFK talent walking global runways and returning to the stage in Chicago – The Musical after four years, Marvey has solidified himself as one of the country’s most respected multi-hyphenate creatives.
In a special edition Q&A, we catch up with him just back home from the Miss Universe competition in Thailand to unpack what this moment means for South Africa, for the next generation and for him.
You've just come from Miss Universe. What does it mean to be part of South Africa on a global platform?
Miss Universe reminds me every year that South Africa’s voice and heritage belong on the world stage.My work is never about titles. It’s about helping a woman arrive in her truth. When she walks outconfident in her story, the job is done. The win is internal long before it’s external.
Your look in Thailand was bold, African and unapologetic and made global waves. What inspired it?
It was a love letter to home. Africans don’t need to dilute identity to fit in. I wanted to carry our colour, texture and culture with pride. Fashion is storytelling, and mine will always speak boldly. I proudly worked with local designers Diaan Daniels, Datz Lepedi, Varity O’Designs & House of Ayanda to assemblemy looks in Thailand celebrating who we are.
Your creative direction this year was rooted in identity. What guided that?
Authenticity. All my amazing ladies whom I have the privilege to work with, have one thing in common -authentic stories and their stories need to be celebrated and communicated globally.
How did Miss Universe SA differ from your work on Miss Supranational SA?
Both platforms stretch different muscles and that’s the beauty of working across both. Miss Supranational is looking for an inspirational aspirational woman who leads by example and Miss Universe is a platform for female leaders who are confidently beautiful.
You coached four of this year’s Miss South Africa Top 10 finalists. What did that moment mean to you?
It was humbling and speaks to manifestation. Each year I am blessed with curating the journeys of diverse women for platforms such as Miss South Africa and this year my cast of girls were no different. Each woman brought a different story and journey. Seeing them own their space made me incredibly proud. Their strength wasn’t manufactured . It was drawn from who they already were. I simply held the mirror steady.
What set this group apart?
Knowledge of self. They understood their purpose, stayed consistent and didn’t try to emulate previous winners. When a woman embraces her truth, clarity becomes her competitive edge.
As an expert, what stood out about the Miss SA competition this year?
The competition felt more authentic with the new management and more grounded in narrative than spectacle. To sustain momentum, the brand needs to keep investing in real storytelling, meaningful representation and community-centred impact. That’s where South Africans connect.
One thing future contestants should stop doing?
Performing versions of themselves they think the world prefers. Authenticity is the strategy andconsistency is a winner’s meal.
You returned to the stage in Chicago – The Musical this year. How did that influence your work?
Theatre sharpened me. It reconnected me to presence, emotion and rhythm. These are the same tools pageant coaching relies on. Chicago reminded me I’m an artist first. Everything else flows from that. It was an absolutely beautiful experience.
What tips have you learnt about managing workload and stress?
Set boundaries early. Honour rest. Delegate with trust and constantly reassess what is essential versus what is noise. Your energy is your currency.
What keeps you motivated when the demands feel heavy?
Transformation. Watching someone, child or adult, step into a fuller version of themselves is the fuel that keeps me moving. It’s my calling to be part of people’s journeys and I don’t take any of that forgranted.
What is your view on the health of local theatre right now?
Our theatre community is resilient. We’re rebuilding. Creativity isn’t the issue - opportunity and funding are. The talent is world-class. It simply needs consistent platforms to thrive. Chicago was sold out so the audiences can be drawn back to the theatre and that is very positive news. I would say the same goes for pageantry. I dream of the day we see pageantry as an art form that is placed and recognised as a sport & a career because, it truly is the “World Cup” of beauty and it is still relevant today as it was decades before.
Your ICFK star kids recently appeared on runways in Colombia and the Dominican Republic. What didt hese moments mean to you?
Immense pride. We were able to provide a platform and opportunity to four South African kids ages 5 to11 this year on these amazing child-focused platforms. International representation is important for theworld to see the abilities and talents of South African youth. I believe in the power of South African talent and our kids deserve to shine and dominate global stages.
What trends are you seeing in kids’ modelling and development?
Forward fashion and digital presence. Kids of today are little icons and want to be seen as such. They aretaking up spaces of fashion uniquely and expressing themselves through their creativity and fresh artisticexpression. They need to be encouraged in these spaces, (while monitored) so they can build sustainable brands and influence.
Please provide one hot tip going into the holiday season and then into the new year for how to feel your most confident and own any situation?
Give yourself permission to take up space. Confidence isn’t something you switch on for special moments, it’s something you build quietly through the choices you make every day. Walk into everyroom whether it’s a family gathering, a beach day or a boardroom anchored in who you are, not who you think you should be. Slow your breathing, lift your posture and lead with intention. When you show up inyour truth, you don’t have to perform - you simply are. That’s where your unique power lives.
In summary, how do you make sense of your career trajectory now?
I’m in a season of alignment. Everything I’ve built - performance, coaching, styling, mentorship — nowfeels connected and intentional. I’m choosing purpose over pressure.
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