A Sydney-based real estate and fashion identity has taken over the reins as Australian director of Mrs Universe Australia – a pageant on a ‘quest to discover the world’s most outstanding married woman who wants to leave a mark on the world’.
What is Novis’ plans in her role at Mrs Universe Australia?
Marites Novis, an entrepreneur committed to bridging the gap between property and fashion, has been appointed the director of Mrs Universe Australia 2022/23 by pageant owner and identity, Maryrose Salubre. “The Mrs Universe pageant is the perfect combination of fashion, modelling and pageantry – it’s time for Australia to take the world stage!,” said Ms Novis.
Ms Novis intends to grow the Mrs Universe pageant to never before seen heights as she takes over as director. “I intend for Mrs Universe to set a new standard for pageantry in Australia. I was drawn to the ethos of the Mrs Universe pageant system – to engage and inspire women of all cultures and backgrounds. The pageant aims to build the self-confidence of entrants whose goal is to become global ambassadors and inspire change in the world.”
With the events industry coming to a grinding halt due to the devastating Covid pandemic, Ms Novis, eager to continue waving the flag of the Philippines both in Australia and worldwide, decided to pivot and adapt by reaching out to two of her favourite Filipino fashion brands.
What is Novis’ industry expertise?
Ms Novis, founder and CEO of Qfirst Property Investment Group, capitalised on her love of the fashion industry by establishing MFN Productions in 2018, a specialist production company responsible for producing and sponsoring some of Australia’s most notable fashion shows and events including two spectacular fashion showcases featuring the late internationally-renowned, avant-garde fashion designer to the stars, Rocky Gathercole.
“I wanted to give an international platform to hard-working and talented Filipino artists who deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated internationally,” Ms Novis further commented.
In December 2021, Ms Novis acquired the distribution rights of well-established Filipino ladies’ designer fashion labels, Plains & Prints and Kamiseta, and launched MNOVIS, a fashion and homewares emporium at Westpoint Shopping Centre in Blacktown. A second MNOVIS bricks-and-mortar outlet opened at Castle Towers Shopping Centre in Castle Hill in June this year.
“As a Filipino with a love of fashion, I decided to franchise the well-known Filipino brands Plains & Prints and Kamiseta in the Australian market. This has allowed me to help keep jobs for fellow Filipinos, and create more jobs here in Australia,” Ms Novis further commented.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Ms Novis will also be stocking her own eponymous label at MNOVIS – a collection of ladies fashion for everyday wear, smart/casual and corporate. Migrating to Australia from the Philippines in 2007, Ms Novis welcomes the challenge of her appointment after having conquered the ultra-competitive male-dominated real estate industry as a female who is also culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD).
“I’ve always been driven to thrive in the real estate and fashion industries, but just like any other fields requiring motivation, commitment and a strong heart, I’ve encountered countless challenges. I believe that whatever you’ve set your mind to, you most likely will achieve through the power of dreaming, working hard, and knowing your purpose,” said Ms Novis.
