Pageant: December 2007 Archives

Sometimes we tend to think that Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss America are running the show as far as beauty pageants go, Miss America being the oldest beauty competition (1921). But there's a lot more going on in the whole wide world of beauty pageants. Some of the most popular world-wide pageants include Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss Earth, Miss International and Miss Asia Pacific International.
Miss Universe - Run by the Miss Universe Organization, the pageant was founded in 1952 by a California clothing company. The pageant was originally part of the Miss America competition, but the winner of the 1951 pageant refused to pose in a swimsuit during her reign. Sponsors withdrew from the competition and started the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants. The contest is run through a partnership between television station NBC and Donald Trump. The pageant is held during one week in the summer and finalists are chosen based on preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions. The current titleholder is 20-year-old Riyo Mori from Japan.
Miss World - After its birth in 1951, Miss World has become the most "widely attended and broadcasted international beauty pageant." The final Miss World competition is the television event with the most viewers worldwide: up to two billion in more than 200 countries. The competition was originally held as a bikini contest and was supposed to be a one-time event. A few years after the pageant premiere, contestants started showcasing more modest swimsuits. The winner is crowned after a year of preliminary events. Each contestant must win her national title or a national preliminary contest. Before the final 20 delegates are chosen, they all participate in a month-long series of events, dinner, parties and galas. Another unique aspect of the Miss World pageant is that one contestant it automatically picked to be in the final 20 by winning a Fast Track event, which can range from beauty, talent, sports, modeling, personality, people's choice or contestant's choice. Miss World 2006 is Tatana Kucharova and she will crown Miss World 2007 at the 57th Miss World pageant on Dec. 1, 2007 in Sanya, China.

Miss Earth - Known as the third most prestigious international beauty pageant, Miss World is the right pageant for young contestants who are involved with environmental causes and Earth preservation. The organization is also very young, only founded in 2001 by Philipino company Carousel Productions, Inc. Another unique aspect of Miss World, aside from the dedication to environmental issues, is that it is the only major pageant that hold individual titles for runners-up. For example, the third runner-up is crowned Miss Fire, second runner-up is Miss Water and first runner-up is Miss Air. In the past, delegates have been taken from talent agencies to participate in the competition. But in 2005, controversy began to arise about accurate country representation and standards were set, asking participating countries to select contestants based on a national pageant. Miss World 2007 Jessica Trisko of Canada was recently crowned on Nov. 11, 2007.
Miss Asia Pacific International - Previously known as Miss Asia Quest, Miss Asia Pacific International is the oldest and the very first beauty pageant in Asia. It began as a regional pageant with participating countries from Asia and Oceania. In 1985, the pageant changed its vision to include countries that bordered the Pacific Ocean in North America, Central America and South America. However, the majority of the winners have been from the Philippines. There is currently no 2006 Miss Asia Pacific International due to a strike. The 2007 pageant will be held some time in November.

Is this your first beauty pageant? Feeling a bit lost, especially when it comes to picking out clothes for the competition? Well, fret no more because we're here to tell you a few secrets to help you achieve the best look for your beauty pageant.

First and foremost, it is extremely important for any contestant to dress her own age. If you are competing against girls who are a lot older or a lot younger than you, just keep in mind that the judges know how old you are and they will be able to notice disparities in age and dress. This goes for the evening gown competition and during the casual wear interview.

When choosing your casual wear, make sure that it is age appropriate and suits you in color and fit. You want something that you are able

to comfortably move around in. Also, ask yourself if you actually like your outfit. Does it make you feel good or just awkward? No matter what, you need to make sure that you can sell the outfit and make the judges like it.

Look at the winning dresses of the past. One thing you will notice is that most of them are designed by Sherri Hill. There are a few pictures here of Sherri Hill's recent winners.

And now for the talent competition. No matter what your talent may be, dancing, singing or gymnastics, what you decide to wear is a costume and it will really show off your entertainment style. Your costume should translate the image of your talent and convey a mood for the audience. You do not want to send mixed messages to the judges. They will just be confused and deduct points. If you are doing a singing act, the second you walk on stage sets the mood for the piece. It is a good idea to set the dress specifically to the song that you choose, but do not be literal. If you are singing a classical piece, your costume should be theatrical, especially if you are doing an operatic piece. Something traditional and symphonic-looking is ideal such as a costume with regal colors or rich velvet. For more contemporary songs the costume should just give more to the piece. Broadway or show tunes call for lots of shimmering pieces with rhinestones or glitz. These are the songs you can really have fun with.

If you are playing an instrument for the talent portion, think about the demands of your instrument while playing. If you are playing something like the flute or violin, the judges will focus on your face, so your dress should bring attention to the upper body. Choose a dress that has a detailed neckline, shoulders or sleeves. If the tune you choose to play is energetic and calls for a lot of movement, be sure to choose a dress or costume that allows you to move comfortably. If you are playing the piano, remember that the judges will probably be facing you from an angle or directly towards the piano keys. If they are facing the keys, they will also be facing your back, meaning the back of your dress has to be interesting. If you are facing the judges from an angle, then they will have the chance to also see your face. You will need attention there and also along the torso. Flowing trains and embellishments are going to work best if you are a pianist.

The talent where costume is the most important is definitely dancing, gymnastics or any athletic event. These talents are physically demanding and really need great costumes to reflect the performance's music. There are also many options for costuming that shows off your show biz side. You want whatever you wear to go directly with the music. For example, if you are doing ballet, any classical piece would require a classical outfit, like pink tights and a tutu. But if the song you are dancing to is more modern, pick something that reflects that image. You are giving the judges a real picture and costume, makeup and music all play a part.
Miss USA 2007
Rachel Smith
dress designed by Sherri Hill