Tag: Personal Best

Which Pageant System Is Most Suitable To You?

One of the most important factors to consider when making the decision to enter a pageant is which pageant system to compete in. Most systems are similar in the competition format they use, but pageants tend to have differing goals and expectations for and from their winners. So the first question you have to ask yourself is “which system would I be most comfortable becoming and being the winner in?” 

As is well-known, all the major beauty pageants, except Miss World, include a swimsuit round. It means that being physically fit is important. Miss Universe used to expect a lot from its contestants in this round, whereas there is evidence that in other systems you can get away with less effort. It used to be that if you were fit enough for Miss Universe, you are ready for the other contests, yet being fit enough for another competition did not mean you were Miss Universe-ready. Therefore one primordial question to consider is “how much effort am I willing to put forth in getting fit?” In pondering this question, please take into account that Miss World also has a fitness round, albeit centred on sport performance rather than physical appearance.

Closely related is the issue of being willing to compete in a swimsuit round. If you are not, then the only real option available to you is the Miss World system. Miss Universe has allowed a Muslim contestant to compete in a burkini and some national pageants, preliminary to an international contest which includes a swimsuit round, have allowed contestants to compete in the swimsuit portion in a different kind of garment, to cover their bodies. Many have applauded this move as empowering to the young women involved. We believe this just allows one individual to impose their will on the organisation and the other participants, therefore disempowering them. Each pageant’s rules are known in advance and if a contestant has any objection to any of the requirements of the contest, she should simply not compete.

Another consideration is whether the competition includes a talent round. Do you have a pageant-worthy talent or do you have time to actually fake one?

Another issue to ponder is the length of the international competition. This can vary from a few days to close to a month. The longer the contest, the more activities there will be and  the greater the amount of money you will have to invest in an appropriate wardrobe and the more it will cost you to transport all that wardrobe to the pageant’s venue. It also means you will have to take more time off work or studies. Are you willing to invest all that time and money?

Finally, you have to consider what is expected of the winner of the competition. Some pageants require you to live in their headquarter city for the duration of your reign and travel extensively. This may sound glamorous, but stop to consider whether you really are willing to put your regular life on hold for a period of time and submit your independence to an organisation.

You should enter into a pageant with open eyes, aware of all that is expected of you. If not you could be in for a rude awakening.

 

 

Effortless in 2017, Jakub Kucner, Mister Polski 2017 & Mister World Poland 2018

As we have said before, we consider the Mister Polski contest one of the two best national male competitions in the world (the other is Mister Brasil CNB). It is run over several months, with preliminary competitions to select the final 20 who will compete for the coveted title.

Many themed photoshoots are organised and the social media presence for the contest should be an example for competitions, both male and female, are over the world. The contestants are presented as examples of down-to-earth masculinity, a practice most male competitions would do well to follow.

This year, we pegged the very charismatic Jakub Kucner as the one to beat and he did prove to be unbeatable in a very strong field of finalists.

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Jakub has a strong social media presence, with which he shares his life with us. From cheeky childhood pictures,

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to his experience as a model,

to his charity work in the Gambia,

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to regular, everyday activities, including his physical transformation.

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Through it all you get to know Jakub as a well-spoken, caring human being, who takes full advantage of life opportunities, without putting on airs or trying to show off.

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The Effortless Mister Poland will be a force to reckon with at the next Mister World competition.

 

 

What did we Learn from our MASTERCLASSES on the Best Gown Looks of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant?

  • the Miss Universe title is won in a bespoke creation by a proper designer, never in an off the rack knock off by a so-called “fashion house”
  • find the classic shape that will highlight your best features and then look for a unique fabric
  • wear elegant shoes that fit with and complement your gown
  • hairstyles should be elegantly simple
  • keep your neck unencumbered
  • do not overaccesorise
  • stay away from too much bling

MASTERCLASS: The Best Gown Look of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant’s Preliminary Competition

It is time to present the Best Gown Look of the 65th Miss Universe pageant, not only of the Preliminary competition. Coupled with an masterful catwalk presentation, this gown set Iris Mittenaere well on her way to winning the title of Miss Universe.

Indeed, the Best Gown Look of the 65th Miss Universe pageant belongs to

 MISS FRANCE

Its unusual colour made Iris’ gown stand out in a sea of same-olds and its shape was perfect to showcase the future Miss Universe’s hourglass figure and gorgeous shoulders. The choice of shoes, hairstyle and accessories complemented the elegance and class of the gown and Iris’ catwalk and poses were simply ideal for this unique gown.

Iris Mittenaere, Miss France 2016 competes on stage in her evening gown during the 65th MISS UNIVERSE® Preliminary Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, January 26, 2017. The contestants have been touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in the Philippines. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, January 29, live from the Philippines to see who will become Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization
Iris Mittenaere, Miss France 2016 competes on stage in her evening gown during the 65th MISS UNIVERSE® Preliminary Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, January 26, 2017. The contestants have been touring, filming, rehearsing and preparing to compete for the Miss Universe crown in the Philippines. Tune in to the FOX telecast at 7:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed on Sunday, January 29, live from the Philippines to see who will become Miss Universe. HO/The Miss Universe Organization

Iris looked ready for the red carpet of all the major award ceremonies and even the Met Gala. Or as it turns out, to win the Miss Universe crown.

This presentation gave us an indication of what we are now seeing, that Iris Mittenaere will be one of the, if not the, most stylish and fashion forward Misses Universe of the last 20 years.

MASTERCLASS: The Fourth Best Gown Look of the 65th Miss Universe Pageant’s Preliminary Competition

One can say that the recently concluded 65th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, now under ownership of WME/IMG, was a redefinition of the brand.

What defies redefinition however, are the gowns worn by the contestants in the competition. One would expect the Miss Universe stage to be the perfect showcase for elegant and fashion forward creations by up and coming talent from around the world. Yet this year again, as in previous ones, the majority of contestants wore dresses that you would only see in a pageant or at a prom.

A select group of contestants though, did manage to present red carpet looks suitable for the most elegant and classy events.

We are presenting to you the five gown look that we consider pushed the envelope in the right direction during the Preliminary competition of the latest Miss Universe pageant.

In fourth place we have:

MISS ARUBA

Charlene Leslie almost achieved perfection with this very classic look, accompanied by almost perfect styling. This is another example of a very basic gown style made extraordinary by the material used.

How would we improve on this look?

As they say, the devil is in the details. The extra long earrings are the perfect complement for this white column dress and the chignon hairstyle. However, the earrings should have floated right above the shoulders instead of brushing them.

The very uneven line of crystals added to the top of the gown is completely unnecessary and cheapens the look.

Finally the shoes. We understand that Charlene was going for a nude look. However these office shoes are completely unsuitable for an evening gown and do not actually qualify as proper nude shoes (see also “TIPPY TOPS? TIPPY NOTS!”)

As Charlene obviously does not need to create an illusion of height, the ideal footwear would have been some delicate silver sandals or pumps made of the same material as the gown.

Styling Perfection

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Anna Burdzy, First Runner-up Miss Universe Great Britain 2014, gives a Master Class in evening gown styling. From the flawless make-up to the perfect accessorising. Most notable is the perfect hairstyle to highlight one of the most beautiful features of a woman, her neck.

Too often we see beauty queens covering their necks with hair, necklaces and gown necks, absolutely not the way to go for evening gown.

Anna, we commend you for your styling perfection.

 

KNOW THE RULES, FOLLOW THE RULES

This year, 2016, will probably be remembered as the Year of the Dethronements, as all over the world pageant winners, local, national and international, are being stripped of their titles. The reasons are quite varied and ultimately it comes down to a violation of the rules of the pageant involved.

As the recent, very sad, case of Genesis Davila clearly illustrates, it is imperative that you know your pageant’s rules and, more importantly, actually follow them.

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Genesis’ dream was always to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. In 2012, after finishing as first runner-up to Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2013, Genesis represented her native Puerto Rico at Miss Intercontinental 2012 and ended up as first runner-up again. She later won the title of Miss World Puerto Rico 2014 and competed without placement at Miss World in London. It was evident that Miss World was not the right fit for her and that she was a Miss Universe kind of beauty queen.

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Genesis moved to Florida and competed in the state’s prelim for Miss USA and lo and behold she won that title. Once again, she had a shot at the Miss Universe crown through the Miss USA pageant. Then it all came crashing down as Genesis was accused of breaking the Miss Florida USA pageant rules.

The saddest part is that in the scheme of rule violations, hers was a rather minor one. Genesis used professional stylists to prepare her on finals night and this is prohibited by her pageant’s rules.

Rules protect both the organisers and the contestants as they clarify where each stands with regard to the other and what is expected of each. Usually the rules clearly favour the organisers, however as long as they are clearly stated there is no excuse for violations.

When you register for a pageant, you are agreeing to their rules. You may think some of these rules are unnecessary or even ridiculous but you agree to them of your own accord. You give your word that you comply with and will follow all regulations and failure to do so demonstrates a total lack of integrity on your part, no matter what your opinion is of those rules.

So, the first step in joining any pageant is making sure you know all their rules, that you can comply with these and are willing to continue to comply and follow these rules.

Some contestants try to get away with not following the rules. Some even win their pageant. In the long run, the stress of having the Sword of Damocles hanging above their head will preclude them from properly enjoying their triumph. And in this day and digital age, you can be sure that eventually the truth will come out.

If the pageant’s rules are not for you, then the pageant itself is not for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUEST CONSULTANT: Emma Jenkins, Miss Wales 2015

BEING A PAGEANT WINNER AND YOUR CAREER

My decision to compete in such an esteemed pageant as Miss Wales, came from constant comments from so many, telling me that I was sure to do well.

Whilst working within Welsh television, researching and reporting on local news and events, it became apparent that I felt very involved in all that was going on in Wales. My confidence grew with age, and I eventually decided it was my time to make a real name for myself, to spread my wings, and to discover new things.

Winning Miss Wales boosted my already thriving TV career in ways I hadn’t believed possible. Being championed as a strong, passionate and generous young woman can put you at the forefront of people’s and employers’ minds, more or less, overnight. I was invited as a guest to many events, as well as a presenter to a few and a model at several.

The biggest difference I have seen since handing over my crown, is that the impact I made as a titleholder did not pass as quickly as it came. The events I had simply made an appearance at as a titleholder previously, I was now presenting to hundreds of distinguished guests. I may have been booked as a model because of my title once, but I was kept as a model due to my hard work and commitment. Even now, charities come to me asking for help, and letting me know that my ongoing work for them has not gone unnoticed.

You see, a title will open doors for us, but only we can keep them open.

Emma Jenkins, Miss Wales 2015, is the Beauty and Lifestyle Reporter at Tinopolis in Wales. In addition she is a model and a Television and Event Presenter

WHY ARE YOU COMPETING IN A PAGEANT?

Over the many years I have been involved with pageants, I have heard different reasons why young ladies compete in them. Some are very lofty, some are simple and most of them are not the real reason.

The true reason you compete is what will ultimately determine how you react to the outcome of your participation. Therefore, it is primordial that you are very clear on why you are competing and what it would mean if you win or not.

It may very well be that you are not even aware of the real reason you are competing. Any objective that entails personal development, moving out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself, is a good one, because no matter what the outcome you will realise your goal.

Consider though if you are competing to prove your worth to someone else. Off course, if you win you will feel a great sense of accomplishment. If you do not, it will be a tremendous disappointment and you will probably make it mean that now the person(s) must think even less of you. I doubt that is the outcome anyone wants out of their participation in a pageant.

In preparing to compete in a pageant, be brutally honest with yourself. Really take a cold, hard look at your true reason for competing. Find out if you are prepared to deal with the outcome of not winning, given what your real motivation is. You may realise that another avenue of dealing with whatever is bothering you, will be more beneficial for you.

You will find that you are most successful competing in pageants when your ultimate goal is to grow as a human being. For most people, competing is stepping out of their comfort zone and that is probably the greatest benefit you can derive from pageants. At the end of the day, your success is measured by the personal achievement you walk away with and that doesn’t even have to entail a crown.