"If you have never been stared down by eight expectant, spray-tanned children in liquid eyeliner and ornate hairpieces, you have not seen what I have seen."

Rich Juzwiak judges a beauty pageant. [more inside]
posted by saturnine on Nov 16, 2011 - 52 comments

Here She Is, Miss Deja Vu (and Miss Illinois) Michelle LaGroue, 2004. Also Miss Illinois in 2002 (she was First Runner Up and assumed the crown when Erika Harold won Miss America). I know nothing of the world of pageants, but this seems way bigger than that whole 'president of beers' thing. Is Rachna Khatau mad about comming in First Runner Up? "No way. I've had a smile on my face the past two days." BTW, the most notable former Miss Illinois lately is Jeri Lynn Zimmerman, 1989, but now better known as Jeri Ryan. Yup, that Jeri Ryan.
posted by Jos Bleau on Jun 30, 2004 - 6 comments

She's no Barbie To readers of Russian Fairy tales, the name Alyona conjures images of simple peasant girls who become princesses through modesty, hard work and intelligence. A modern day Alyona has surfaced in the cut-throat world of beauty pageants.
posted by gesamtkunstwerk on Apr 14, 2004 - 48 comments

The most beautiful woman in France? She's actually a guy! Well, not exactly, but...
posted by matteo on Apr 27, 2001 - 6 comments

Have a look at what Miss Israel will be wearing to this year's Miss Universe pageant: "The top of the silk dress, embroidered with diamonds and pearls, is covered by an army-issue flak jacket (emphasis mine) adorned with diamonds for a so-called softer look."

Bulletproof fashion as political statement?
posted by lia on Apr 23, 2001 - 30 comments