Pageant Pretty

Hey Guys!

Did you catch the Miss Universe pageant that aired a few weeks ago?

Are you into beauty pageants, at all?

Personally, I have a passing interest in them.  For the grand pageants like Miss Universe or Miss World, if a good number of women of color make into the final rounds, then my passing interest ratchets up proportionally.

All of a sudden, there's a succulent piece of steak in the fire.
This year, I casually watched to see who would make it through to the top 15.
Miss Jamaica's delicate beauty was so arresting, that I became hopeful that she had a real shot at taking the crown this year.

Unfortunately, she came in as the 4th Runner Up, which was a hard blow since Miss Jamaica came in as the 1st Runner up last year.  Even the audience voiced their displeasure with her placement with loud boos.  
I booed my TV.  
Did you catch the contestants lifting her up on stage, after Miss Columbia was announced as the winner?  Lol.

Miss Kenya serving all kinds of Lupita tease

Every year, I get suckered in, hoping that a more inclusive display of beauty will be shown, and every year, the general look of the contestants remains the same.  This year, I faithfully scanned the blur of similar looks and immediately noticed Miss Kenya and Miss Ghana.

And she wore her hair just like this on stage! :-D

Those skin tones!

Those faces!!

Their hair!

Though both of these women didn't place in the finals, they represented their countries beautifully.

It would be amazing to see more black contestants dare to be more diverse in their presentations.  I'm here for the day when a contestant decides bucks the system and decides to don a couture evening gown made entirely of African lace, or an Ankara or Kente print on stage.

I'd be present for it.

Isn't she lovely?

Remember this Akese Style Lines top?

My friend and talented fashion designer Jennifer Akese Burney has been busy creating more amazing pieces, including the cape featured on Miss South Sudan. 

Jennifer custom makes unique clothing that ranges from glamorous ballgowns fit for elegant evening events, to casual pieces that can be paired with jeans and cute heels.  Click the link to check out more of her current collection.  

In any case, pageants are fun.

I'll probably casually watch again next year and hope that more women of color confidently celebrate traits that make us uniquely beautiful.