A beauty pageant is a competition that usually focuses on the physical beauty and the personality of the contestants. Such contests often incorporate personality, talent, and answers to judges' questions as judged criteria but Townsville’s own Fashion Bash is not just a pretty face, it looks within the different layers of the fashion industry like catwalk, photography, design and creativity, exposing young talent in all areas regardless of “height” and “X Factor” which can be a driving force in the modelling industry.
Pageants can carry a stigma so I was a little hesitant with lending my critical eye as a Petticoat Lane Judge. The wonderful Colleen Zablocki mother of Rachael Finch former contestant of Miss Fashion Australia and winner of Miss Universe Australia contacted me, once I saw her passion and love for the event I just couldn’t say no and took on my role as Fashion Judge with sartorial gusto- considering that, these are young girls dreams we’re dealing with...I didn’t take my role lightly.
I think when beauty pageants began; they were viewed as trivial events whose participation required no scholarly effort. Miss Fashion Australia the first pageant of its kind has made an effort to ensure that it does not appear as a "stereotypical" pageant. The competition emphasizes the different aspects of women within the fashion industry and seeks to reveal hidden abilities and grow their personal success. The Fashion Bash strives to give these women the opportunity to rise to the top with pageant participants returning to their hometown to promote community involvement which is key to encouraging self-esteem, a sense of belonging with the other contestants, and the larger pageant community. Winners of Miss Fashion Australia have said they gain the ability to speak in public, a sense of confidence in them-selves and they feel a sense of accomplishment so I was very excited to see this event for my self and gain better insight on the Fashion Bash.
First day interviewing! Fresh and eager to meet the girls one on one.
The winner receives immediate success with a fabulous trip to Hollywood, a rewarding career education program that offers the winners of the Model, Television Career and Fashion Design Challenges to attend professional training programs.
Gorgeous winners of Active Wear Emma Master, Chloe Hansen and Brooke Nash
Winner Olga Dmytriyeva Glamour Wear 18-35years
Over 100 girls attended and I won't lie, it was extremely stressful and a very exhausting process for me and my fellow judges. I could only imagine how the entrants felt? Those hard working girls put in a lot of effort, innovation and creatively it was refreshing to see. The interviewing component had an interesting cross section though. Surprisingly, a small percentage of girls were confused on their role at the event and didnt have a clear idea what they wanted to do in the fashion industry? Then there were young ladies who were VERY driven and had a full understanding of the direction they wanted to take for their future. Below is an excellent example of what focus, determination and passion can lead too.
Rachael Finch Miss Universe Australia
Townsville girl Rachael Finch has been working as an international model since winning Townsville’s Fashion Bash. In 2009 she won the Miss Universe Australia title and went on to place 3rd Runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas. Rachael has now grown into her role as model and TV personality appearing in Master Chef, Dancing With the Stars, Sunrise Weather host, Channel 7 series High Road Low Road with Tom Williams.
All in all I had fun and I met some great characters and made some fabulous friends! My fellow judges, the incredible Colleen Zablocki and the talented photographer and VERY FUNNY Andrew Rankin made my time at Fashion Bash a really memorable one. It felt like school camp with not one dull moment (well maybe the raffle calling, I asked Colleen to slap me at one point to keep me awake) there was excitement, drama, laughter, and even a little crying. It was a privilege to be involved.
Some beautiful fashions off the stage. Lovely ladies snapped out side
The stunning Rachel Dillon winner of the Glamour wear 13-17years
WIN TV interviewing Sherie Wilcox
Final night of judging. imagesby_kateglover@live.com.au
Someone asked me “would I judge the event again?” well, that’s a hard question even though my brain still hurts and the stress of it still raw I could safely say I would be proud to put Petticoat Lanes name a long side Miss Fashion Australia.
what a great event...and its in Townsville!? well done:)
ReplyDeletethese shows can be great for giving girls opportunities only when they are run right though. This event looks interesting and I will definitely go to the next Fashion Bash
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing event for Townsville, I love the way your blog brought it to life for us who couldn't make it! Gorgeous picture in the green too.
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