Sunday Times 2
The real price of competing for that beauty pageant crown
Eighty-nine beauty pageant hopefuls from across the globe are busy gearing up for this year’s Miss Universe contest.
Festive fun, at a cost: Contestants are spending about $2,000 for a gown, $200 for an interview outfit, $300 on a swimsuit, $100 on make-up and $300 per hour on coaching
The women aged 19 to 26, who arrived at the Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas on Monday, have been non-stop with pre-contest activities that include photo shoots, make-up tests and interviews.
But while behind-the-scenes shots show them looking happy and relaxed in each other’s company, their competitive spirit will no doubt shine through when they hit the stage and strut their stuff at the grand final on December 19.
However to get to this point the contestants would have had to dig deep into their pockets to cover the ever-growing costs of being a beauty queen.
Many of the Miss Universe and Miss World contestants are spending on average $2,000 for a gown, $200 for an interview outfit, $300 on a swimsuit, $100 on make-up and $300 per hour on coaching according to NPR.
Victory Mohamed, the current Miss Baltimore, who also works as a pageant coach, explained: ‘You can’t get to Miss World or Miss Universe without doing it right, doing it all the way.’
She added: ‘If you’re doing it right, you would have to spend at least $500 to $2,000 on a gown for a Pageant, $200 for an interview outfit, including accessories, shoes that whole thing, and $50 to $300 on a great swimsuit.
‘I think, doing it right, I would definitely invest in the coaching, in the fitness trainer, in the makeup, in the outfit.’
According to NPR, pageants create an unparallelled boom to the specialized beauty and fashion industry.
From the organizers, designers, fashion boutiques, make-up artists and coaches, the only people not making money are the contestants.
© Daily Mail, London
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