Delightful

My Friday evening was pleasantly eventful. The reason being that I got to chat with the world's most beautiful woman – officially, ‘the’ most beautiful, mind you! Beauty does various things to us. It makes you fall in love, intimidates, inspires, brings out the green-eyed monster and even makes us cynics at times. But being in the company of the reigning Miss World, Tat'ana Kuchorova, was neither of this; on the contrary an essentially casual and fun experience.

The fact that she was actually younger than me, probably contributed to making the experience as relaxed and enjoyable as it was. But it was to a greater extent, due to her unaffected and down-to-earth personality. For first impressions, she came across as anything but over zealous, as most individuals constantly in the public eye are transformed into. Being adjudged Miss World at just 18, and still in her final year at high school, the blonde beauty comes from the Czech Republic, and is the country's first ever contestant to win the title.

In Sri Lanka for a short visit for Fashion Statement '07, she met several foreign and local dignitaries and got the chance to do a bit of touring as well. The proceeds of the show will be used for three community development projects handled by Rotary Colombo East. As the guest of honour at the show held at Water's Edge last weekend, she made a guest appearance at the glamorous event featuring numerous designs by some of India's most renowned designers such as Satya Paul, J.J Valaya and Mandira Wirk.

So what were her impressions of Sri Lanka? "Since I had never visited Sri Lanka before, I was obviously curious about its lifestyle and people. But the experience has been wonderful! Right from the moment we stepped into the country, everyone has been so warm and friendly. Unfortunately my visit is short, but I hope to definitely come back to Sri Lanka on holiday," she said smiling.

As for her future plans, Tat'ana hopes to complete high school and enter university to pursue higher studies in diplomatic studies and international relations. "It was a great opportunity for me to meet so many important people while in Sri Lanka, as they are all high profiled individuals in my area of interest," she said, speaking of her experience of meeting a number of high commissioners and consuls and many other dignitaries, while in Sri Lanka.

Speaking of that unforgettable, crowning moment she described it simply as "unbelievable." "There were so many beautiful girls, and I was there mainly to meet and enjoy myself with all of them. So it was just impossible for me to believe that I had actually won!" Tat'ana says that the support she has received from her parents and two younger sisters have been tremendous. "They've been great right throughout this long process, and will be there for me in the future as well. I'm very close to my two sisters and we keep in touch very often, when I'm travelling." She hopes to use her title to work closely with, and develop the situation of underprivileged children.