An interesting piece from the BBC on the evolving world of beauty pageants.

It could have gone more in depth about the social and cultural impact though. I remember the double whammy win of Aish (Miss World) and Sush (Miss Universe) for India in 1994 and the cultural changes it brought to the nation. Suddenly, tall, thin, fit, sassy were buzz words, while even middle-class, conservative families were allowing their daughters to dress in more provocative "ramp-worthy" clothing.

At the same time, in terms of the economy, the wins by "Sush & Aish" opened up South Asia to cosmetics brands and other fashion paraphernalia. As the BBC article says about a contestant for Face of Africa "Miriam from Zambia had never worn make-up or thought about her diet before she entered the contest." Now of course, she and the viewers of this show from all over the continent will be influenced into worrying about these things -
"I was just a simple girl," she says. "It has really changed me."

Hurrah for all those cosmetics companies that have brought this much (un)needed awareness into people's lives!

Until the next- Sumita Sheth