Intro to Pageants: "WTF is 'The Big 4'?" - Pageant Systems Explained!

It can be incredibly confusing when you first stumble upon the glitzy glamour of pageantry, as people are talking 'Miss World' 'Miss Galaxy' 'Miss Newcastle' 'Miss Newcastle International' (and the rest, am I right?) and you have no idea who all these people are, or how they got these illustrious titles in the first place. Well never fear my delicious Pageant Newbie, I am about to make the whole thing much clearer, as I break down what exactly the "Big 4" international pageants are (and how you can enter and win!).

Keep your eyes peeled for a break down post of the UK based pageants in the near future!

The Biggie: Miss Universe
Where: This organisation's HQ is in New York, New York, and this year's final is being held in Las Vegas - side note how excited is everyone for that no-doubtedbly incredible show?!

Miss Universe Paulina Vega

When: The pageant has been around since 1952 and this year's final is being held on December 20th
What: This pageant has 3 rounds: Evening Gown, Swimwear and Interview, as well as a National Costume parade which is judged separately, and has it's own winner. Have no illusions, Miss Universe is primarily a swimwear competition, and while it's important to be graceful, elegant, intelligent and a great spokeswoman, your bikini body has to be slamming in order for you to have a look in.
Who: My all time favourite Beauty Queen is the current Miss Universe - Paulina Vega, Colombia! (I could write an entire book about how much I love Paulina as Miss Universe, to me she embodies exactly what a beauty queen in 2015 should be!). The current Miss Universe GB is the stunning Nena France.
Typical Look: This is the 'Victoria's Secret'-type pageant. Think long legs, washboard abs, big bouncy curls and plenty of fake tan and strutting.
Where can you enter: missuniversegb.co.uk and missuniverse.com

The Classic: Miss World
Where: Miss World is based in London, and this year's competition will be based (controversially might I add) in Sanya, China.

Miss World Rolene Strauss 

When: It's inception was in 1951, and it has grown steadily to have it's 65th grand final this year on the 19th December. (Contestants begin arriving from November 21st though, so there will be plenty of news stemming from Miss World soon!)
What: This pageant has transcended the traditional bikini parade aspect of pageantry, and focuses on poise, elegance, fitness and being a charitable figurehead for Miss World's charity 'Beauty with a Purpose'. Therefore interview is very important in Miss World. There is no longer a required swimsuit round, however there are optional swimsuit photoshoots offered at local level (and probably at international level, although I'm not too sure...)
Who: Miss World is Rolene Strauss of South Africa. The new Miss England is Natasha Hemmings. I am interested to see how Natasha develops as Miss England, as she is very newly crowned and there isn't much online yet about her passions and charities.
Typical Look: Often seen as a more mature pageant (although the age range is still only 18-27), this pageant isn't as much about having a specific look anymore, and is more about your charitable endeavours, personal goals and elegance. Miss World want a spokeswoman who embodies inner and outer beauty.
Where can you enter: missengland.info

The Eco-Conscious: Miss Earth
Where: Based in Manila, Phillippines, this year's final will be held outside of Asia, for the first time, in Vienna.
When: Around since only 2001, Miss Earth 2015 will be held on December 5th.

Miss Earth Jamie Herrell

What: As the name suggests, this is an eco-friendly pageant, aiming to promote eco-conscious ideals through beauty. There are swimsuit and evening gown rounds, but also candidates are assessed on personal attributes such as perseverance, determination and a great attitude through preliminary tasks and competitions. There is also further swimsuit, gown and interview rounds at the final.
Who: The current Miss Earth is Jamie Herrell of the Philippines and Miss Earth England is Katrina Kendall. (There are also delegates from the rest of the UK)
Typical Look: This pageant claims to favour natural beauty and young women who will stand for the protection and preservation of the planet. There is quite a large emphasis on the Miss Earth charity, 'Beauties for a Cause' and on swimsuit. If you want to win this pageant be prepared to know your stuff, as the winner becomes an Environmental Ambassador, so it's not your typical pageant reign!
Where can you enter: missearthgirls.co.uk

Miss International Edmar Marínez

The Traditional: Miss International
Where: A wholly Japan based pageant created to promote Japan as a tourist destination
When: Created in 1960, this year's final was on the 5th of November.
What: A traditional pageant featuring a few weeks of events and appearances, followed by a grand final of National Costume, Swimwear, Evening Gown and a personal speech, traditionally outlining what you wish to achieve as Miss International.
Who: Edymar Martínez of Venezuela is Miss International 2015. Miss International UK is the gorgeous and lovely Sophie Loudon.
Typical Look: Elegant and refined, with a great bikini body. The speech is incredibly important too, so clear goals, and a powerful understanding of the world around them. Doesn't hurt to appeal to the Japanese judges either!
Where can you enter: internationalpageantsuk.com


I really hope this fact file has helped you understand the different pageant systems a bit more! Have any questions? Leave them down below and i'll get back to you :D x