With the preliminaries wrapping up minutes ago featuring all 89 contestants ruling the stage, Miss Universe 2011 Preliminary show awarded Congeniality and Photogenic awards to Miss Montenegro Nikolina Loncar and Miss Swenden Ronnia Fornstedt respectively. Miss Universe 2011,which will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Miss Universe pageant, will be held at the Credicard Hall, in São Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011. The reigning Miss Universe Ximena Navarrete of Mexico who co-hosted the preliminaries will crown her successor.
In times like these, sometimes we are enticed to invest in gold. Kim Kardashian shares that vision in a scent form with her latest fragrance ‘Gold’. Fragrance just like a luxurious lipstick is sometimes like a pillow during hard-times. While it’s not a lottery ticket, it becomes a little pick-me-up when your day is taking a downturn. Fragrances can also be an elevator, rising your mood and feel. Imagine slipping into your LBD and doing your hair while listening to your favorite tunes, then spraying on ‘elegance’ and ‘luxury’. How you look is directly linked to how you feel, which is why fragrance is one of the most important accessories to not leave the house without because fragrance is one of the few items in your closet or vanity that will help transform your mood. Kim shares the value of gold as a ”luxury that stands the test of time, a universal symbol of sophistication and glamour”. Kim also added ”Like a stunning piece of precious jewelry, Gold lends everyday style a surge of seductive sparkle and timeless beauty”. In terms of the creation of her latest scent, Kim said “I wanted something powerful yet not too sweet. I got stressed out while developing the scent because I wanted it to be just perfect.”
The top notes consists of bergamot, grapefruit, pink pepper, while the heart is a floral blend of jasmine, rose, violet, which settles in to a sweet musky base of sandalwood, patchouli, amber, benzoin, musk. While Kim’s previous fragrance was a scent which conveyed sensuality, allure, and old Hollywood glamour, her latest creation conveys sophistication, intrigue, with undertones of sensuality. If you liked Jennifer Lopez’ Glow After Dark as a teen, then you will love Kim Kardashian ‘Gold’ as an adult. Not because the two fragrances are exactly the same but rather the base of the perfume has similar qualities but while ‘After Dark’ heads for a road of sweetness, ‘Gold’ takes a turn towards a sophisticated sensuality. Shop here to purchase ‘Gold’ and other Kardashian scents.
Ximena Navarrete, Miss Universe 2010, of Mexico will crown her successor at the Miss Universe 2011 pageant in South America. As part of a network deal it will be televised by NBC in the United States. The 60th Annual MISS UNIVERSE® Competition will air live from Sao Paulo, Brazil on September 12, 2011
Contestants from more than 80 countries around the globe will meet in Brazil for almost a month of events leading up to the live telecast. They will compete in events such as swimsuit, evening gown and interview, and one will win the title of Miss Universe 2011. This is first time in its 60-year history the Miss Universe contest will be held in Brazil.
In a press release is was said during Navarrete’s “reign, Navarrete has traveled the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research, and legislation. The next Miss Universe will continue this work.”
Madonna in partnership with her manager Guy Oseary and New Evolution Ventures (NEV) announced earlier the establishment of Hard Candy Fitness global gyms which will open in major cities around the world. Madonna was in Mexico for the official opening for Hard Candy Fitness in Mexico on November 29, 2010. Chris Dedicik, Hard Candy’s Managing Director said “Hard Candy Fitness is a one of a kind experience merging fitness with entertainment. We are dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our members.” The first Hard Candy Fitness is a 30,000 square foot space opened in Mexico City within the exclusive Bosques de las Lomas area with a design that is worthy of the ‘Material Girl’ with her coveted assets. Hard Candy Fitness offers an array of programs and amenities which include but not limited to innovative training methods including private, group and dynamic training; classes such as Zumba, Latin Moves and Cardio Kickboxing; Bike Studio, a Mind Body Studio featuring The Great Wall, where members can practice BarWorks, Sculpting, Capoeria and the newest trends in Yoga; as well as a juice bar and lavish locker room with a sauna. If you planned on getting fit for your New Year’s Resolution, Madonna has your back.
Here are some photos inside the pop diva’s Hard Candy Fitness gym.
Prior to the Miss Universe competition in August, the reigning Miss Australia, Jesinta Campbell, was interviewed by ‘Lifestyle You‘ to find out more about this beauty of the Pacific. Jesinta Campbell with her girl-next-door looks, beautiful smile, and charming personality placed in the Top 5 among 83 contestants and only third to Mexico and Jamaica. Campbell also showed Aussie hospitality by winning the award for Congeniality. At not even 20 years of age, Campbell has been crowned Miss Australia, become the brand ambassador for Novo Shoes, and the face of Australia’s best selling mineral makeup line; Nude by Nature Mineral Cosmetics. With Jesinta’s tagline ‘Dream it. Do it. Live it.’ Campbell is doing just that.
On Fitness:
Campbell, who grew up on the Gold Coast of Australia remarks that she has always had an appreciation and interaction with the outdoors and being fond of the beach, she also shared; “I can really feel the difference when I don’t exercise. I love the feeling after getting up in the morning and going for a run or going to the gym. It kick starts your metabolism and I feel revitalised and full of energy. This is what keeps me motivated!”
On Fashion:
Campbell, who received criticism for her choice in national costume has a deep appreciation for fashion. While harsh remarks were made about choice, Campbell defended her ‘all things Australian’ get-up by noting ’I'm very very proud to wear my national costume. I think there’s some great elements there that really embody, you know, the Australian theme. We’ve got the beautiful Aboriginal print, we’ve got the gorgeous colors on the skirt. I think it’s magnificent, it’s something I’m very proud to wear and I can’t wait to wear it on an international stage and let the whole world see what Australia is.’ Ironically, the theme for the Miss Universe Swimsuit competition was ‘Fashion for Freedom’, Campbell was just ahead of the trend. In her interview Campbell shared she likes to shop local; “I love to shop at little boutique stores and support young up-and-coming Australian designers. I am passionate about supporting Australian-made products, I also love to raid op shops and the odd market to find that extra special one-off piece that no one has.”
On her bright Future:
Campbell sets both high and humble goals by announcing “In five years time I see myself involved heavily in volunteer work that inspires youth and encourages individual leadership. I will have travelled to the top 10 destinations around the world that are listed in my book of goals through both my volunteer and paid work. I will be successful with earning a living using my passions and talents and I have a dream to own a home (preferable eco-friendly) in both the country and somewhere on the beach!” Jesinta Campbell has been involved with a number of charitable events, opportunities, and organizations. She has visited hospitals, participated in fundraisers, and promoted Breast Cancer Awareness. With Campbells’ dedication and heart, anything is possible for this girl-next-door who is currently living her dreams out.
The two current titleholders attended the El Museo del Barrio’s Annual Young International Circle “Dia de los Muertos”. This is one of many events the reigning Miss Universe and Miss USA have been attending.
Miss Universe 2010, Ximena Navarrete, has been busy with with work and and events. Check her video blog to hear what she has to say about the new Miss Mexico Universe contestant.
Meanwhile, the reigning Miss USA Rima Fakih recently came back from her trip to the Middle East. See was Miss USA has to say about her tour of the Middle East and speaking as a Goodwill Ambassador.
Actress, designer, fashion icon, and mother Nicole Richie has been busy working on her Winter Kate Spring look book shoot. But she took time out to twitpic herself and company hard at work eating fried chicken and playing with a pineapple; maybe they are props? Richie is also the September editor of Who, What, Wear!
The freshly crowned Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico, has begun a new journey in her life with the Miss Universe Organization. She’s done a numerous amounts of interviews, press conferences, and getting settled into her new luxury apartment as well as one of the most glamourous roles of her life.
She has even had to answer to more controversial questions such as her thoughts on Arizona‘s immigration law which she respectfully gave her view that while “Every country has the right to impose and enact their laws” speaking while wearing her new sash and crown,” I tell you that all the Mexicans and the Latins that are living here in the United States are hardworking people – people who want to improve on their quality of life.” While earlier we reported her appearance on Letterman, Navarrete shares her first week on duty with the world in the clip below.
As Miss Universe, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico, will do a great deal of media including interviews, promoting awareness of important issues, and of course David Letterman’s Top Ten.
She was crowning by Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez. But prior to winning, with a remix of Kelly Roland’s “Commander” in the background, she commanded the crowd and instantly became a favorite.
Miss Mexico costume was inspired by the Aztek Calendar, 2012 anybody?
During the final question when asked by Olympic Gold Medalist Figure Skater how she felt about unsupervised internet use, Navarrete answered “I do believe that Internet is an indispensable, necessary too for the present time” speaking through an interpreter but, “We must be sure to teach them the values that we learned as a family.”
The newly crowned Miss Universe won prizes that range from an undisclosed salary, a luxury New York Apartment, a one-year scholarship to the New York Film Academy with housing at the end of her reign, jewelry, clothes, and shoes from sponsors. This is the first win for Mexico in Miss Universe Pageant since 1991.
Miss USA Rima Fakih who in the past week revealed her national costume and opposed the building of a mosque near Ground Zero did not make it to the top 15. Keep reading for a complete roundup of pageant results.
First Runner-up and my personal pick: Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps, Although she didn’t win the crown, she bested all the contestants in the swimsuit round with a score of 9.4
On her final question regarding acceptability of the death penalty, Miss Jamaica said “I believe that life is a gift” and “I believe that none of us as humans have the right to take a life.”
Second Runner-up: Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell, she scored an 8.5 in the swimsuit category. With the theme of swimwear being “Fashion for Freedom”, Miss Australia was asked “what role should the government play in regulating potentially offensive clothing?” She responded by saying “One of the greatest things we have is the freedom of choice. I don’t think the government should have any say in what we wear.”
Third Runner-up: Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavaka scored an 8.7 in the swimsuit round. When asked about full-body scanners in airports she responded by saying “I think it’s a very important question of security” and added “If that helps us save the lives of people, then I’m for it.”
Fourth Runner-up and prediction favorite: Miss Philippines Venus Raj, scored a 8.7 in the swimsuit round. William Baldwin asked “What is one big mistake you’ve made and what did you do to make it right” she responded by saying “You know what sir, in my 22 years of existence I can say there is nothing major, major, I mean problem that I have done in my life because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are given to me. Thank you so much that I am here. Thank you, thank you so much.” I believe this is where nerves may have gotten to the favored Miss Philippines. She looks stunning nonetheless.
Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell won Miss Congeniality
Miss Thailand Fonthip Watcharatrakul won Miss Photogenic Universe
Miss Thailand also won Best National Costume
In the top 10:
Albania, Australia, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and Ukraine. Photo Credits include AP and Miss Universe Organization.