“Perfect” was the only word that could describe the conditions on Bondi Beach on Sunday 10th January. Bright and early on this day, hundreds of swimmers made the effort to swim almost 2kms around the Bondi Ocean Swim course.
The swimmers wore everything from budgie-smugglers to body-steamer wetsuits but the warm water made the former the most appropriate. Competitors of all ages and both sexes took part alongside each other.

Despite the fact that moored boats and ocean currents set up obstacles for the swimmers, the scorching sun was not the only thing to warm this day, the vibes of unity and good sportsmanship also were shining down on all the people involved in the 2010 Bondi Ocean Swim.

 BLK1 Photographer: www.petersollner.com

Images and Article: © BLK1 2010. All Rights Reserved.

Australia’s emerging surfing stars shone brightly at the Arnette Australia Junior Surfing Titles, held from November 28 to December 5 at Coolum Beach Queensland.

 

Traditionally, the Arnette Australia Junior Surfing Titles has been a showcase for future stars of Australia’s under 18 surfers.

 

This year, the spotlight shone most brightly on Tyler Wright, who won the under 18 girls final.

 

In doing so, Wright has added to already stellar junior record, which some have suggested is the greatest junior record in the history of surfing.

 

At just 16 years old, Wright has already has a 2008 ASP World Tour victory to her name, and is also an under 18 World Champion and Australian under 16 champion.

 

The under 16 girls final was also very memorable, with Ellie Jean-Coffey making a huge effort in the final five seconds, coming from second place to win the event.

 

Jean-Coffey defeated Eden Putland, who was in the lead for the majority of the final.

 

Tim Macdonald was claimed a narrow victory in the boys under 18 final.

 

Macdonald won the event with a score of 18.54, defeating Wade Carmichael on 16.54.

 

Matt Banting was the winner of the boys under 16 final.

 

As well as winning titles, Banting, Macdonald and Wright can all look forward to being automatically selected for the Travelsim Team Australia, which heads to New Zealand in January 2010 for the World Junior Surfing Championships

 

The Duke Kahanamoku and Ma/Pa Bendall/Isabel Letham awards for rising male and female junior surfers were received by Matt Banting and Eden Putland.

 

The awards are given to those who show a high degree of sportsmanship and international surfing potential.

 

Finally, the blue ribbon MR shield finals that decide the top schools in surfing were dominated by NSW who came in first place in the event.

 

The 2010 Arnette Australia Junior Surfing Titles will be held at Phillip Island, Victoria in early December

BLK1 Article: JUSTIN MACDONALD BLK1 Photographer: [PETER SOLLNER OR OTHER PHOTOGRAPHER]

> > SUBSCRIBE TO BLK1 ONLINE SWIMSUIT MAGAZINE TODAY AND VIEW LARGER IMAGES FROM PARTICULAR ARTICLES, READ MORE INFORMATION AND ENJOY OTHER BENEFITS FROM THIS MONTHS EDITION. PLEASE NOTE, IF NOTED IN THE ARTICLE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS A “PAY-PER-VIEW”, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MONTHLY BLK1 SUBSCRIBER TO PAY AND ACCESS IMAGES.

Images and Article:

 

Straight from the heart of Sydney Australian Designer Suzie Rose Vella accepted the invitation to launch Pizzuto Spring Summer 2010 on the catwalks of Nolcha Fashion Week NYC, an amazing Platform for Designers to introduce their collection to the American Market.

28 year old designer Suzie Rose of Pizzuto has a unique fresh collection to offer, Compiling vibrant hand painted silks and has a passion for injecting feline prints, contrasting fabric textures and interpreting drape couture into ready to wear is Suzie Rose Vella’s signature style.

This collection is aimed to attract the attention of boutique buyers with an eye for attention to detail, cut, and quality retail-able price effective pieces.

The concept behind Suzie Rose Vella’s Designs for the White sands collection is drawn by inspiration from Australian iconic Beaches such as White Haven, Bay of Fires, Bondi and Manly, she has developed styles that reflect the flirtiness and fun of the 50’s whilst still maintaining a strong feminine edge.

The tonal aspect, loose free falling cuts combined with geometric edges and the use of natural fabric choices like silks, cottons and linens reflect the vibrant and earthy envision Suzie Rose anticipated for when designing the white sands collection, Pizzuto’s Spring Summer collection for 2010 is vibrant, crisp and fresh .

This carefully structured collection is a color palette made up of earth tones, highlighted with chartreuse and Indigo Blue, refreshed by whites and bright coloration.

The White sands Collection reflects Suzie’s true love for the Fashion industry through each of her signature designs

Suzie Rose Vella has successfully been operating in the industry for eleven years. As demand for the label grows, her desire now is to export Pizzuto internationally.

Pizzuto Operates from a beautiful Showroom in Sydney’s CBD, Surry hills (Sydney’s renowned wholesale district.)

Pizzuto Supplies to over 300 boutiques Australia wide, New Zealand and Indonesia.

> > SUBSCRIBE TO BLK1 ONLINE SWIMSUIT MAGAZINE TODAY AND VIEW LARGER IMAGES FROM PARTICULAR ARTICLES, READ MORE INFORMATION AND ENJOY OTHER BENEFITS FROM THIS MONTHS EDITION. PLEASE NOTE, IF NOTED IN THE ARTICLE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS A “PAY-PER-VIEW”, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MONTHLY BLK1 SUBSCRIBER TO PAY AND ACCESS IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

The Queensland state swim team has carved out a piece of history by winning the inaugural State Team Short Course Championships in a decisive fashion.

Queensland came in at first place with a total of 2505 points, while New South Wales won second place, scoring 2346 points.

Third place was won by Victoria, with a total of 1515 points.

The 2009 State Team Short Course Championships took place at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra from the 19^th to the 21^st of September.

The Short Course Championships consisted of four sessions held over three days, with two session held on the 20^th of September.

A number of skins races were held as well as timed finals during this competition.

Queensland put in a commanding performance throughout all four sessions of the championships, and by the end of the first day of competition they had established a 56 point lead over New South Wales, who finished the first day in second place.

As well as winning the championships, Queensland won best performing female team for girls aged between 13-14 and 15-16.

Additionally, Queensland received awards for the best performing male team overall and the best performing female team overall.

Queensland was also presented with awards for best team performance based on points per swimmer and best team performance outright.

New South Wales received awards for best performing male team for boys aged between 14-15 and 16-17.

Kenneth To, a 17 year old from New South Wales, was one of the stars of the championships, accomplishing the remarkable feat of winning four events in a row on the last day of competition.

To won the 50 metre freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly in the boy’s 16-17 group on the 21^st of September.

To’s win in the 50 metre breaststroke was particularly thrilling, as he managed to defeat Queensland’s Nicholas Schafer by just 0.02 seconds.

More than 200 athletes aged between 13 to 17 from across the country took part in championships, which consisted of 76 races held in the short course format.

BLK1 Article:  JUSTIN MACDONALD  

> > SUBSCRIBE TO BLK1 ONLINE SWIMSUIT MAGAZINE TODAY AND VIEW LARGER IMAGES FROM PARTICULAR ARTICLES, READ MORE INFORMATION AND ENJOY OTHER BENEFITS FROM THIS MONTHS EDITION. PLEASE NOTE, IF NOTED IN THE ARTICLE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS A “PAY-PER-VIEW”, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MONTHLY BLK1 SUBSCRIBER TO PAY AND ACCESS IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

Australian swim brand Vorgee has launched the country’s first polarised swimming goggles – the Osprey – giving Aussie triathletes and open water swimmers the cutting-edge advantage.

18 months in the making, Vorgee’s Osprey goggles use the same type of polarising lenses found in leading sunglass brands. Vorgee first had the idea a couple of years ago when they kept hearing complaints from open water swimmers of the problems they were having with reflective glare off the water and its affect on their vision and performance.

The Vorgee design team ran with the concept and began to research the kinds of polarising lenses worn by other sports people – cyclists, skiers, sailors – who need to perform to a high level in glary, reflective environments. Their findings were then applied to swimming goggle technology and the Vorgee Osprey was born.

Osprey goggles feature polarised, UV protected, anti-fog coated, enlarged lenses that provide zero distortion and optimum viewing clarity, no matter what the conditions. Combine this with an oversized, one piece lens and frame design that enhances comfort and sight lines, plus a quick fit strap system, and you have the perfect goggles for open water swimming.

Vorgee’s Osprey goggles will also be available in tinted and clear lens versions for pool swimming.

The Osprey goes on sale at participating aquatic centres throughout Australia in September 2009.

> > SUBSCRIBE TO BLK1 ONLINE SWIMSUIT MAGAZINE TODAY AND VIEW LARGER IMAGES FROM PARTICULAR ARTICLES, READ MORE INFORMATION AND ENJOY OTHER BENEFITS FROM THIS MONTHS EDITION. PLEASE NOTE, IF NOTED IN THE ARTICLE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS A “PAY-PER-VIEW”, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MONTHLY BLK1 SUBSCRIBER TO PAY AND ACCESS IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

The big news in swimming this week was sparked by the dwindling numbers of professional swimming coaches. On the back of a string of high profile retirements, the number of elite coaches in Brisbane has dropped from 13 to nine. Scott Volkers, the coach responsible for the swimming legends like Susie O’Neill and current head coach at the Queensland Academy of sport believes it all boils down to the leasing of public pools to large leisure companies. The poor funding and lack of resources available to coaches is resulting in fewer new faces emerging and aging coaches are either retiring or being snapped up by international programs. Previously, councils would lease pools to coaches who would earn revenue from swimming lessons, gate takings and the kiosk while devoting large amounts of time to the less-profitable art of coaching. Now companies like leisure operator Belgravia, which runs 11 aquatic centres in Queensland’s south east, are taking up the rights to pools. Volkers says high-performance coaching, which reaps rewards on an international scale but does little for the bottom line of pool operators, is often the first activity tobe pared back. As a result, professional swimming could become a sport of yester year, because without the high quality coaches, there will be no swimmers.

Actor Steve McFadden has credited swimming as his secret weapon in his war against weight. Steve, 50, will don a wetsuit to take part in the British Gas Great North Swim on Sunday, September 13. The challenge will see him making waves in Lake Windermere, Britain’s largest natural lake, with depths of up to 220ft. He is doing all this to raise money charity.

On a more social note, Erin McNaught isn’t letting her recent break-up with Braith Anasta cramp her style. Last weekend she was spotted with yet another sportsman – Eamon Sullivan. Confidential spies said the good looking pair were dominating the dance floor at Kings Cross nightclub Kit and Kaboodle on Friday night.

BLK1 Article: ALEX SHLEIBS Photographer HECTOR MATA

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

The pavilion at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival was standing room only. The crowd had been kept waiting a little under half an hour, and were welcomed by a cheeky television personality grabbing voice pops from the designers seated in the front row. Usually when the lights go out at a catwalk show, the tone in the room is very serious. This was not the case at the Summer Holiday session. Jokes about mankinis and male-kaftans were made and the crowd that had been kept waiting in the claustrophobic pavilion had been brought back down to earth.

Jets By Jessika Allen was the debut parade for the Summer holiday series. It was a surprise to see a shift away from the usual strong cuts and nautical looks of this swimwear label. Usually, Jets By Jessika Allen is famous for the classic nostalgia it brings back to swimwear- but this time on the catwalk, the Modern Muse Collection all but did away with this tradition. The cuts were a lot softer this season, many of the costumes featured frills and (very puzzlingly) some of the models were seen to carry clutches that were traditional to evening wear. After a few minutes of seeing what could be purchased at David Jones the room slid into silent darkness. Clever light-sound technology stimulated the feeling of a aeroplane landing just outside the hangar. This signalled the new arrival of the Jets Menswear collection, which had never been seen on runways before. The Jets Menswear collection was a bipolar opposite to Borat’s Mankini. The Jets Menswear is a collective of boy leg trunks and patterns which complimented this seasons women’s wear. In the end, the Jets range was all about the women. The clutches suddenly made sense when the kaftans were unveiled. The Kaftans of Jets by Jessika Allen could be easily mistaken as glamorous cocktail-wear, reminding the audience that while the label has grown to take monopoly of the hi-fashion swimwear market in Australia it is still focussed on feminine summertime splendour.

Flamingo Sands followed Jets. While Jets can be worn by all ages, Flamingo Sands is definitely a young label because of it’s bright and busy prints. The thin string bikini’s brought about memories of hot, humid days spent on the beach in Surfer’s Paradise.

As always, Camilla was the Kaftan Queen. Models were marched down the catwalk in flowing fabrics, posing just at the end in a flutter of colourful fabric, the likes of which drew a direct parallel to a butterfly. Prints on the fabrics were blended between palm leaves, tropical flowers and animal prints- with every kaftan showing a mixture of all these Summer conventions.

Kooey is a very Australian name for a swimwear label and the didgeridoo instrumental that started the display made it clear that they are damn proud of it. The Australian pride was carried strongly in the colours of the one-piece costumes which reflected the desert climate. A closer look on their website showed that they also stock the all-aussie rashie and female boardies. However, what was seen tonight on the Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival was definitely glamorous and with the frills and hugging cuts, showed an influence taken from the Jets design.

For all of the five minutes White Sands were on the catwalk, the label showed that they were
able to re-invent themselves and the typical expectancies of swimwear to create a delightful collection for Summer 2009. The highlight of the White Sands show was the Southern Summer bikini print which displayed an embossed palm leaf against a solid-cut bikini and one-piece design. When palm leafs are thought of in the world of swimwear, they resemble a tacky plastic image that people try to look away from. White Sands managed to recreate this symbol to be something of intrigue and style.

Lenny was the last swimwear designer to showcase their wears on the Summer Holiday runway. It could be said that they were the most original. Instead of drawing inspiration from Goddess-like forms and divine Summer settings, the Lenny designers decided to focus on the Serpent and the colours of the earth and the water. Soft browns and cool blues showed the meeting of the water and the earth, while the scattered scales of the prints kept the serpent motif slithering strongly.

The Summer Holiday Display finished in a confusing manner. Models plodded to the end of the catwalk, to brief applause and then a Rosemount advertisement began to flood the aural atmosphere- but it was cut- the houselights then turned on and the crowed tent was left unsure whether to stand and leave the pavilion or whether each designer would send models out to gain a round of applause. Perhaps there was some kind of technical difficulty with the audio-visual order of things or perhaps the one-time showcases of each designer was all that was needed to leave the spectators in awe.

BLK1 Article: ELLEN CROSLEY BLK1 Photographer: www.petersollner.com

THIS ARTICLE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO CURRENT BLK1 SUBSCRIBERS. CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE ON RELEASE OF IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

The beautiful weather outside the large marquee set a perfect scene for Seafolly to parade the catwalks at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival.
Being only the second show, the seats and the aisles around the catwalk were crammed with spectators keen to see the new trends in Summer swimwear.

Seafolly has always been a brand that is immensely popular with consumers and famed for it’s simple cuts and straight colours. It was no surprise to see that the very first foot to step on to the catwalk was Elyse Taylor, wearing a white bikini. Crisp, white swimwear of this type is a classic look which has come to be owned by the Seafolly label.

Autumn and Winter saw everything from boots to bags adorned with fringing, this was also attached to this season’s Seafolly look.

After beginning with the classics, Seafolly marched all the cliques down the catwalk: floral prints, polka-dots, palm leaves and fluorescent frills. While these looks had all be seen before in one form or another, a jolt of excitement raged when a vintage-inspired boy-leg one-piece was seen.

Until this point, it seemed like Seafolly was staying true to swimwear conventions and catering to the wants of shopping-centre consumers.

Now that all the expected designs and same Summer patterns had been shown, the Seafolly collection let loose with its prints: tessellated fluoro pinks and oranges were splashed across the catwalk. This exciting use of colour was labelled in the look-book as “Cyber”. The appropriateness of this name was observed when the mono-kini took the stage, the way the fabric was spread over the model with the pattern flowing down the body made this design look like something from the future.

While the Cyber series was a new direction for the typically white styled Seafolly to take, it held tight to the Seafolly rule that swimwear should be made to flatter the figure.

This rule was also seen in the introduction of swim-skirts to this year’s collection. The adorable ruffles circulating boyleg shorts brought back a high level of modesty to the bikini.

Resort-wear also featured in the Seafolly collection and continued to bring a sense of modesty to swimwear with a black maxi-dress and several light-weight kaftan designs.

As the models made their way along the catwalk to an applauding crowd it was obvious that Seafolly had set a high standard of swimwear at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival. The Seafolly designers managed to showcase new ideas in swimwear and all the while stay close to the label’s tradition of inspiring confident and classy swimsuit wearers.

BLK1 Article: ELLEN CROSLEY BLK1 Photographer: PETER SOLLNER

THIS ARTICLE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO CURRENT BLK1 SUBSCRIBERS. CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE ON RELEASE OF IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

In a full length Jason Brunsdon dress composed of salmon pink, Stephanie Rice- Australian swimming legend- took a seat today in the front row of the opening event at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival. Brunsdon was not only the designer who adorned Rice’s athletic bodice; he is also the first designer on show at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival. The presence of Stephanie Rice at this event proved that Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival, although more accessible to the public, is the premium place to observe the new season trends in swimwear. Alongside Jason Brunsdon, all the other designers who were on parade at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week will once again show off their collections. More excitingly, Seafolly, White Sands, Flamingo Sands, Jets by Jessika Allen and Lenny will be displaying their newest swimwear creations.

Keep watching BLK1 for full reports of the swimwear seen at Rosemount Sydney Fashion Festival

> > SUBSCRIBE TO BLK1 ONLINE SWIMSUIT MAGAZINE TODAY AND VIEW LARGER IMAGES FROM PARTICULAR ARTICLES, READ MORE INFORMATION AND ENJOY OTHER BENEFITS FROM THIS MONTHS EDITION. PLEASE NOTE, IF NOTED IN THE ARTICLE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS A “PAY-PER-VIEW”, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MONTHLY BLK1 SUBSCRIBER TO PAY AND ACCESS IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

There was plenty of drama in the world of swimming this week, resulting in a number of bans being imposed on various people and swim wear. First and foremost, Canadian swimming coach Cecil Russell has had his application for reinstatement rejected for a second time. Russell received a life time ban in 1997 for a doping infraction and initially was accepted. However under closer scrutiny by the CCES, it was found that Russell was convicted of conspiracy to possess ecstasy with intent to distribute and was sentenced to 4 years in prison in Arizona in March 2004, and as a result had the decision overturned. To the shock of many in the swimming world, some parents are still allowing Russell to coach their children.

The debate surrounding the new high tech performance enhancing swimsuits has finally been settled, well at the high school level anyway. The National Federation of State High Schools Association has officially banned the use of these super suits, effective immediately. They have also imposed tough restrictions on what swimmers can wear during competitions. Swimmers are now limited to one suit which must be permeable to both air and water and may not contain any zips or fasteners. For the boys they must not go above the waist or below the knee and for the girls it cannot go beyond the shoulders or below the knees, necks must remain bare. “The committee knew that in order to preserve the integrity, tradition and heritage of the sport, as well as protect and enhance the interscholastic swimming program, these new requirements were necessary to promote fair play and the educational values of high school and could not wait another year,” Becky Oakes, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the swimming and Diving rules committee, said in a statement.

On a far more personal note, Speedos or the beloved ‘budgie smugglers’, an Australian icon since their introduction in 1914, has recently been banned at popular European water park Alton Towers. In a statement from management, the reason behind this ban was to help avoid embarrassment among patrons and to promote a more family friendly environment with more aesthetically pleasing and less revealing swim wear on display.

On the topic of teensy weensy swim wear, ex bay watch star Pam Anderson will be in New Zealand strutting her stuff on the catwalk to promote her new line of enviro / animal friendly swimwear during New Zealand fashion week. But the question on everyone’s lips (including her publicist) is…. will the suits be too skimpy for the casually renowned kiwis?

But it’s not all bad news this week, at the Hobart veterans swim titles some fantastic and nail biting new commonwealth records were set. New South Welshman Adam Pine carried his good form into the final of the 100m butterfly, producing a powerful finish to win in a new Commonwealth record time of 49.71 seconds and taking nearly half a second
off his own record set last year. Earlier, 30-year-old Ashley Callus set an Australian record to finish the fastest qualifier in the 50m freestyle semis, clocking in at 21.06 seconds. Queenslander Emily Seebohm won the 100m backstroke with a time of 57.47 seconds, setting a new commonwealth record, and then moments later went on to set the fastest personal time in the 100m medley and was the only swimmer to break the minute mark. Victorian Sarah Katsoulis set a new commonwealth record of 29.61 seconds in the 50m breast stroke, beating club mate Leisel Jones. Thomas Fraser-Holmes put in a mammoth effort in the 400m individual medley, prevailing over fellow competitor Leith Brodie by 3 seconds. And finally Libbie Trickett qualified fastest for the final of the 100m freestyle.

BLK1 Article: ALEX SHLEIBS

> > SUBSCRIBE TO BLK1 ONLINE SWIMSUIT MAGAZINE TODAY AND VIEW LARGER IMAGES FROM PARTICULAR ARTICLES, READ MORE INFORMATION AND ENJOY OTHER BENEFITS FROM THIS MONTHS EDITION. PLEASE NOTE, IF NOTED IN THE ARTICLE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS A “PAY-PER-VIEW”, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MONTHLY BLK1 SUBSCRIBER TO PAY AND ACCESS IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

This week in Australian Waterpolo saw Australia bow out in the quarter final stages of the FINA junior women’s championship but the young-guns of the team lead from the front.

Australia qualified for the quarter-finals after a seven goal haul from Balmain Tigers player, Kayle Leathem, leading to a 28-4 victory over Kazakhstan, however the USA took the crown from the reigning champions winning 9-4.

Australian head coach Peter Szilagyi was unhappy with the poor start and said “The mentally, better-prepared American team deserved to win.”

Leathem wasn’t the only youngster to when earlier in the week, 16 year-old Ash Southern, dominated Australia’s opening game scoring four goals for an 11-9 win over Spain.
Australia will now face off against Canada for fifth spot.

BLK1 Article: ELIZABETH MCPHERSON BLK1 Photographer:ANTHONY PEARSE

> > SUBSCRIBE TO BLK1 ONLINE SWIMSUIT MAGAZINE TODAY AND VIEW LARGER IMAGES FROM PARTICULAR ARTICLES, READ MORE INFORMATION AND ENJOY OTHER BENEFITS FROM THIS MONTHS EDITION. PLEASE NOTE, IF NOTED IN THE ARTICLE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS A “PAY-PER-VIEW”, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MONTHLY BLK1 SUBSCRIBER TO PAY AND ACCESS IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.

As one of the most publicised beauty contests in the world, attracting millions of viewers from all across the globe, the Miss Universe pageant will no doubt, be one of the highest anticipated events this year.

Taking place on the shores of Nassau, the Bahamas on a little island so-fittingly called ‘Paradise,’ the prestigious pageants’ 58th year looks as though it will live up to its reputation as the most popular pageant in the world.

First founded in 1952 by Californian clothing company, Pacific Mills, the Miss Universe pageant went on to later become one of Donald Trump’s many acquisitions in 1996, and has since developed into a worldwide phenomenon.

It is this phenomenon which Mr Trump and his organisers remain steadfast in promoting as ‘not just a beauty contest,’ but a culture-rich event which strives to include intelligent, well-mannered and confident women from all across the globe.

Each of these women vying for the coveted title will be judged in three categories: swimwear, evening gown and a one-on-one interview with the judges. If successful, the winner will find themselves catapulted into a life devoted to overseas charity campaigns, intent on creating public awareness regarding the control and prevention of specific diseases, in particular, AIDS, and seeking to improve the lives of others through the promotion and general well-being of others.

Of course, the winner also gets to call the Trump Tower, New York, home, during her year-long reign and is exposed to a world filled with countless opportunities and career prospects.

Since touching down on the Caribbean nation’s picturesque shores of Paradise Island, each of the 84 contestants will spend their time leading up to the final date, visiting the island’s abundance of beautiful locations, and making various glamorous appearances before the first official round of judging commences on August 16th, in which 15 finalists will be selected for the lavish August 23 event.

With Venezuela, the United States and Puerto Rico possessing the highest number of wins in the pageants history, it will be expected that Stefanania Fernandes (Venezuela), Kristen Dalton (USA) and Mayra Matos (Puerto Rico), will all reach the finals and be strong contenders for the coveted Diamond Nexus Labs Crown.

Local Townsville beauty, Rachael Finch, who recently came close to being devoured by a five metre crocodile, whilst doing promotion work at Crocodylus Park in Darwin late last month, is also a pageant favourite for following in the footsteps of 2004 Aussie winner, Jennifer Hawkins.

Sadly, there are a handful of past participating countries, which will not be competing this year, including Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Denmark, Kazakhstan, Northern Marianas and Trinidad and Tobago, due to various issues such as lack of funding, sponsorship and general lack of national interest.

As is true of every beauty pageant, further fuelling the budding excitement and anticipation in the lead up to the event, a string of controversial events, which have sparked considerable media attention, have occurred. Apart from Japanese entrant, Emiri Miyasaka being opening criticised for her daringly revealing leather-clad national costume, in which her hot pink underwear was clearly visible, insulting many people from her home country, a row has also broken out between Bolivia and Peru regarding the name of Miss Peru’s national costume, “la Diablada,” which the Bolivians are claiming is a stolen manifestation of folklore which belongs to them.

Alas, all publicity is good publicity, and as the beautiful Paradise Island finds itself inhabited by another 84 rare beauties, the hype continues to mount as to who will take over the reign of Venezuelan winner, Dayana Mendoza and who, with flowers in hand, and diamond tiara on head, will find her world inextricably filled with bright, new possibilities and the lasting memory of a night she will never forget.

BLK1 IS EXCITED TO BRING YOU FULL COVERAGE OF THE 2009 MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT

BLK1 Article: JESSICA LENI

> > SUBSCRIBE TO BLK1 ONLINE SWIMSUIT MAGAZINE TODAY AND VIEW LARGER IMAGES FROM PARTICULAR ARTICLES, READ MORE INFORMATION AND ENJOY OTHER BENEFITS FROM THIS MONTHS EDITION. PLEASE NOTE, IF NOTED IN THE ARTICLE THAT THIS ARTICLE IS A “PAY-PER-VIEW”, THEN YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MONTHLY BLK1 SUBSCRIBER TO PAY AND ACCESS IMAGES.

Images and Article: © BLK1 2008-2009. All Rights Reserved.