Miss Bahamas dazzles the crowd with her natural flair. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)

Nassau, Bahamas – The creations of three prominent Bahamian fashion designers were showcased when Miss Universe contestants took to the catwalk, August 12, at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort

The 84 contestants were participating in a fashion show featuring the designs of Rachel Turnquest-Garcia of Rachel’s Boutique, Basheva Eve of La Maison de Besh of Grand Bahama, and Sabrina Francis of SE’B Fashions.

The designers utilized the locally manufactured fabrics, Androsia and Bahama Hand Prints, for their creations.

Also contributing to the event was designer Brynda Knowles, who designed the evening’s outfit for the reigning Miss Universe, Dayana Mendoza. She co-hosted the show with Charles Sealey, CEO, Doctor’s Hospital.

“These three designers were chosen among several who would have applied to take on the job,” said Owen Bethel, Coordinator and Chairman of Miss Universe Pageant Host Planning Committee.

“We had an open call and about 15 designers applied. Out of that, we selected three."

Designers had less than three months to prepare the outfits and less than one week to conduct fittings, he said.

He was happy. His team received "a great deal of support" from the Ministry of Tourism. Moreover he was also able to call on his personal experiences with fashion shows.

“The Ministry of Tourism was extremely supportive and supplied the personnel to work in the background.

"Of course, a lot of the template for this event came from the experience we had with Islands of the World Fashion week. You saw a branding which was very similar to that show,” said Mr Bethel.

According to designer Sabrina Francis, who also designed the attire modeled by Miss Bahamas, Kiara Sherman, this was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

“I’ve done a few international shows before but this was the top,” said Ms Francis, a 30-year veteran. “Designing the outfit that Miss Bahamas wore was very special for me. She was very nice to work with.”

Beamed Rachel Turnquest-Garcia: “This has been a wonderful experience for me. It is so refreshing for Bahamians to have these types of opportunities to showcase our work.”

Designer Basheva Eve and her partner, Rolanda Epstein agreed the event highlighted the textile industry in The Bahamas.

“The good part about this particular show is that it showed an authentic Bahamian product which you can’t get anywhere else in the world," noted Eve. "The fabrics were designed and printed here. Even the straw bustiers were created here."

The designers agreed that working with the contestants was "a very pleasant experience."

“This group was great – we had 28 exquisite bodies that perfectly fit into the clothing, therefore, we didn’t have much alterations to do,” said Ms Epstein.

The newly crowned Miss Universe will receive an outfit created by prominent Bahamian designer Jeff St John, of the House of St John, which she will wear at her press briefing on the morning after her crowning.

She will also receive a specially crafted bag from internationally acclaimed designer, the late Harl Taylor.

After the show, contestants and spectators got an authentic taste of Bahamian culture with a Junkanoo rush out at West Bay Street. Screaming with delight, the contestants joined the parade as the costumed Junkanoo participants wended their way through the streets.

“That was a wonderful end to a very lovely event,” said Mark Dalton, a tourist visiting from Washington, DC.