Nassau, Bahamas – All eighty-four of the world’s most beautiful women graced the stage of Wyndham Hotel’s Rain Forest Theatre on Monday to unveil their national costumes for the first time.

As each contestant took centre stage, a kaleidoscope of color illuminated the theatre invoking ovations of appreciation from the audience.  

“This is one of the best shows I ever seen in terms of color display, presentation and quality of the fabrics and the way the costumes were made,” said Lisa Harold, an aspiring fashion designer from New York.  

Contestants wore costumes depicting the national symbol from their respective country.  

Leading the way was Miss Bahamas, Kiara Sherman, whose costume depicted the ‘Bahamian sunshine.’  

“It was a very impressive display of costumes," said Dwayne Delancy, photographer with NuWoman magazine.  “I especially liked the detailed workings of the costumes worn by Miss Czechoslovakia and Miss Ecuador, Nicaragua and Panama.  Miss Bahamas was also a very good depiction.”  

Each presentation was divided into groups of six with contestants coming out in alphabetical order.  

Actress Claudette ‘Cookie’ Allens and historian and junkanoo artist, Arlene Nash-Ferguson were the hosts.  

Judges included the Hon Lynn Holowesko, President of the Senate; Leslie Vanderpool, Bahamas International Film Festival; artist John Cox, owner of Popop Studios; Rochelle Walker, Solomon’s Mines; Gershin Major, CEO, Mail Boxes Etc; Elaine Pinder, La Rose; and Kishlane O’Brien, vice president Cititrust.  

The winner of the ‘Best Costume’ award will be announced on Wednesday during the Bahamian Designer Fabric Fashion show scheduled for the Sheraton Nassau Beach Hotel.