Putting their best foot forward
THE month of June 2016 saw a flurry of activity as hopefuls turned up in droves for the Miss Universe Malaysia 2017 roadshow auditions held across the nation in five states including Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Johor Baru and finally in Kuala Lumpur.
Celebrity judges Elaine Daly, Datuk Hans Isaac and Debbie Goh interviewed the girls, shortlisted 50 candidates, and further narrowed them down to the final Top 18.
Over a period of one week, the Top 18 girls went through Orientation Week at a secret location where they got to know one another and underwent a series of grooming sessions.
This included hair makeovers by celebrity hair stylist Shawn Loong and team from Shawn Cutler, catwalk training by Adrian Chee and Chris Ng of D\R\Events, makeup workshops, fittings and individual challenges.
Finalist Samantha Katie turned up in crutches as she had injured her ankle just before Orientation Week began.
The first challenge was an interview session with a panel of seasoned industry players including company executives and editors.
Finalist Dana Low stood out with her vibrant personality and was judged the winner.
The girls also got a taste of being in front of the cameras at their first couture photo shoot.
Transformed under the expert hands at Sephora, they struck a pose against the stunning colonial backdrop of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Under Elaine Daly’s watchful eye, some girls without prior modelling experience struggled to find their best angles while others bloomed in front of the camera.
The couture shoot was judged by celebrity designers Rizman Nordin and Wan Ruzaini of Rizman Ruzaini, Malaysian actress and singer Nur Fazura, InTrend magazine fashion editor V Mukhtaram, Glam magazine fashion editor Aizat Aidid and professional photographer Simon Chin.
Finalist Karshini Ghanesh’s winning shot saw her walking away with a customised Rizman Ruzaini gown.