HAS PAGEANTRY EVOLVED?

How do you view the pageantry industry today?

Sadichha: I think the number of beauty pageants that were happening before Covid 19 have now lessened. After Covid, pageants have been filtered out, and only the ones that can sustain themselves are happening today.

Raina: In today’s pageantry world, emphasis is placed on empowering contestants by showcasing their intelligence, talent, and their commitment to philanthropy. This shift has allowed pageants to become platforms for social change and advocacy, allowing contestants to raise awareness for important causes such as environmental sustainability, mental health, and gender equality. The idea of beauty has expanded to encompass inner qualities and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the society.

Nagma: The pageantry industry currently showcases a blend of tradition and evolving perspectives, reflecting a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and leadership.

Prerana: I believe the current state of the pageantry industry is encouraging and progressive. It’s heartening to see how pageants now focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity, giving women from various backgrounds an opportunity to shine. The industry is becoming a powerful platform for advocating important causes and making a positive impact on society.

How would you like to see it evolve?

Sadichha: I would like beauty pageants to be more inclusive and different segments should be added so that people get a fairer chance at the title.

Raina: The pageantry industry has undoubtedly evolved over the years, and its current state is a testament to its remarkable transformation. Today, pageants encompass various attributes and values that define a well-rounded individual. In conclusion, the pageantry industry has certainly evolved, but we must embrace a more holistic approach that celebrates intelligence, talent, and the desire to make a difference.

Nagma: It would be exciting to witness the industry evolve further by placing even more emphasis on promoting diversity, talent and meaningful causes.

Prerana: As someone who values holistic health and well-being, I would love to see the pageantry industry evolve even further by placing more emphasis on contestants’ mental and emotional well-being. Promoting sustainable practices and eco-friendly initiatives during pageant events would also align with my values.

How has technology influenced pageantry, from stage design to voting systems?

Sadichha: With the rise in social media, beauty pageants have also started incorporating a lot of it into their procedures. Voting, introduction of the contestants, and applications of the pageantry being online is time-saving and more functional for all.

Raina: Overall, technology has allowed the pageant world to reach a wider audience, and has made the experience of watching the event more interactive and engaging for viewers. The pageant has been equipped with a system of online voting which allows people to vote for their favourite contestants through the internet which makes it more engaging and enthralling.

Nagma: Technology has significantly transformed pageantry, from elaborate stage designs using advanced visuals to interactive voting systems that engage audiences worldwide, and interactive apps with first-hand exclusive content.

Prerana: Technology has had a huge impact on pageantry. From enhancing stage designs with virtual and augmented reality to implementing online voting systems, technology has made pageant events more engaging and interactive for both participants and audiences. These advancements have elevated the overall pageantry experience and brought a modern touch to the industry.

How has the diversity of contestants changed over time?

Sadichha: There is a lot of diversity and awareness in pageantry and every year it increases. It has become more inclusive in terms of body types and background but there is always room for improvement and betterment.

Raina: Firstly, it is essential to acknowledge the progress that has already been made in promoting diversity within the pageantry world. However, further efforts are required to ensure that contestants from all walks of life, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or body type, feel represented and included. Pageants should strive to embrace contestants who bring unique perspectives and experiences, thereby promoting a more inclusive environment that truly captures the spirit of diversity.

Nagma:  Over time, the pageant landscape has become more inclusive, embracing contestants from diverse ethnicities, body types, and backgrounds, reflecting a more representative and inclusive beauty standard.

Prerana: Over the years, the pageantry industry has made significant strides in embracing diversity. Contestants now come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, body types, and life experiences making the pageants more inclusive and representative of the world’s population. This positive change has challenged conventional beauty standards and empowered women from all walks of life.

How does social media shape a pageant’s popularity and the contestants public persona?

Sadichha: Social-media has become a really powerful tool that plays a huge role in declaring pageant winners while also making the participants more popular. In a short period of time, contestants are known to more people. Even after the winner is decided, s/he uses the platform to reach out to a vast number of people.

Raina: The pageant can be followed and commented on via social media, allowing people to engage with the event and with other viewers in real-time. The pageant can now be watched live on the internet via live streaming platforms allowing people from all over the world to tune in and watch the event in real time. This helps to make the event an even better spectacle for the viewers as well as the contestants.

Nagma: Social-media has propelled pageantry’s popularity by allowing contestants to engage directly with fans, shaping their public personas and connecting with broader audiences beyond the stage.

Prerana: Social-media has had a lot of impact on a pageant’s popularity and contestants’ public personas. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook have provided contestants with a direct connection to their followers and fans. They can use these platforms to build their brands, amplify their advocacy efforts, and share their journey with the world. However, it also requires them to be mindful of their online presence and deal with any criticism gracefully.

Have there been any significant changes in pageant judging criteria and how winners are selected?

Sadichha: These days, one important aspect of beauty pageants is that people have started incorporating social impact criteria. While judging beauty pageants, it is mostly done with the aspect of the participant’s presence, personality and confidence, all in a short period of time.

During pre-judging time, we can know a contestant’s motive, their plans to move forward in life, etc. and this has also started to impact the final judgment in the process of pageantry.

Raina: Yes, there have been changes in the judging criteria. Generally, the contestants are judged on their physical appearance and their intelligence. But in recent years, pageants have also placed more emphasis on the contestants’ social and cultural awareness and also how they can be a positive change in the society

Nagma: Pageant judging criteria have evolved to focus on attributes like confidence, intelligence, talent, and social impact leading to a more holistic approach in selecting winners who embody diverse qualities.

Prerana: There have been notable changes in pageant judging criteria and winner selection. In the past, pageants primarily focused on physical beauty and poise. However, the pageantry industry has evolved to mirror the shifting values of society. While beauty remains important, contestants are now evaluated on a more holistic basis. Emphasis is placed on a contestant’s intellect, talent, communication skills, and dedication to community service.

Today, pageants seek to crown role models who can inspire and make a positive impact on society. Contestants who display passion, authenticity, and a commitment to meaningful causes stand out as potential winners. This transformation is empowering as it encourages contestants to showcase their unique strengths and contributions beyond physical appearance. It reflects the increasing recognition that beauty encompasses various facets of a person’s character and achievements.

What notable fashion trends started in pageantry and later became mainstream?

Sadichha: An important aspect that beauty pageants started is personality development and public speaking. I feel this trend is now more seen and given emphasis  to by all beauty pageants where the contestants grow with this experience.

Raina: Several notable fashion trends originated in pageantry and later became mainstream. Here are a few examples:

– The Evening Gown and Tiara: Pageants have long been associated with glamorous evening gowns and tiaras that exemplify elegance and sophistication and as a symbol of their victory and regal status. Over time, evening gowns and tiaras gained popularity outside the pageant world and emerged into mainstream fashion, particularly for special occasions like red carpet events, weddings, proms, and formal parties.

– Body glitter and statement earrings: Pageant contestants often incorporate body glitter and statement earrings to grab attention and make an impact on stage, leading to the incorporation of style statement. This trend gained attraction in mainstream fashion and everyday wear. In today’s time you will find individuals using it commonly in everyday wear, various formal events, parties, festivals and social events. These are just a few examples of fashion trends that were popularized through pageantry and later became mainstream fashion .

Nagma: Notable fashion trends originating from pageantry such as innovative evening gowns and unique national costumes have influenced mainstream fashion and red-carpet styles.

Prerana: Pageants have historically influenced fashion trends, and some styles introduced on the pageant stage have become mainstream. Notable examples include evening gown styles, swimsuit designs, and innovative stage costumes that have inspired designers and fashion enthusiasts around the world.

Has the emphasis on community service and charitable work increased in pageantry?

Sadichha: The emphasis on community service and charitable work has tremendously increased in pageantry as we also seen in the judging criteria. We are more aware of how they are contributing to social impact as the expectations of the people also rise once you are a public figure. Beauty pageant winners especially Miss Nepal have done impactful work especially for “Beauty with Purpose” and continue to work on it even after winning the title.

Raina: The emphasis on community services and charitable work has increased in the pageantry world. The main objective at the core is about being part of something greater and reaching out to help those in need. In addition to helping with charity work, many beauty pageant contestants are also there in times of crisis such as natural disasters, pandemics and many such calamities.

Nagma: The emphasis on community service and charitable work has grown with winners contributing meaningfully to social causes, spotlighting the pageant platform as a force for positive change.

Prerana: Without a doubt, the emphasis on community service and charitable work has significantly increased in the pageantry world. In modern pageants, contestants are not just seen as beauty ambassadors but as agents of positive change. They are encouraged to actively engage in meaningful causes, whether it’s supporting local charities, promoting environmental sustainability, or advocating for social justice issues.

Winners, in particular, play a vital role in making a difference.

With the crown comes a powerful platform, and they use it to amplify their chosen causes and raise awareness on important issues. Their impact extends beyond the pageant stage as they work tirelessly to contribute to their communities and society at large. Witnessing the positive influence pageant winners have on the world is truly heartwarming and inspiring, and it demonstrates the pageantry industry’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

How has the portrayal of beauty queens and pageants in the media changed over time?

Sadichha: The portrayal of beauty queens and pageants in the media has slightly changed over time and they are more interested to know participants for the social work and the community work they contribute to. I do feel like that media really looks at the brighter side keeping the silver linings of beauty pageant in mind as it reaches and sends messages to more people.

Raina: Earlier the perception of beauty pageants and queens was based on your outer presentation, your ability to use hair and makeup skills to present yourself as a beautiful and glamorous woman. But in today’s time, we recognize beauty as the energy inside that informs the outer appearance, which requires a lot more skill set and hard work.

The evolution of the pageantry industry is very evident and visible to all as it endeavours to uplift and empower individuals to be the best version of themselves whilst making a positive impact on society.

Nagma: The media portrayal of beauty queens and pageants has shifted from narrow beauty ideals to showcasing contestants’ accomplishments, intelligence and activism, reflecting a more enlightened perspective.

Prerana: The media’s portrayal of beauty queens and pageants has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. In the past, pageants were often presented with a narrow focus on physical beauty, and contestants were primarily judged on their outward appearances. However, as society evolved and recognized the importance of women’s empowerment, the media’s narrative surrounding pageants shifted significantly.

Today, beauty queens are depicted as more than just symbols of beauty; they are celebrated as inspirational figures who embody intelligence, talent, and a strong commitment to social causes. The media now portrays pageants as empowering platforms that showcase women’s achievements and their dedication to making a positive impact on the world. The emphasis is placed on their contributions to society, their charitable endeavors, and their advocacy for meaningful causes.

This more respectful and uplifting portrayal of beauty queens and the pageantry industry has not only changed public perceptions but has also contributed to breaking stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive definition of beauty. Pageants are now recognised as opportunities for women to showcase their talents, share their voices, and become influential.