Cerise Jasmine Serino-Prince, has said that beauty pageants are “female-empowering” as she reaches the final stage for Miss Great Britain after claiming the title of Miss Bedford.
As the first in her family to do pageanting, the 25-year-old student explained that being up on the stage can be a daunting experience but she enjoys making her outfits and finding new friends along the way.
The contestants need to make three garments to be judged, beachwear, evening wear and fashion wear followed by an onstage interview round.
When asked why she decided to apply for pageantry, Cerise said: “I wanted to take part as I saw it as a sort of transition between girlhood and womanhood,” which she says she demonstrates through her outfits.
“I am using prints and colours inspired by butterflies and the transformation towards growing their wings from being a caterpillar.”
There are various aspects to pageantry, starting by signing up and writing an essay about yourself and why you should compete. That is then followed by an interview process which will determine how you can go about entering the competition.
Other aspects include live fashion shows and interview segments as well as charity work and fundraising from both the contestants and the organisers.
When asked about the idea that pageantry may be considered outdated, Cerise said: “I understand some people would think vanity and glamour are a big part but, it’s the charity that made me fall in love with it.
“I also like making friends and the building of community within the events, it’s very female-empowering.”
To those who may be too scared to give pageantry a go, Cerise added, “Go forward in life to do things you’re scared of, try to put yourself out there.”
The final event for Miss Great Britain takes place on 18 October in Leicester where one contestant will take home the crown.
