Australia - Rachael HerramanAussie flags to fly in China
13 Nov, 2011 07:00 AM
FROM Cronulla to China, pageant hopeful queen Rachael Herraman, 21, is ready to show the world just what she's got.
But don't tell this university student that it is all about strutting and posing.
The aspiring nutritionist and former gymnast will take to the stage in Shenzen for the Miss Model of the World contest this month.
She will compete against 65 other girls who will represent their countries in the international final. It will be Rachael's first time overseas, but she is already familiar with the pageant scene. She was a NSW representative in Miss Universe Australia last year.
With Cronulla fashion designer Natasha Dwyer's creative input, she hopes to take the crown home this year. Natasha already has global pageant recognition to her name, but for a fresh look, she tweaked her most recent design, which was last worn by Miss Earth Australia earlier this year.
So what do 75 hours of work look like?
The royal blue multi-tiered dress, which is layered with hundreds of mini-Australian flags, was inspired by an old-world charm and retro revival.
It has a strapless bodice, corsage, a sparkly boomerang-shaped headpiece and comes with lace-up ankle fur booties and gloves.
"The structure is a bit 1900s, and I also thought of the wedding dress from Guns 'n' Roses' film clip November Rain," Natasha said.
"Everything on stage has to be exaggerated and extravagant, so that it stands out. I just wanted it to be really Australian." Rachael has deferred her studies in exercise science at the University of Wollongong, and is studying fitness at TAFE. "I've had friends who have had eating disorders, so my goal is to work as a nutritionist or personal trainer," she said.
"I'd like to promote a positive body image by helping young women and models to aim for a healthy physique." And for the talent section, no doubt her training as a gymnast will come in handy. "I'll probably do a few flips," she said.
The final is on November 26.
Shire collaboration: Rachael Herraman, 21, will represent Australia in Miss Model of the World. Natasha Dwyer (at back) designed her costume.