The Judges for Miss Universe 2008

TARYN ROSE

Taryn Rose changed the footwear industry in 1998 by creating a line of luxury shoes that were as fashionable as they were functional. After her first year in business, Rose opened a boutique in Beverly Hills, California. Shortly after, she opened a second boutique in New York and by 2002, opened a third in San Jose, California. In 2004, Rose added a fourth store at the Forum Shops in Las Vegas and launched the brand in Seoul, Korea and in Harrods Department store in 2006. In May 2007, her collection launched at Printemps department store in Paris. This year, Rose successfully sold her shoe business and is on to her next project, Haute Footure, a new line of comfortable, yet elegant, footwear. Rose regularly participates in projects to support various non-profit organizations.

NGUYEN CONG KHE

Mr. Nguyen Cong Khe is the Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien newspaper. He is also the Director of the Nguyen Thai Binh Scholarship, a member of the Vietnam Youth Fund and is Chairman and Founder of the Vietnam Talent Fund. He is married and has two children.

JOSEPH CINQUE

Joseph Cinque began his path in the hospitality industry in the early 80's as part owner in The Surf Club and The Crane Club. Since then he has found his true calling in life, a position he was made for, The President of The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. Under Cinque's leadership the Academy has grown enormously. Throughout its history, the company has set the standard of quality and service in the global travel and luxury services sector. Each year the Academy bestows its coveted International Five Star Diamond Award exclusively to five star establishments that are deemed to be of pinnacle quality by its esteemed Board of Trustees.

EESHA KOPPIKHAR

Eesha Koppikhar belongs to a family of academicians. She herself completed a course in Life Sciences from Ruia College, Mumbai. She shot to fame after a modelling shoot with Gautam Rajyadhaksa when she was still in Junior College. So far she has modeled for Camay, Rexona, L'Oreal, Tips & Toes, Coke, Synergy and Ponds. She made her debut in Tamil film Kaadal Kavidhai but won acclaim for her role in En Swasa Katre opposite Arvind Swami. After a few stints down south, Eesha got her break in Bollywood in 2003 when she did an item number in Ram Gopal Verma’s Company. She has since been referred to as the ‘Khallas Girl’. After movies like Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat and Kaante, Eesha Koppikar became more than just an item number, she became a household name.

ROBERTO CAVALLI

World famous fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has dressed stars such as Lenny Kravitz, Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Sharon Stone, Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé Knowles, Charlize Theron and Victoria Beckham, just to name a few. Cavalli pushes fashion to the limit by using fresh techniques and experimenting, making all his creations one of a kind! In 1980 Cavalli married Eva Duringer, who has been his lifelong companion and his inseparable business partner.

DONALD TRUMP, JR.

Trump, Jr., is an Executive Vice President at the Trump Organization. Trump, Jr., began work for the Trump Organization on projects in New York such as the West Side Yards and Trump Place on Riverside Drive . Since 2007, he has managed more than 33 national and international real estate projects. Recently, he has worked on the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago . Trump, Jr. has also appeared in NBC’s hit show "The Apprentice" alongside his father, Mr. Donald J. Trump, and his sister Ivanka. Trump Jr. and his wife Vanessa have a baby girl, Kai Madison Trump.

NADINE VELAZQUEZ

Actress Nadine Velazquez stars on the NBC smash hit sitcom "My Name is Earl" and was nominated in 2006 and 2007 for ‘Supporting TV Actress’ for the ALMA Awards. Velazquez was born inChicago, Illinois and has a BA degree in Marketing from Columbia College. She appeared in the 2004 film "Blast!" as well as the TV movie, "The Last Ride." Velazquez appeared on the January 2006 cover of Stuffmagazine, and was named #39 in the annual Maxim Hot 100 list. Velazquez is married to talent agent Marc Provissiero.

LOUIS LICARI

Hair stylist to the stars, Louis Licari, owns two successful salons in New York City and Beverly Hills. Known for his expertise in hair coloring, Licari joined the NBC "Today Show" team several years ago as a Contributing Editor and is now featured in the popular segment "Ambush Makeover."

JENNIFER HAWKINS

Australian native Jennifer Hawkins is no stranger to the Miss Universe Pageant as the proud winner of the coveted crown in 2004! Since returning to her native country after her reign, she has enjoyed a successful career as a model, spokeswoman, television host and actress. In 2006, Hawkins signed a lucrative endorsement deal to become the first Australian face of CoverGirl cosmetics. Hawkins was also a recent participant in Australia's "Dancing with the Stars" and appears as a presenter in the popular travel program "The Great Outdoors" on the Seven Network.

******The above set of judges are different from the preliminary judges which was said to have been composed of four Vietnamese. The preliminary judges were the ones responsible in selecting the Top 15 and the judges listed above are the ones who will select the Top 5 and eventually the winner.