Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar Brings Miss Universe to Miss World

Everybody, let's take a look back at the last Miss Universe pageant that was held in the Bahamas. Let me refresh your memory about the dress for the opening number. But focus your attention on Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar. Notice that graceful catwalk with the floral white dress? You only see that on Miss Universe 2009.

After failing to get a title at Miss U, Tatum decided to try her luck at Miss World 2009 which is currently taking place in her home country. She is definitely hoping of getting the title this time around - on her second try. Let's check on how she is doing right now.

Oh, nooo! Have you noticed that? Look at that floral white dress. Was that the one she wore at Miss Universe? I guess so!  Then I was wrong that the dress is exclusive only for Miss Universe.

Does Tatum think she's still competing at Miss Universe and not on Miss World? Or does she run out of dresses? She did not only bring herself from Miss U to Miss World but also the dress she wore from the previous pageant.

Donald Trump and Julia Morley, what do you wanna say about this?

Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar is scared of tripping on stage at the Miss Universe 2009

Miss South Africa hopes to bring home title

Tatum Keshwar says she is ready to give the other 86 Miss Universe contestants “a run for their money” — but is scared of tripping on stage.

Keshwar, who is to represent South Africa at the 58th annual Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas on August 23, is scheduled to leave for the Paradise Islands on Friday July 31.

She will compete against beauties from countries such as New Zealand, Spain, Venezuela and India.

The current Miss Universe, Venezuelan beauty Dayana Mendoza, will hand over the title.

Despite the stiff competition, Keshwar told she hoped to bring the crown home.

“I am slightly nervous and I can feel the pressure of wanting to make everyone proud. My biggest fear of being around 86 beautiful girls is falling on stage and disappointing the country at the pageant,” she said.

The competition has already become contentious. Entrants from Sri Lanka, Northern Marianas, St Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago have withdrawn due to lack of sponsorship.

They have been replaced with entrants from four other countries, Norway, Curaçao, Lebanon and Turkey.

After a two-year absence, Sweden will be represented at this year’s pageant.

During her month-long stay in the Bahamas, Keshwar will be dressed by some of South Africa’s best designers.

The likes of Malcolm Klûk CGDT, Katherine Kidger, Gerrit Pienaar, Kendril Vermeulen and Haroun Hansrot are designing outfits for the various events that Keshwar will attend before the pageant.

On her visit to the Rain Forest Theatre at the Wyndham Hotel, she will wear a design by South African RjKayn inspired by Zulu bridal dress.

On the night of the pageant, during which the beauties will be judged in swimwear and evening gowns , Keshwar will wear a JJ Schoeman cerise frilled dress decorated with Swarovski crystals.

Later, she will appear in a mint- green and silver gown by Charlene Sauerman.

“I am definitely spoilt for choice with all the different dresses that I will be taking with me to the island, and I love every single one of them,” she said.

Keshwar’s friends and family will attend the pageant in the Bahamas to support her.

National Costumes and Long Gown at the Miss Universe 2009

The official head shot of Miss Philippines Universe 2009, Pamela Bianca Manalo

Miss Universe candidates from all over the world start arriving in Bahamas one week from now. We have visited different websites and forums and collected some interesting information on some of the lovely candidates. Here they are:

1. Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka will be the first Japanese delegate to speak English if she can pass through the finals or Top 5. According to her national director, Ines Ligron, Emiri is the most prepared Miss Japan since she started handling the Japanese girls to the pageant.

2. Mayra Matos of Puerto Rico will be wearing a boxer-inspired suit for her national costume. Some argue that she should not win the Best in National Costume award since boxing is not a native of Puerto Rico. They say Puerto Rico can't claim the boxing outfit exclusively. See the pictures below for reference.

3. Miss Philippines Pamela Bianca Manalo is no longer dressed by Alfredo Barraza who, for almost a decade, trained the Philippine representatives with no success. Pamela is being trained by a Philippine top model, Wilma Doesnt, with her catwalk skills. Her sister, Miss World 2002 finalist Katherine Ann Manalo is training her how to do well at the question and answer part of the pageant.

It is also rumoured that Pamela will be wearing a Filipiniana terno for her national costume and it is said that the dress was designed by Pitoy Moreno. According to some, Pamela personally chose the dresses she will be wearing in Bahamas.

Will she be wearing a gown made by Monique Lhuillier? What's the truth on this?

4. Miss Singapore Rachel Kum will be wearing a national costume that will be decided by the people via public voting. Six costumes were presented online for voting and the one with the highest vote will be her costume in the pageant.

5. Miss Jamaica Carolyn Yapp is said to be the latest favourite of the Miss Universe Organization. Apparently, the people behind the Miss universe pageant are so impressed with her beauty. If this is true, expect her at the Top 15.

6. Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar's national costume is very similar to a Vietnamese traditional dress. Her costume is kinda good but the gown is not stunning. See pictures below for reference.

7. Miss Vietnam Vo Hoang Yen is definitely one of the most hyped delegates this year together with Miss Japan Emiri Miyasaka. At first we love to see the "photo-chopped" pictures of Vo Hoang Yen but upon seeing more of her candid shots, we are predicting that she will end up not making the cut.

Though Vo Hoang Yen has a good catwalk skill, we doubt if she can score high in the long gown and preliminary interview. Never had a Miss Vietnam wore a stunning gown in any international pageants. We doubt also if she can do well in the interview. But we hope we are wrong since we love to see Asian winning the crown again.

The national costume of Mayra Matos, Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2009

Mayra Matos, Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2009, in her national costume.

Mayra Matos, Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2009, in her national costume.

An artist sketch of the national costume of Mayra Matos, Miss Puerto Rico Universe 2009.

Tatum Keshwar, Miss South Africa 2009 in her long gown.

Tatum Keshwar, Miss South Africa 2009 in her national costume.