Miss Universe 2008 results - Predictable...

I took my time in commenting on the results of the Miss Universe competition because I don't have much to say - I was on a plane and missed the majority of the show. I tuned in just in time to realize that Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza pulled through and won the title.

I am still trying to decode her garbled response in the Q&A segment, but I guess that was not a deterrent to the selectors this year! What is it about this Miss Universe Pageant and Miss Venezuela?

Is there some secret code in the Trump/Miss Universe handbook that guarantees Miss Venezuela either a spot in the top 5 or the actual title? To Ms. T&T Anya Ayoung Chee, I'm sure you tried your best. Well Done.

To Ms. America, I say "Awwwww. Poor baby." At least you clearly tripped on your dress comming down the steps, unlike your predecessor Ms America 07, who, in the middle of the stage, fell down 'braps - jus' so!' For your sake, and for the sake of your post-trip healing process, I hope I'm the last person snickering at this you tube clip...

Caribbean Ms Universe 08 Beauties... All in a row

I am going to toot our own damn horn to say that our Caribbean women are some of the most gorgeous the world over! Just look at this year's regional representatives for the Miss Universe 2008 competition, set for July 14th in Thailand.

As a Trini, I must put it out there: our delegate Anya Ayoung-Chee is definitely shining brightly! Initially, I just thought it was quaint and nice that we had finally chosen a Trinidadian of Asian/Mixed parentage to represent our nation, but she's really a stunner.

As for the other islands - I can't choose a favourite - they're all fantastic. Not being fully immersed in the mix on each of these delegates' islands, I'll refrain from giving my opinion on their selection, etc. So you take a look and let me know if any of our gorgeous gals can take the crown.

L.M.N. Harris.

Anya Ayoung Chee - She's Off!

And I'm back! After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back in the blogosphere, bringing you the latest in Caribbean Fashion and Life/Style - a la 'Au Courant in the Caribbean' mode.

So we've been tracking Ms. T&T/Universe 2008/09 Anya Ayoung-Chee from her pageant selection earlier on this year, to her appearance on the ramp at the recently concluded Fashion Week T&T, (I'll have some belated pics of the finale for you by tomorrow) and now to her departure to Vietnam for the 57th Miss Universe Competition.

On a side note, every time I think about Ayoung-Chee being a 'Callalloo Trini' - as Fashion Scion Peter Elias recently described her - I can't help but think that the selection of an Asian looking Ms. T&T was a strategic choice, keeping in mind where the pageant is being held this year! All in all, she's proven to be quite the classy chick, in terms of her style and demeanor, and I give her hats off for proudly sporting that big ol' tattoo on her abdomen...

Looking absolutely fantastic as a jaunty modern-day sailor, here she is posing in a Newsday TT photo with her national costume designer, the ever talented, 'I'm not trying to be Minshall' carnival band leader, Brian MacFarlane. I'm crossing my fingers for her, hoping that her class extends far beyond her appearance and would give her the edge with those gnarly Q&A's.

On behalf of all the subscribers and readers here at AuC, I wish Anya all the best!

L.M.N. Harris.