Photographer: Fabrizio Valerga. Model: Mischaela Elkins. Wardrobe, Baracci Beverly Hills.
Traditionally, Miss Universe contestants embody an ideal standard of beauty. Despite their diverse backgrounds, the undeniably physical beauty of each woman is a common link that binds them. Yet, in recent years, the pageant has actively sought to appreciate the contestants’ totality. It has increasingly emphasized values such as education, accomplishments, passion, and articulation, reinforcing these attributes within the Miss Universe system over the past few years.
“Communication is the heartbeat of personal and career success,” states Mischaela Elkins, an American model who turned the pageant industry upside down in 2021. Exuding undeniable wit, intelligence, and poise, she invites inevitable comparisons to Lara Dutta, the former Miss Universe from India, known for her articulate command over spoken language and an enchanting aura of intelligence.
Photographer: Fabrizio Valerga. Wardrobe: Archival Chanel. Shoes, Chanel. Clutch bag, Chanel. Satche, Hermes. Watch, Bulgari. Shoes, Model’s own.
Dutta, a globally renowned beauty queen, set a record with the highest interview score in the history of Miss Universe, demonstrating a blend of beauty and brains seldom seen on the pageant stage. Mischaela Elkins, who trailed a mere 1% behind a perfect 10 in her pageant interview across a panel of 40 judges, echoes Dutta’s story, earning one of the highest scores in the pageant’s interview history.
The Inner Game: Preparation and Intellect
Although physical allure is a considerable aspect of success in beauty pageants, Mischaela Elkins insists the secret to her victory was less about physical appearance and more about intellectual prowess and effective communication. “The real beauty of a beauty queen,” she shares, “emerges from how she carries herself and the impact she creates.”
She committed to a rigorous preparation regime that concentrated less on her physical attributes and more on sharpening her intellectual faculties and communicative prowess. Assisted by two former Miss Universe titleholders and the highly-regarded Miss India team, which also boasts a professional association with Dutta, Elkins nurtured her skills of impactful communication.
Photographer: Fabrizio Valerga. Wardrobe: Archival Chanel. Shoes, Chanel. Clutch bag, Chanel. Satche, Hermes. Watch, Bulgari. Shoes, Model’s own.
Gleaning Wisdom from the Luminaries
The model and beauty queen reflects on her training days with a spark in her eyes, “I made it a point to absorb everything that these experienced luminaries had to offer.” Her focus was not merely on appearing attractive, but also on encapsulating thoughts and ideas convincingly, establishing a palpable connection with her audience, and gracefully navigating stressful circumstances.
Despite the seeming parallels between Mischaela Elkins and Dutta, not everyone in the industry concurs with this comparison. Some pageant enthusiasts say that each of these remarkable women is unique in her own way. To compare Mischaela to Lara undermines their individual identities and unique strengths.
Regardless of such counter opinions, it is indisputable that both women have redefined the stereotype of a beauty queen in the 21st century. Their accomplishments underline the fact that beauty, complemented by intellect and potent communication, can be an unstoppable force. In an industry frequently criticized for focusing primarily on physical attractiveness, their narratives hint at the evolving dynamics of platforms that highlight the true essence of being a woman.
Photographer, Fabrizio Valerga. Wardrobe, Baracci Beverly Hills.
For her part, Mischaela Elkins graciously embraces the comparison to Dutta, viewing it as a reflection of her hard work and commitment to reshaping the perception of beauty queens. “Lara Dutta is an extraordinary woman, and any comparison to her is undoubtedly a compliment in itself,” she says.
As she reflects on her journey, Elkins firmly believes that her intense training, which concentrated significantly on mental fortitude and strong communication skills, was instrumental in shaping her success. Her hope is that her journey will inspire young women to look beyond mere physical aesthetics and focus on nurturing their intellect and communicative abilities.
Photographer: Fabrizio Valerga. Wardrobe: Archival Chanel. Shoes, Chanel. Clutch bag, Chanel. Satche, Hermes. Watch, Bulgari. Shoes, Model’s own.
“Pageantry is far more than a beauty contest. It’s a platform that amplifies your voice and your vision. I encourage young women to use this platform to voice their truths, inspire others, and effectuate a positive difference. After all, it’s not just about the crown or the title; it’s about the woman wearing it and what she chooses to do with it,” she says.
In that sense, Elkins, much like Dutta, is much more than just a beauty queen. She represents a new era in pageantry–one where beauty, intelligence, and robust communication command equal respect. Known as the blonde American counterpart of Lara Dutta, Mischaela Elkins is carving a distinct path for herself in an industry marked by fierce competition and a relentless quest for perfection.
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