Figures from fashion, music and the art world will again pack Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London on Friday, 28 October, for the 50th birthday of the Alternative Miss World Pageant.
Beautiful, chaotic and creative, the legendary Alternative Miss World was born in 1972
This is one of the most creative and opulent events of the century. So if you are a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race come and see or Livestream the original template.
The 2022 theme is gold, embodied in both the dress code and the crown, worn by the winner of each event and created using Andrew Logan’s signatory sculptural style. The first theme was Wild in 1975, Elements in 2009, Void in 1998 and 2018 Psychedelic Peace.
The Alternative Miss World pageant returns to celebrate 50 years of divine decadence. The judging panel has been revealed as Zandra Rhodes (Fashion), Celia Birtwell (Textiles), Sara Kestelman (Actor), Pam Hogg (Fashion), Jill Smith (Artist), Tim Yip & Lilly (Filmmaker), Anna Goodman (PR), Roy Brown (Musician), Svetlana Kunitsyna (Writer), Andrey Bartenev (Artist) and Joseph Galliano (Museum Director).
For the first time, the sold-out Alternative Miss World will be live-streamed via the website – alternativemissworld.org – for free, but a donation is requested.
A beacon of counterculture, inclusivity, colourful creativity and ingenious innovation, notable judges, co-hosts and contestants have included Divine, Leigh Bowery, David Hockney, Jarvis Cocker, Derek Jarman, Grayson Perry, Brian Eno and the stars of Rocky Horror Picture Show, to name just a few.
Inspired by Crufts, Alternative Miss World was created to celebrate beauty beyond gender, age and nationality. The first event was held in Andrew Logan’s studio with contestants judged on the same criteria as Crufts – POISE! PERSONALITY! ORIGINALITY!
As the host and hostess, Andrew Logan shepherds the night’s revelry wearing iconic outfits designed, over the years, by names including Zandra Rhodes, Rae Spencer Cullen, Bill Gibb and Lawrence Corner Stores. Famously split down the middle in male and female sides, Andrew’s outfit will embody the evening’s theme.
Anyone can apply to become a contestant for the Alternative Miss World, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, disability, size, or age. There are three categories for the contestants to create looks for – DAYWEAR! SWIMWEAR! EVENINGWEAR!
Some choose to adorn themselves with high-fashion garments, others completely change their silhouettes to become more than human – and some choose not to wear anything! Each performer brings something truly unique to the stage. No one can guess what might come next- not even Andrew himself.
Andrew Logan says: “We’re delighted to bring Alternative Miss World back to London. There has never been a more important time to celebrate inclusivity, creativity and individuality. When I started AMW 50 years ago, it offered an alternative to beauty pageants and their limited view of beauty standards. There is a reason people describe Alternative Miss World as a night you will never forget because it symbolises joy, and joy is something we are short of in our modern world. Joy is in our differences and what brings each of us together.”
Launched in 1972 by sculptor Andrew Logan, Alternative Miss World is an art and fashion spectacle in the form of a beauty pageant. Since its inception 50 years ago, it has attracted such notables as David Hockney, Derek Jarman, Zandra Rhodes, Brian Eno, Vivienne Westwood and more. Inspired by Crufts Dog Show, contestants perform in three categories, daywear, swimwear and evening wear, and are judged based on poise, personality and originality. The subject of two documentaries, The British Guide to Showing Off and The Alternative Miss World, the event is a celebration of creativity, artistry and imagination.
Photos: © Artlyst 2022
Alternative Miss World Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre 28 October 2022