Bella Petite Magazine

Ann Lauren, Editor-in-Chief of Bella Petite Magazine is doing something different in the fashion industry and she is causing a stir. Bella Petite Magazine is causing a shift in the fashion world by show casing the beauty of petite women (5′5″ and under) all over the world. In this interview Ann, will give you insight into your pageant fashion through the fashion world.

Q: What made you decide to start a Fashion Magazine for petite women?

I have a strong history of producing petite model pageants, fashion shows, model searches, and the nationally known and televised USA Petite Model shows.

I actually began my career as a petite model at age 16 by winning a California model pageant. At that point, I began working as a petite model with agency representation.  Experiencing height discrimination from the onset of my career, I decided to pitch an idea to the pageant producer of the event I had won.  We initiated some market research with an event called the “Top Model Pageants” in order to establish the petite market’s strength by featuring four separate divisions: petite, redhead, full-figured and tall (height: 5’6” and over).  That one event we produced proved petite women clearly was the market to capture.

Now is the time for things to change for the petite woman in fashion and beauty.  To quote a colleague of mine, Jillian Rabe (5’9” industry standard model), “curvy’s happened, stick-thin’s happened, super tall’s happened, plus size’s happened…and petite, you better believe is just around the corner.”

It’s extremely important that petite women unite with us at BellaPetite.com in order to force the paradigm shift in the fashion industry to recognize our look. There has to be overwhelming market demand by petite women for petite women and that’s what it will take to launch a petite fashion magazine!  As a petite woman at 5’5” and under you can do your part by joining BellaPetite.com. We also have recently launched the Bella Petite model cover girl search for our members!

Q: Concerning wardrobe is there one pageant fashion that presents itself better on stage than others? Evening gown? Beads or no beads? Or does it even make a difference?

I would suggest that the evening gowns offer the greatest impact because the gown is the most glamorous showpiece.  As far as the beads I’m certainly not an advocate of costume jewelry, it’s too distracting.  As a general rule, the gown is not to stand out above the girl in it.  With that being said, don’t go over the edge skimpy, as you want to leave a little bit to the imagination.  Select clothing that you feel confident wearing and never go too trendy.  Many times this is a mistake for women, simply because something is the latest look does not mean it’s going to look good on you.

Q: Lets talk swimsuit fashion in pageantry. Do you have any suggestions concerning the swimsuit competition as it relates to fashion?

Swimsuits have come a long way in the “Beauty Pageant World.”  This used to be one of the most boring segments in the pageants until the networks realized the positive ratings impact of the swimsuit competitions.  Depending on the pageant you typically have the choice of one-piece or two-piece swimsuits.  I say pick the swimsuit style that showcases your best assets NOT expose them.  Pick the swimsuit that is best for your frame.  Don’t necessarily pick the skimpiest swimsuit for the attention, but pick the swimsuit that flatters your body! If you have full range of swimsuit colors available, go for the one that works best with your skin tone.  Also, stay away from distracting patterns.

Q: Is there a difference in pageant fashion compared to the image that your models present on stage and in your magazine?

I believe there is a precise difference in how models and pageant girls present themselves on stage. There is the “pageant walk” (smile and glide) and then there’s the “model walk” (stomp and scowl).  Pageant contestants are required to be accessible to the judges and audience. As a result, pageant contestants are always smiling as they walk the runway.  As opposed to fashion models, who must appear fierce, unapproachable and intimidating in order to bring attention to the clothing being modeled.

Q: Pageant makeup or stage makeup is a big topic. Is there a way to find a balance between too much makeup and not enough makeup?

Recently on the Bella Petite Hour radio show we discussed 2010 beauty and skin care trends with our expert on beauty Shonda Chase.

Always keep in mind that too much of a good thing is too much!  Especially with pageant make-up, the look tends to be glamour and for many this translates to being overdone. A good rule would be to go outside in natural lighting to check yourself and keep from having the “line of demarcation” and eye shadow which is too heavy. The makeup for television is applied to keep you from looking washed out on camera by the lighting.  Lastly, stage makeup on models for fashion shows is generally meant for pure shock value!

The key to finding the perfect balance for everyday make-up is to apply it in natural lighting or in a lighted magnifying make-up mirror to see how you really look.