We all love pageants: the beauty, the production, the atmosphere. While most of us concentrate on the Beauty and Atmosphere, it's the production, apparel and delivery that make the experience. At the recent Miss United States Pageant in Washington, DC, I had the pleasure to speak with Lisa Opie, the co-creator and designer of luxury swimwear brand Vizcaya Swimwear, the official Swimwear Sponsor to the Miss United States Organization. Being a model and former top-5 Miss United States Finalist, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her designs. Lisa draws inspiration for her designs from her history in modeling and pageants, and it is evident that she incorporates design ideas from diverse cultures in more than 30 countries she has visited. It is these travels that has also allowed her to use fabrics from all over the world, with the current line of swimwear created with fabrics from Colombia.
Rather than use an exotic, secluded beach for a photoshoot highlight her swimwear, Lisa would rather distinguish each piece by the model chosen for the shoot. These models are chosen, not only for their relatable looks, but also for their positive backstories and worthy platforms that Lisa and Vizcaya can support. Also, instead accessorizing her suits with big, flashy jewelry, Vizcaya has partnered with Shine Tattoos, makers of temporary metallic tattoos. These tattoos are waterproof, look fantastic and give the wearer the freedom of not having to worry about jewelry while at the pool or beach. Of course, we all want that bikini, beach body, and Lisa has some very simple, easy to follow rules that help her stay in shape. Her Motto is, "The abs are made in the kitchen!" Instead of three large meals, Lisa eats six smaller meals throughout the day, consisting mostly of proteins (Chicken, meat and tofu) while cutting out the satisfaction foods like pizza!
Franz Orban and Lisa Opie, Owners of Vizcaya Swimwear
Official Sponsors of the Miss United States Organization
Franz Orban, who started Vizcaya Swimwear with Lisa in 2013, tells us that their association with the Miss United States Organization arose from the Organization and the models' desire to break from the traditional pageant swimwear, in favor of something a bit more "flirty". He is proud to be associated with the pageant as it allows a common design to be worn and expressed differently by so many models.
For the new 2016 line, he looks forward to maintaining that flirty look while incorporating more flora and fauna patterns. Please come view their new line at DC Swim Week July 24-25th.
Lisa and Franz while in Washington, DC
My thanks to Pamela Privette from PageantLive for her assistance during the interviews with both Lisa and Franz. Also, many thanks to AJ of AJ Photoz for the spectacular pictures.
There
is a new competition in town open to everyone who is interested in advancing their career in modeling, pageantry, or the entertainment industry
MAPW USA
You DO NOT have to be Asian or of Asian Descent to compete. This competition
is open to all ethnicities. Two winners will be crowned; MAPW USA and MAPW USA SuperTalent (1st runner-up).
Thisis not your traditional pageant. It
adheres to modeling standards on the
catwalk instead of the traditional pageant walk and posing. The Areas of Competition: Photogenic - Points will be added to overall score. Evening Wear - Couture, high-low, or pageant gowns are acceptable. Cocktail attire is not permitted. Fashion Swimsuit – High
energy catwalk modeling, Victoria's Secret style...you own the runway in boots,
heels, feathers or whatever suits your fancy…just own it! Top 12 will also compete in Self Expression; a performing arts or a spokesmodel presentation. Top 6 will compete in On-Stage question.
Evening Wear
Fashion Swimsuit - Victoria Secret Style
Self Expression
Commitments,
Benefits and Awards:
** Title is non-contractual. You can
compete in other top tier pageants, such as USA, MAO, United States, World
America, etc. If you win another title, you
are only required to come back to crown your successor and compete at the International Pageant in Europe or South Korea.
** If you do want to compete in
another pageant, coaching and preparation is provided to you at no cost.
** The USA National winner wins an all expense
trip to compete in Paris, Zurich, Milan and Geneva for International finals. Your competition wardrobe is provided to you at no cost.
** The USA National first runner up will receive: an
invitation to the Miss
Asia Pacific World SuperTalent 2015; and an invitation to participate
at the International competition in South Korea (they receive an invite, but
will have to pay their own airfare), all other expenses are paid.
** The International winner will reside in Seoul, Korea in
a celebrity status and travel the world.
** USA National winner's prize package is valued
at over $8,000.00
** International prize package is valued
at over $150,000.00
Requirements:
1.
Must reside in the United States (you do not have to be a US citizen)
2. Ages: Biological must be under 17. 17 and older: your external casting appearance must be 30 or under
4.
Not married
3.
Able to commit to compete in the two week national competition in Europe or South Korea
Miss Asia Pacific World Super
Talent (1st Runner up)
**Invitation to compete in International Competition in South Korea
**Entrance fee paid
**Wardrobe sponsorship
**Training provided ***The International winner receives exposure with international agencies
in Europe and Asia, and a modeling contract for 1 year (approximate value $250K)
***Will have a residence provided to in Seoul, South
Korea and will travel the world
**Early Bird registration
fee is $395.00 until December 31, 2014.
Effective January 1, 2015 the fee is $495.00 and fee the day of the
competition is $595.00
This is a one day national pageant held:
March 14, 2015 in Washington, DC at the Kreeger Theater - Arena Stage
Would you like more
information? Please contact Stephanie McGrane at AsktheCrown@gmail.com or call her at (612) 605-9766.
