A billion of people around the world watched and waited for the coronation of the new Miss Universe amid protests rocking downtown Mexico City. The new titleholder came from Asia.
Twenty-year-old dance instructor, Riyo Mori of Japan, was crowned Miss Universe, giving Japan its second title in 48 years, since Akiko Kojima won the title in 1959. Mori is a native of Shizuoka, a small town at the base of Mount Fuji.
A bewildered Mori, clad in a Japanese-inspired gown, received a $250,000 worth of pearl-and diamond-crown from 2006 Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico.
“I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation,” Mori told the judges and the cheering crowd during the interview. The new Miss Universe will spend her reign traveling the world to perform her duties. Aside from the Mikimoto-designed crown, her prizes also include:
A year-long salary as MISS UNIVERSE.
Personal appearance wardrobe.
A New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses.
Official MISS UNIVERSE pearl tiara, valued at $20,000 from Mikimoto.
A swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand.
A year’s worth of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems.
A custom designed wardroe by Tadashi.
A two-year scholarship from The NY Film Academy in New York City valued at up to $100,000.
Ritmo Mundo Jumbo Jet Mystery Dial time piece valued at $30,000.
A shoe wardrobe from Nina.
A national and international multi-media advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear.
A trophy from Rogaska Crystal.
Personal services including a year-long membership to Gravity Fitness and year-long pampering at New York City’s John Barrett Salon.
Modeling portfolio by leading New York City fashion photographer Fadil Berisha.
Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization.
Extensive travel opportunities with a personal travel manager representing sponsors and charitable partners.
Access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties.
Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers.
Professional public relations media training.
Professional media/public relations representation by Rubenstein Public Relations and Planet PR in New York City.
Year-long dermatology and skin services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher.
The contest runners-up are Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela, Honey Lee of Korea and Rachel Smith of USA. Miss USA, who earlier fell during the evening gown competition, was jeered by the Mexican crowd during her interview. Miss Photogenic award was given to Ana Theresa Licaros of the Philippines.
Miss Universe 2007 pageant was hosted by former Miss Teen USA and Fil-American correspondent of E!, Vanessa Minnillo, and celebrity-host Mark Lopez. Celebrity judges were James Kyson Lee, Lindsay Clubine, Tony Romo of Dallas Cowboys, Dave Navarro, Olympic figure-skating champion Michelle Kwan, hairstylist Ken Paves, designer Marc Bouwer, Elle Magazine fashion director Nina Garcia and 1993 Miss Universe Dayanara Torres.
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