5 minute read
STYLE RULES
Image Credit: Jin Rathod
Eden McAllister Miss Great Britain
Congratulations on being crowned Miss Great Britain, has it sunk in yet? Thank you. I have been so busy since winning, from travelling all around the UK and starting my masters in Law at Queens University, I haven’t really had the time to let it all sink in. The Miss Great Britain title has been something I could only have ever imagined, and to have won it I still can’t believe it; my dream is now a reality.
Why did you decide to enter this particular competition, was it something you had always wanted to do? Since moving to England four years ago and entering into the UK pageant network, Miss Great Britain was one of the first pageants that I attended to watch. As soon as I walked through the doors I knew that someday I was going to be standing on the Miss GB stage. What are your plans for the year ahead as Miss Great Britain? I am looking forward to working with the Miss Great Britain organisation this year and wearing the crown along my journey. I get to go to internationals representing Great Britain at Miss Tourism World. I am excited to travel not only all around the UK with the title but also to Dubai as one of my prizes for winning. I plan to continue working with the two amazing charities, Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish, raising funds and awareness.
What did you enjoy most during your journey in the competition? I loved every aspect of competing, especially meeting all the other finalists and making some friends for life. But my favourite part had to be representing my home city of Belfast and have so many of my friends and family fly over from Northern Ireland to support me in the final. Stepping onto the stage and hearing a swarm of cheers from the crowd was just an incredible experience that I will never forget.
How do you prepare for an event like Miss Great Britain? There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes on the lead up to the final. From doing many appearances with my Miss Belfast sash and raising awareness and funds for the chosen charities; I ended up raising over £4000 for Cancer Research UK and Alex’s Wish. I also worked out hard in the gym, which ended up with me winning the Beach Body award at the finals, as well as getting weekly facials with the team at Beyond Skin Clinic to get my skin stage ready. I have a pageant coach in the UK to help me with interview and stage presence, on the lead up to the final I got regular coaching to help me and most importantly uplift me.
What is your advice to anyone from Northern Ireland who would be interested in taking part in the future? My message for all women is that we are enough. No matter how big or small your dream is, you can do anything you want to if you set out to achieve it. I would encourage anyone who has thought of or wanting to enter a pageant to just do it! Pageants have created some of the most amazing experiences in my life and have taught me so much. They can teach you to be the best version you can be, through communication skills, friendships, empowerment and confidence.
You always look great, how would you describe your pageant style? I have always loved fashion and try to think out of the box, but always like to keep it classy and timeless at the same time with a little bit of sparkle thrown in for the extra glam. Everyone’s pageant style is different but the important thing is to just be yourself and create your own unique style that suits you and your personality. I do have a huge pageant wardrobe that I can always go to at anytime and once finished I sell them and donate the funds to charity.
Are there any must-have beauty products that you would recommend? I always say that you are never fully dressed without Insanity Tan! Joe and Gerry from Insanity have always supported me through my pageant journey and were my sponsors for Miss Great Britain. I have wore Insanity Tan for the past 8 years and wouldn’t wear any other tan, it is amazing! My favourite and go-to is the ‘Rapid tan’.
BELL OF THE BALL
Pretty Lady dress,
by Jenny Packham.
Chiffon halter neck dress,
Lipsy, £65.
Diane heel, Dune London, £75.
Pink and silver earrings,
River Island.
Bronzing mousse, Insanity Luxury Tanning, £19.99.
Helen Smith, Kathleen Walker and Margaret O’Neill.
Noreen Collins, Patricia McGlinn, Aimee Clint and Amanda Johnston.
Emma Skelly, Nicole White, Leeanne McKeown and Chara Clarke.
10 YEARS OF GLOW
Belfast charity GLOW (Giving Life Opportunities to Women) celebrated their 10th birthday on Friday 8th October in the Hilton Hotel, Belfast. The event was hosted by former Miss NI Katharine Walker and was attended by GLOW staff, volunteers, service users and other organisations and businesses that have supported the charity over the years.
GLOW are a registered charity that deliver personal development and mental health programmes for women and girls that are struggling with issues such as low confi dence and self-esteem, anxiety, depression, isolation, trauma and more. GLOW’s mission is to empower women by equipping them with knowledge, life skills and peer support to give them the best chance to overcome, rebuild and set positive life goals.
