Miss Sari International makes TT debut at SAPA

The local leg of the Miss Sari International Beauty Pageant is being hosted for the first time in Trinidad. It is scheduled to take place at the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) on May 28, to coincide with the May 30 Indian Arrival Day celebration.

Miss Sari’s executive producer Erica Caton told Newsday the delegates were chosen from among 35 competitors.

She said the queen will have the opportunity to represent TT in the international competition scheduled for later this year at a date and venue still to be announced.

Caton, who is also the powerhouse behind the Miss Global competition, said the international competition was established some 15 years ago.

Involved in the industry for some 20 years, she said she has been a chaperone for other delegates at the international pageant and has witnessed how it has positively transformed delegates.

Also a dancer, involved in the public sector finance and corporate services under procurement, Caton said the training techniques and exposure will positively transform all the candidates, especially the winners.

She explained Miss Sari TT is being held under the patronage of the High Commissioner of India.

“India is a powerhouse in the beauty and fashion industry. This local beauty competition is for young ladies seeking the opportunity to represent TT internationally.”

She said the queen will become an ambassador for TT for one year.

For contestant Sangeeta Singh the competition is fulfilling another of her aspirations – to compete in a beauty pageant. The self-taught baker, cake consultant, chef, designer, model, dancer and fashion promoter hails from Flannagin Town.

When she hit the stage, Singh will most likely be the only delegate wearing a sari she designed for herself.

“I will be designing my own sari for the competition. I am not a certified designer but I have been designing my own clothes, elegant and evening wear for quite some time.”

Modelling since she was age six, Singh told the Newsday of her lifelong ambition to compete in a beauty pageant.

She said she was very enthused when she heard about the Miss Sari competition and was ecstatic to be selected as a finalist.

Noting that it is every individual's goal to win the pageant, she said whatever the results, she sees it as boost to her personal career goal of opening a bakery and becoming more established in the fashion industry.

A business management graduate, Singh has combined business and fashion for as long as she can remember. Six years ago, she started Mastapiece Bakery, making and custom designing cakes, based on orders.

While her business is operated presently on an order and delivery system, her dream is to open a physical bakery with a store front so people can come in, sit and enjoy her treats.

Along with her bakery business, Singh has embarked on fashion promotions and was instrumental in the Arrival Day celebrations held by the Cocoa Panyol Museum where the culture of all the different ethnic groups was celebrated.

Over the years, she has also hosted several tea and fashion shows in her community, encouraging boys and girls five-16 years to walk the runway at these events.

“I want them to experience something different and this kind of exposure also helps to boost their (her young models') confidence.”

Her desire is also to graduate to hosting beauty pageants in the near future. About her designer trait, her intention is to hone that skill and maybe create a label. Accomplishing the art of sewing is another feat she wishes to conquer.

The Miss Sari finalists are – Deoranie Sukhraj Miss Sari TT, Lange Park; Kimberly Seetaram, Miss Valencia; Sangeeta Singh, Miss Flanagin Town; Amelia Ragoo, Miss Chase Village; Vinita Sonny, Miss Penal; Sally-Ann Callender, Miss Endeavour; Nikita Samlal, Miss Rio Claro; Alyssa Mohammed, Miss Point Fortin; Krista Soo Hon, Miss Trincity; Shivani Manick, Miss Princes Town.

All the delegates will come together for a spectacular dance item to open the show. Caton anticipates an electrifying evening of talent and fashion, showcasing intricately designed saris.

Although health restrictions have been lifted, Caton said covid protocols will still be observed.