BEAUTY pageants are often an "all-girl" affair, but Harry International Talents (HIT) opens them to boys and girls to celebrate beauty in all forms.
In fact, HIT's annual Miss & Mr HIT Malaysia pageant has six award categories for contestants of all ages - Little Princess (girls 5 to 7), Young Princess (girls 8 to 9), Princess (girls 10 to 12), Prince (boys), Queen (adult females) and King (adult males).
And while many pageants feature contestants in Western clothing such as gowns, Miss & Mr HIT Malaysia has them wear splendid costumes from all Malaysian ethnic groups, and celebrates the national artistic heritage of batik.
SIX CATEGORIES
The Royal Edition Grand Finals Miss & Mr HIT Malaysia took place at the Mahligai Ballroom, Bangunan Peladang, Jalan Templer, Petaling Jaya on May 28, and saw 24 contestants - 6 in the King category, 4 in the Queen, 13 in the Princess and 1 in the Prince catwalk in their most creative costumes.
Their outfits appeared "out of this world", combining multiple influences - Malay, Chinese, Indian, Orang Asli and Borneo Native - fused harmoniously to produce splendid works of art.
For instance, one King contestant wore a headdress that combined intricate Iban shields like a sunburst crown, while one Queen contestant donned a golden kimono decorated with batik motifs.
SELF-ESTEEM
HIT Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Harry Barnikumar said that his 8-year-old brainchild was aimed at introducing modelling amongst young Malaysians.
"Beauty pageants are not merely about looks, but also self-esteem, talent and positivity," he said, adding that having men, women, boys and girls participate was gender equality.
Barnikumar added that each contestant chose his or her costume design, with help from family members and about a dozen fashion designers.
"They come up with rough ideas of what their costume looks like and the designers do the rest," he said.
"This year we had 15 King hopefuls, 8 Queen hopefuls, and 20 Prince and Princess hopefuls. Unfortunately, there were only 3 Prince hopefuls and one boy made it to the finals."
EXPOSE THEM YOUNG
Representatives of two batik companies attended the pageant, and thanked HIT Malaysia for promoting traditional wear.
Bujins general manager Taufiq Hussien said that his 8-year-old company promoted "3D" batik which was found on the costumes of some contestants.
Jadi Batek owner Colin Yong said that it was his 47-year-old company's dream come true.
"It is great to expose them young to our heritage. Batik is a versatile art that goes well with all costumes," he said.
PEACOCK COSTUME
The Prince was Suhaasan Krishnan, 10, who came as a Chola King while Sharveshna Sivakumar, 10, who donned a batik sari became the Princess, Eva Carmella Raguvaran, 8, who donned a Senoi outfit became the Young Princess and Nanshikha Kumar, 7, who wore a Keluarga Malaysia fusion dress became the Little Princess.
Lavaniya Rajendran, 30, who donned a peacock costume was crowned Queen while Kovalan Krishnansamy, 32, who wore a golden Siamese king costume was crowned King.
The winners received their trophies and certificates from the guest of honour, Pertubuhan Majlis Kebudayaan Dan Warisan Nusantara deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Sri Sukunthan.
Also present was Petaling Jaya City Councillor (Zone 14) A. Sugumaran.
FIRST-TIMERS
While Suhaasan, Sharveshna, Lavaniya and Kovalan were first-timers in pageants, Nanshikha had been a "regular" in them over the last two years, likewise Eva.
"My mother also participated in beauty contests, and I guess I've inherited that love from her," said Eva.
Nanshikha's father Saras Kumar said that she had always been a "picture perfect" child and was natural in front of the camera.
"She loves modelling, and has even competed with youngsters her age in international competitions held in the Klang Valley."