AN EXPLOSION OF COLOR

This is one of Beauty School's favorite photos for a number of reasons. We liked this picture so much we had it enlarged and it now graces the 'Finalist Hall" auditorium. This is the all important venue were our students are trained in how to react if their name is called as a finalist and how to be gracious if one loses. What is striking about this photo is that all the finalists pictured here at the 1965 Miss Universe pageant are dressed in white and are wearing opera gloves. We love the non-chalant attitude of Miss Sweden who is sitting with her legs crossed looking like she is waiting for a bus. And then there is the obvious-four ice blondes and a single brunette, who would go on to win the title, Apasara Hongsakula of Thailand.

The broadcasts of that era where in black and white but that would change soon when color television was introduced and slowly but surely there was a break from the traditional white gown to the introduction of colored gowns. This is evident at the 1968 Miss Universe pageant.

What a difference seven years would make when color exploded on the stage at the 1972 Miss Universe pageant. And what a welcome and eye-popping treat it was.