Hamilton beauty takes title
Hamilton-born film student Zara Gilbert is delighted to have been voted Miss Congeniality in the 2016 World Teen Supermodel Beauty Pageant.
A Hamilton-born film student Zara Gilbert has claimed the title of Miss Congeniality in the 2016 World Teen Supermodel Beauty Pageant, held in South Africa.
Gilbert, representing New Zealand at the Bloemfontein pageant in March, was voted Miss Congeniality by the other contestants.
She said it was the most satisfying title to win. “To know that I was voted for by the 33 girls I spent the week with, that I stood out to them as someone who meets such an exceptional title described as the ‘friendliest’ person is beyond amazing.”
With little experience in pageants, Gilbert, 18, credits her experience as a model, having worked with such brands as Annah Stretton, Ktizo Hair & Spa, Nyne, and Mitchell Vincent, as well as her dancing and acting skills, as a big help with competing.
“I’m so comfortable in the stage, so everything felt so natural to me.”
Gilbert represented New Zealand at the pageant after winning last year’s NZ Teen Supermodel competition following a last-minute callup.
“I was still quite unprepared considering girls work almost years in advance to even get the opportunity to represent their country internationally,” she said.
“I felt like I wouldn’t fit in because I was so new to the pageant world but I was still so excited and thankful to be representing New Zealand in South Africa.”
Gilbert has her own YouTube channel where she aims to send out her message of diversity and individuality, labelling her venture ‘The Life Project’. With the channel still in its early days, Gilbert aims to use her skills as a film student to set a more documentary format, focusing on people, fashion, and lifestyle.
“I am now going to get more involved with what I am passionate about,” she said.
“And pageants are a great way to do that, pageants give you a voice and allow you to create a brand for yourself.”
Gilbert’s pageant journey hasn’t stopped yet. “I have recently been accepted into the semi-finals for Miss Universe, so hopefully I will get another chance to represent New Zealand as the true Kiwi I am.”
