It's going beautifully
Leah Green
A Jewish fashion designer who entered the Miss London contest partly to "show people that you don’t have to be a size zero to be beautiful" was celebrating this week after winning the event.
Leah Green, who is a size twelve, saw off competition from hundreds of fellow beauties across the capital to claim the coveted crown and a place in the final of Miss England, where her 40 rivals will include fellow community member Samantha Freedman.
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From 200 entries, 60 contestants were selected for auditions and 21 finalists took part in last week's pageant during which hopefuls took part in a mock catwalk show and were interviewed by the reigning Miss England.
Leah, who admits she never thought she'd become Miss England, told the Jewish News: "I have always tried to get into modelling. I have been scouted many times but have always been turned away as I am apparently "too big" to be a regular model. At 5"10 and a healthy size 12 - I wanted to promote real women and support curvy/voluptuos girls. I want to show people that you don’t have to be a size zero to be beautiful."
Though her priority was now to focus on fashion design after securing a job as a design assistant at French Connection, Leah said she would be interested in modelling part-time. And while acknowledging taking part in pageants is “a little unconventional for us Jewish girls”, she encouraged other interested in applying in future to do so. “I can already think of hundreds of Jewish girls out there that have potential,” she said.
After finishing second behind Leah for Miss London, Samantha won a place at Miss England in July by winning the Miss ModelZed heat last weekend. “I’m absolutely ecstatic, I was so happy I actually cried on the night,” said the 19-year-old who also reached the nationwide contest last year. “I can’t wait for Miss England to do it all again.” The art student – who described Leah as a “deserving winner” of Miss London – said it would be “challenging” to face her again but ssaid there were 40 others to contend with as well.
Angie Beasley, Director of Miss England, said: ““Both girls are potential Miss England winners. Both are confident , beautifual, talented and photogenic – they have the full package.”
But Jewish involvement in this year's beauty pageants did not end with Leah and Samantha. The photographic sponsor for Miss England is Fresh Academy, owned by Charlie Kaufman and Keely Silver.
Read the latest copy of The Jewish News Online by clicking here.
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