Beauty pageants help women showcase their beauty, both inside and out.
The first NTD Global Chinese Beauty Pageant is no exception.
Its mission is to educate young Chinese women about their heritage, and instill in them traditional values from ancient Chinese culture.
Pageant organizers have reached out to what they call “honorable advisers” who have experience in the beauty industry.
We talked to them to find out more about their backgrounds and their thoughts about this pageant.
Aleksander Janik’s Journey
Aleksander Janik, a leading client adviser and stylist in the high fashion industry, said he always dreamed of going to Hollywood.
NTD:
When did you realize that this was the industry for you? Was there a moment in your life when you were younger when you thought that this is it?
Aleksander Janik:
I think when I was growing up—I’m from Poland—my grandmother was a huge influence. She was always teaching me and telling me to always look great, have good clothes. Because every time you go outside, people will judge you. People will have a statement.
When I was a little boy, I always had a fantasy. I always wanted to be in Hollywood. I always wanted to work with celebrities, I’ve always wanted to be part of the red carpets, and you name it. My grandma, she was the only one person who actually believed that this will happen. Just to remind you, I was born in the 70s. Poland was very different, was very dark, was very communist. We had only three channels in black and white. But I was still able to manage to go as high as I can … I brought myself to New York. And the truth is, at the right term and the right moment, I ended up in Greenwich, Connecticut. And the first two weeks, I met a dear friend who actually invited me to my first celebrity party—Diana Ross, and it was her birthday. At that moment, everything was just opened, and I was able to have a great connection.”
Mr. Janik:
“Working with Brooke Shields is just amazing. Never late, always on time, always appreciated. Whatever you do for her, she is the first one to say thank you. It is amazing. And again, lucky we used to live very close to each other in Greenwich Village. I know her family very, very well. Very supportive of my ideas and anytime she always gives me a reference—”Go to see Janik again.” Again, Brooke Shields has always been in my heart. Amazing woman, truly elegant. Her age is just so divine. There’s no plastic surgery, there’s no Botox. Whatever you see her is how she is inside and outside, and really my number one lady in the world. I love her.”
NTD Global Chinese Beauty Pageant
The pageant is geared toward young women of Chinese descent.
It will judge candidates on five “inner virtues” that are valued in traditional Chinese culture: morality, righteousness, propriety, benevolence, and faithfulness.
Unlike most beauty pageants, this one won’t have a swimsuit category.
NTD:
Why do you think that’s important for a pageant to emphasize the traditional values as opposed to maybe just the beauty?
Mr. Janik:
“You know, again, I hope beauty is not the only foundation. But I also look very closely at manners, your intelligence, your passion, and how you answer a question; how you represent not only beauty, but as a woman. I look really forward to how they respond. Again, this is a new generation. I really want to see them not just the outside, but I’d love to see more inside—really deep. I can’t wait to ask questions and see how they answer. But once again, I think Asians overall, they have a beautiful, great foundation in the beginning—in the family—tradition and rules and discipline, and I think an excellent working ethic.”
The event is part of NTD’s series of cultural and art events aimed at promoting authentic Chinese culture.
The grand prize winner, who will be crowned “Miss NTD,” will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a sapphire-and-diamond-encrusted tiara, and a selection of fine jewelry and designer dresses.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.