My sister with the Miss California USA '09 WinnersLast weekend, the new Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA for 2009 were crowned in the fabulous Palm Springs Riviera Resort and Spa. The winners were the tall blond Miss La Jolla, Carrie Prejean and 17 year old Chelsea Gilligan. I, unfortunately, could not attend but my sister, the beautiful Rita Verreos was there. She was invited to the lovely desert city, because Rita actually trains the Miss California's in their runway walks, posing, speech and everything else that makes them then go on to perform so well at Miss USA--as well as in life.
As much as people like to "hate" on pageants and the crazy world that surrounds them, all the training that occurs does lead these young women to fulfill their best potential. My sister--a product of the enviable Miss Venezuela Organization training--can attest to this.
Nick Verreos and E! Academy Awards Models: On the far right is Carrie Prejean, the future Miss California USA '09I'm not sure if the new Miss California USA, Carrie, remembers this, but she actually modeled for me, earlier this year, when I filmed the E! Entertainment Pre-Academy Awards Fashion Show Special. I told her how GORGEOUS I thought she was and how she should be Miss California USA! Well, I was about nine months ahead of myself! Because she did!
Rita Verreos (in "vintage" Nick Verreos design) and Crystle Stewart, Miss USA 2008 from TexasAt this years gala, my sister Rita wore a vintage Nikolaki/Nick Verreos silk charmeuse bias cut gown which I made over 12 years ago for her! And ( as she reminded me), it was all HANDMADE!!!!! I don't know if my sewing machine was not working or I wanted to be "couture" but I believe her! Her memory is better than mine.
Meeting of The Pageant Minds: Shana Moakler and Rita Verreos at Miss California USA '09 Pageant, Palm SpringsShe said she had a great time and had fun hanging out with Crystle Stewart, the gorgeous Miss USA 2008 from Texas (whom my sister also helped train), actress and model Shana Moakler (who became Miss USA 1995 when the actual Miss USA, Chelsi Smith won the Miss Universe title) and choreographer and former dancer/actor Cris Judd.