Traffic Stopping Fashion

Acclaimed photographer Lawrence Doherty captured this stunning image of Miss Belfast finalists outside The Northern Whig on 23 April.

Striking flamehaired beauty Claire Murray (left) from Bangor took the Miss Belfast crown. Claire will now represent Belfast in Miss Universe Ireland later this year.

With her effervescent personality and model looks, she is certainly one to keep your eye on.

The beautiful frocks pictured are the creation of local designer Mary Rose McGrath.

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.

Something Kinda Oooh!

While nipples might not be what you want to be reading over your morning coffee, they seem to still be causing a little hassle on the Burlesque front.

Late last week, a news story caught my eye, a burlesque artist had caught in trouble for exposing a nipple in a dance routine. How, in 2009, can this cause a stir...when women expose everything in tabloids and while sex pretty much sells everything from shampoo to Kinder Bueno?

It seems this 'no nipple law' comes from an archaic law that bans the exposure of a naked nipple. Just think of the uproar caused by Janet Jackson "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl - known now as 'Nippletapegate'? It resulted in a record $550,000 fine levied by the FCC and caused an immediate crackdown in the media in issues of common decency.

However, what differentiates burlesque from stripping is that it does not lend itself to vulgarity but rather enticement.

Belfast's answer to Dita Von Teese, Nik Fisher says: "It's not just taking all your clothes off, then it just becomes stripping, it is all about the art of tease." Burlesque as an artform is naughty, yes, teasing, yes but dirty? No.

Furthermore, Burlesque artists should not suffer sanctions for either wardrobe malfunctions whatever causes a nipple to become exposed...especially not in this era where sex is consumed for breakfast.

Stairway to Heaven

Gorgeous Miss Belfast finalists descended on Castle Court for a special preview and fashion show. The glamorous Miss Great Britain, Gemma Garrett was also there to give her help the girls hone their catwalk gait and give tips on being a successful model.

One of the models, Sophia, has been plucked from obscurity and was scouted at the Juice Bar, Castle Court. The models showcased yellow as the colour of the season - a colour which takes its inspiration from fishermen's jackets! The colour is also being sported on the red carpet and celebs are working the sunshine shade in frocks, oversized sunnies and accessories.

The final will be held at the Northern Whig on the 23 April. The winning girl will walk away with a modelling contract as well as a prize package to include makeup and haircare.

The event was organised by Michelle McTernan Management.