Fashion and beauty have been defined through the eras in a thousand different ways. Each year, month, and season, the definition morphs.
In modern times, we have the incredible opportunity to live in a blend of cultures, perspectives, and nationalities. These shape our society and can transcend any limits that have been placed on “beauty.” Skin color, hair type, body shape, and other physical aspects become unique building blocks for the radiance we each possess.
Fashion, in its own right, takes the foundation of our outward individuality and layers upon it the expression of our inward personality. Whether you’re fun, quirky, grungy, or chic, all of our likes, dislikes, quirks, and preferences manifest themselves into our own personal style. As we change and grow, our fashion does the same.
The challenge we posed to our gorgeous models was to choose some outfits that both pushed the boundaries of modern-day “fashion,” and made them feel beautiful. We wanted them to shine as the unique beauties they are!
Sonia Bowie, former Miss Maryland titleholder and volunteer local director for the Miss Urbana/Miss Ijamsville Scholarship Program, was thrilled to reach out to local titleholders and offer them the chance to express their style. “My goal is to continue to provide young women with opportunities such as this one, where they can have fun and showcase what makes them unique and beautiful,” she said.
“The word ‘beauty’ has changed over time. We, as a program and community, recognize that being smart, poised, silly, driven, funny, compassionate, talented and so much more exceeds the superficial. My goal is to give young women the necessary life skills and opportunities to embrace their beauty and capabilities as they become the confident leaders our world deserves.”
For our photo shoot, we had the honor and privilege of working with Allison Redman - Miss Maryland 2020, Laura Dineen - Miss Urbana 2020, Aryana Briner - Miss Frostburg 2020, and Lydia Sohn - Miss Western Maryland 2020. They spent the day getting creative, working with hair and makeup artist Lauren Simpson, and, most of all, celebrating what makes them unique!
So the question we pose to all you beauties is this: What makes you, you? What defines you, both inside and out? There is no one else like you in the world! Find an outfit that shows that off, and let us see the beauty that you are.