For the first time in more than seven decades, the Miss Universe organisation, known for its annual beauty pageant Miss Universe, is owned by a woman. And its new owner wants to bring about much-needed change. Thai media mogul and transgender woman Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip is the founder and CEO of JKN Global Group, which purchased the Miss Universe organisation in October 2021 for US$20 million.
"Pregnant women, married women, divorced women-they are allowed to be in the competition," says Jakrajutatip of the competition rules she has amended so far. "And of course, we allow trans women to come into the competition," she adds; the competition was opened up to transgender women in 2012.
However, an age of limit of 28 for contestants remains, something that the recently crowned winner of Miss Universe 2022 wants to see change. "I would like to see an age increase because I am 28 years old and that is the oldest age to compete," said R'Bonney Gabriel, who became the oldest Miss Universe winner to date. As a woman, I believe age does not define us."
Ultimately, Jakrajutatip wants to imbue the Miss Universe events, which also include Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, with meaning and to move away from the objectification of women to a celebration of leadership, particularly "transformational leadership", she says. She hopes that the winners of the competitions under her reign will be women to look up to, as Jakrajutatip herself also hopes to be.
"I [will go up on stage and talk, and all the women will look up to me as the mother of the universe. They help me as a role model and, of course, I hope to behave as a role model for them. I live my life to become the iconic woman," she says.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2023 من Tatler Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 2023 من Tatler Singapore.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Old-World CHARM
Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to Switzerland to experience some of the country’s most storied heritage hotels
THE World ACCORDING TO Redzepi
Renowned Noma chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding unpack Apple TV's new eight-part docuseries, Omnivore, and its exploration of humanity through food
COURAGE OF CONVICTION
Tatler speaks to Bing Chen, Prabal Gurung and Kevin Lin to discuss how their non-profit Gold House is changing the future of the Asian diaspora
INDUSTRIALI
Exploring the important sustainability efforts taking place beyond obvious industries
THE BALL'S INHER COURT
China's most celebrated tennis star Li Na opens up about her career, influencing young athletes and her continuous learning journey
Love Story
Set in Paris, Graff's new bridal campaign marries the timelessness of love and diamonds
Over the Rainbow
The inspirations behind Hermés creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy's latest and gorgeously colourful high jewellery collection surprise and delight
Twist and Turn
Bvlgari's debut Tubogas jewellery collection reimagines a classic technique with 16 stunning creations
Game On
From diamond‑set carabiner‑inspired clasps to a carbon fibre cuff, Chanel knocks it out of the park with Sport, an audacious and innovative high jewellery collection unlike any other
The Wrist Taker
Shipping scion and basketball team owner Hendi Widodo unlocks his vault of rarefied timepieces