“Ink, Glimmer & Identity: Mus 2018’s Stunning Tat-Inspired Trailblazers”
On a breezy August morning, the Miss Universe Singapore 2018 crew set sail aboard the Genting Dream, churning out 15 dazzling finalists—each a living canvas of style, culture, and cool. Among them, photographer Nicol Hunt made a splash by flaunting bold tattoos that map the story of her body.
Why Tattoos? A Personal Take
- Right rib & arm: Black ink stories that flutter like a legend.
- Upper back: a revving design that mirrors her cross-cultural heritage—Chinese, Malay, French & Irish.
Hunt, 25, tells us tattoos aren’t just ink. “They’re body art and an ancient expression of beauty—think Stone Age tribes,” she says in a chat with The New Paper. “I celebrate them, but I understand that the old-school crowd may not vibe with that.”
The 2018 Theme: “The Beauty of Empowerment”
In line with this year’s inspiring motto, the pageant breaks the glass ceiling that traditional beauty queens once wore. It allows every girl—whether she rocks a piercing, a piercing, a tattoo, or just a radiant smile—to shine.
Finals on the Luxurious Decks
With the cruise’s 18 decks and 1,600 cabins setting a lavish backdrop, Miss Universe Singapore 2018’s media session was a high‑stakes runway of glitter, sure smiles, and a great dose of D.I.Y. confidence.
So next time someone steals the spotlight with ink, remember—each mark is a story, a beat of a heart, and an invitation to celebrate the fearless boldness that makes power truly beautiful.
Miss Universe’s New Beauty Trend: Tattoos as Empowerment
When the top contestant, Nicol Hunt, shares her thoughts on ink, she’s not just talking about art—she’s talking about identity and rebellion.
What’s the Real Story Behind the Ink?
Nicol admits her very first tattoo was a bold statement taken out of sheer defiance. “It wasn’t about meaning,” she says. “It was a teenage act of rebellion.” Even though some older folks still stare in disbelief, she refuses to erase her ink, treating it as a badge of self‑definition.
Why Did Mus Choose Her?
The national director, Nuraliza Osman, explains the decision in simple terms: “Nicol isn’t just a pretty face; she’s a living canvas that speaks louder than any pageant trophy.” In a country where tattoos once whispered hints of gang affiliations, the narrative has shifted—and the Miss Universe competition is keen to keep pace.
“Beauty isn’t about flawless perfection anymore,” Nuraliza notes. “We’re about recognising the real glamour that lies in diversity.” She also lifts the misconception that the pageant has rigid tattoo bans, noting that historically contestants were “clean‑cut” but the ever‑evolving contests now applaud more than just skin‑deep allure.
Overall Takeaway
In the end, the Miss Universe pageant’s new credo is simple: tattoos aren’t a flaw; they’re a celebration of individuality. The program’s message? Embrace your stories—whether painted on your skin, inked into your past, or carved in your future.
Meet Miss Hilary Rupawalla: The Rule‑Bending Beauty Queen
When most people think of a pageant contestant, they picture flawless, runway‑ready models. Think again—Hilary Rupawalla is here to prove that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and shades.
Who is Hilary?
- Age: 26
- Profession: Family lawyer (yes, she’s actually mastering divorce paperwork in her spare time)
- Background: A mix of Chinese and Indian heritage—plus a generous dose of curves and a head full of curls
Growing up, Hilary never felt “normal.” “I was always the curvy, curly-haired kid who didn’t fit the textbook image of a princess,” she explains. “In school, classmates would tease me about my village and my size.” Even at the top of her mind as she applied to MUS, those differences were front and center.
Not Your Typical Pageant Contestant
Hilary argues the beauty gatekeepers need to broaden the definition of what it means to be gorgeous. “I’ve seen comments on online forums like, ‘What’s that?’,” she says. “Those are exactly the kinds of remarks that make girls feel like they’re not good enough.”
A Glimpse of Confidence
In a candid interview, Hilary highlighted the importance of self‑worth over societal standards: “If people are going to bring you down, it’s their problem, not yours.” Her crystal‑clear message? Embrace the unique, turn the hate into high‑five, and keep walking your own runway.
Bottom Line
Hilary Rupawalla is a reminder that beauty isn’t just about the usual norms—it’s about confidence, resilience, and a willingness to own your story. And if that includes a little legal jargon and a hoop of curls, so be it.
Muscular Chic: Miss Tyen Rasif Breaks the Mold
At just 22, Tyen Rasif is proving that a shredded physique doesn’t strip away a woman’s grace. “I know my body’s on the stronger side—wider shoulders, a solid back—so I’m not your run-of-the-mill pageant queen,” she shares. “But MILC—Meet in the Light Community—is more than just a beauty contest; it’s a message. There’s genuine beauty in being fit, healthy, and owning every body type.”
Get Ready for the Grand Finale
The final showdown will take place on August 31st at the One Farrer Hotel. Tickets are on sale through tnp.sg/mus2018tickets (but don’t get hung up on the link—just imagine a quest to snag that seat).
Who’s Behind the Event?
MUS 2018 is a joint venture of The New Paper and the MUS Organization, with Dream Cruises stepping in as the first-time presenter.
Michael Goh, senior vice‑president of international sales at Genting Cruise Lines, had this to say: “Dream Cruises is all about turning dreams into reality, and the empowerment vibe of MUS 2018 aligns perfectly. We’re a level‑playing field with plenty of women on board—career‑sterile or captain—so being part of this worldwide event feels right on.”
Relive the Moment
Want to catch a glimpse of the high‑spirited ambiance? Skip the embedded video (it’s blocked) and picture yourself cheering for Tyen as she flexes her confidence.
Original coverage by The New Paper—any reproductions need permission.
