From longyi to bikini

The sheer beauty of longyi-clad, parasol-toting Myanmar ladies walking on the street takes anyone’s breath away. In a country where beauty is considered a lady’s invaluable asset and, to a relatively lesser degree, a “weapon” at the same time, not everyone shares the same opinion. 

That’s why in the five decades of military dictatorship, Myanmar was totally absent from Miss Universe, Miss World, and other international beauty pageants. Ever since the civilian government came to power in 2011, the official mentality has taken a turn for the better.

Nowadays it’s perfectly okay for gorgeous gals to strut their stuff on the international stage as representatives of Myanmar – even in bikinis. But here’s the challenge: bikini-clad beach babes won’t go down well with Myanmar’s conservative quarters. 

Representing the country for the first time in 50 years could be a nerve-wracking experience. But Nan Khin Zay Yar was proud of paving the way for other Myanmar ladies to follow in her footsteps when she represented her country for the first time at Miss International in 2012. That’s when the beauty of Myanmar beauty came to the world’s notice.

Miss Universe Myanmar finalists pose in Myanmar traditional costume in Phuket, Thailand (Photo - Miss Universe Myanmar Facebook)

Despite numerous difficulties such as the lack of support from the government, Nan Khin Zay Yar stuck it out and ended up being an inspiration to all. 

“I faced many difficulties as a contestant [in the Miss International beauty pageant]. As it was the first time for me, I tried to prepare as much as I could, but many difficulties abounded as soon as I arrived there. The real difficulty was the swimsuit. As it was the first time for me to wear a bikini, I felt very uncomfortable. I drew flaks for wearing it too.  

“Still many opportunities are available at various international pageants where Myanmar ladies can compete. The international community also recognises Myanmar. These are some of the interesting facts I’ve learnt from my participation in the competition," said Nan Khin Zay Yar.

Since 2012 Myanmar beauties have competed in various international pageants including Miss Universe, one of the most prestigious contests in the world. May Myat Noe was recently crowned Miss Asia Pacific World while Khin Wint Wah ended up among the top five in at Miss Supranational. These are some of the achievements in the space of two years since Myanmar’s return to pageant stages. 

As many women prepare for other international pageants in a bid to live out their dreams and make their country proud, There are few facts that they need to be aware of. 

First, they won’t get official support unlike beauty queens in other countries. Beauty contestants can compete internationally after taking part in the local versions of international pageants. Dealing with local pageant organisations is no easy task given the contract, agreement and regulations. A conflict of interests with these organisations is almost unavoidable.

"I faced unexpected difficulties when I went to compete in the Miss Universe beauty pageant. All of the contestants except myself had trained really hard with support from their governments. So I’ve learnt that we need to try a lot harder if we want to compete internationally," said Moe Sett Wine who competed in Miss Universe last year.

Personal qualities and abilities are also key to winning. Myanmar’s traditional style and its people’s friendliness and sense of compassion have been touted as score boosters at either local or international pageants. These factors have been known to call the attention of the judges and members of the public who would hold sway in contests that incorporate a voting system.

Yet beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and at the end of the day, it all comes down to   how properly they Myanmar ladies flaunt their beauty and how respectfully they lead their lives. While Some Myanmar contestants feel completely at ease with swimsuits in international pageants, large sections of Myanmar society strongly disapprove of scantily clad women.