The History of Miss World: The 1980s
In 1980, major changes in the judging process were implemented. For the first time women
were judged on personality and intelligence, not just looks. In addition, vital statistics
were no longer deemed vital. The changes were made in response to criticism, rife
throughout the 1970s, that the contest was just a "cattle market." The first
winner of the decade was Germany's Gabriella Brum. The 18-year-old was a huge hit with the
public. But a complicated private life prevented her from seeing through her reign. She
resigned after just 17 hours.
Gabriella lived in Los Angeles with 52 year-old Benno Bellenbaum, a film cameraman and
producer. Before her resignation, Bellenbaum told reporters that Gabriella called him in
tears to let him know that she'd have to be based in London for the year of her reign. The
reality of leaving her lover for twelve months prompted her to relinquish her post.
First runner-up Kimberley Santos of Guam was more than happy to take up the mantle.
"Although it is a win by default," she said, "I am still proud."
Hollywood actress Halle Berry, star of the recent box office smash X-Men,
found fame entering the contest in 1986 as Miss USA. She drew gasps when she wore a bikini
featuring stars and ropes of beads during a parade of national costumes. Her excuse was
that she wanted "to catch the eye from the start."
Some contestants were not amused by her choice of dress. Janny Tervelde (Miss Holland)
moaned, "We think it's very unfair. I'm totally concealed by wearing the Dutch
traditional costume with clogs. But her outfit is just the opposite - very sexy."
Despite her skimpy costume, Halle failed to win the contest. The title of Miss World
1986 went to Giselle Laronda (Miss Trinidad and Tobago).
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