Miss teen Bahamas contestant invokes Cruella Deville in the fashion couture segment of Saturday's Prelims.

Miss Teen Bahamas International kicked off its last preliminary competition at SuperClubs Breezes, Cable Beach Saturday night, with evening gowns and couture fashion on show.

This Sunday they will compete for the lion’s share of $90,000 in scholarships to renowned Liberty University. However, every young lady will walk away with a part of the generous donation from the Lynchburg, Virginia based University.

“Liberty University has come on board as Miss Teen Bahamas International's academic partner,” said Miss Teen Bahamas International’s National Director, Anthony Smith. “This means that the young ladies will be awarded up to $90,000 in scholarships to attend the prestigious university in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. The queen, runner-up, and special title winners will also have the chance to represent The Bahamas at international competitions around the world,"

Last Saturday eighteen of the Bahamas’ most beautiful young ladies took to the catwalk to begin the competition for the crown. Each showcased some of the most fashion-forward evening gowns and out-of-this-world couture.

For the couture segment many of the country’s top designers demonstrated their creative genius, outfitting the young ladies with one-of-a-kind garments that brought each of their dream personalities to life. Some of the ladies’ channeled the fictional characters of 101 Dalmations’ Cruella Deville and comic book vixen Poison Ivy, while one costume invoked music star Katy Perry.

The couture fashion segment will be repeated this Sunday before the field is narrowed and a new queen is crowned. Outgoing queen, Britney Wells, was the first Bahamian recipient of an international scholarship from Hollis University, following her win.

Sponsors of this year’s pageant include Liberty University, Biore, Kemis.net, The Ultimate Fitness, Commonwealth Fabric, Debonaire Boutique, The Beauty Shack, Shoreline Distributors, Suntime, Galleria, ORS Oils, Idyllic, Suburban Group and Dr. Veronica McIver.

Interested pageant attendees can visit EyeCandy Make-Up, Harbour Shopping Plaza (326-2989 or 437-0325) for tickets, or visit Miss Teen Bahamas International or contact Anthony Smith (463-3126) for more information.

By Chester Robards