Miss Michigan’s Jumpsuit Has Been the Best Thing About the Miss America Competition So Far
The Miss America pageant, which announced its top 15 contestants this weekend, has folks on the Internet buzzing more than usual, thanks to this year’s Miss Michigan, Arianna Quan. She happens to be the first naturalized Asian-American citizen to get the state title, and during the second night of the preliminary competition last week, she also made headlines for wearing a white lace jumpsuit onstage.
The jumpsuit, which included a fluffy tulle train that revealed a peek of the pants, was a conscious choice from the 23-year-old, who took to Instagram to explain why she went with the piece. “It is symbolic of my role as a woman in the automotive industry; it is symbolic of the courage needed to champion my platform regarding immigration and diversity; it is symbolic of overcoming hardship throughout life and to stare into the face of judgement to say that you were still brave enough to be yourself,” she wrote. “Although polarizing, I want my style to be brave, not only regarding the clothes on my body but my entire soul and being. I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to share my genuine self with everyone on the Miss America stage.”
In spite of her edgy sartorial choice, Quan didn’t make it to the top 15 contestants last night (21-year-old Miss Arkansas, Savvy Shields ultimately won the big title), but she already took home a $2,000 scholarship after nabbing the preliminary talent award. Still, Quan will be remembered as a standout this year — thanks in part to her look and the gracious way she pressed on, in spite of her many haters. Quan faced criticism going into the competition, especially from some Chinese people on social media. “All this negativity came out, especially about my appearance and how I’m apparently unfit to represent the Chinese population because I’m ‘ugly,’ ” she told People.
Though she didn’t win, we think Quan pretty much showed the haters just how gorgeous she is — inside and out.
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