Alternative Miss World

Alternative Miss World

Alternative Miss World began in 1972, a year after the original Miss World pageant. It was a small fair that gradually grew in popularity over the years. It was in the same years as the growing Gay Pride Movement, and was held in the same year as the first Gay Pride march. Around this time, informal protests of gay drag were taking place- men dressing up as women were challenging the law on openly gay behaviour. Around this time, British society was largely conservative- Police were still beating up hippies in the street because of how they dressed. 

Alternative Miss World focuses on transformation as a pose to beauty. It consists of three categories, much like the original Miss World; Daywear, Evening wear, and swimwear. There is also a personality interview, and it is all unrehearsed. It is about free reign, and is about making the ordinary extraordinary. 

Both unknown and well-known people participate for the chance to win Andrew Logan's crown, which is made of broken mirrors.

The first Alternative Miss World was inspired by Andrew Logan's visit to the Crufts Dog Show, and was held at Downham road in Hackney. It was a small affair.

Andrew Logan:

Andrew Logan was born in 1945, and became a qualifies artist in the late 1960's. He is one of Britains principal sculptural artists, and challenges convention, mixed media, and plays with our artistic values. 

He works with sculpture, stage design, drama, opera, parades, festivals, and interior design. His artistic world includes fauna, flora, planets and Gods. His love for travelling provides bases for several series' of work.

Andrew Logan - 1972 Alternative Miss World

The theme of the 1972 Alternative Miss World was Party. 

The theme of the 1973 Alternative Miss World was Andrew Logan's Miss World. It took place in Logan's first studio- a converted jigsaw factory.

Andrew Logan - 1973 Alternative Miss World

The theme of the 1975 AMW was Wild, prior to the Punk revolution. It was held at Logan's studio at Butlers Wharf in London in a riverside warehouse. 

Andrew Logan - 1975 Alternative Miss World

The theme of the 1978 AMW was Circus. It was the first year that it became a public event. The judges were in a cage, and the winners throne was a donkey. However with lots of publicity came a lawsuit from the people of the original Miss World. The lawsuit continued tot he end of the 1980's, when Lord Denning threw away Eric Morley's case on appeal, asking how it could be considered a thing of beauty. 

Andrew Logan - 1978 Alternative Miss World

The 1981 AMW's theme was Royal Imperial. It took place just before war began in the Falkland Islands. It took place at The Grand Hall at Olympia, London.

1985 (Water): Was around the time that the DJ scene was just beginning, and took place at Brixton Academy, in London.

Andrew Logan - 1985 Alternative Miss World

1986 (Earth): Also took place at Brixton Academy, as the police had banned the event from the Chrislehurst caves.

Andrew Logan - 1986 Alternative Miss World

1991 (Air): The theme was also the colour Silver. It took place at the business design center in Islington, London.

Andrew Logan and Co-Host Rule Lenske - 1991 Alternative Miss World

1995 (Fire): Took place at The Grand, Clapham Junction, and staged an ICA collab oration scintillati.

Andrew Logan - 1995 Alternative Miss World

1998 (Void): Theme was also 5th Element, and took place at the 291 Gallery in London.

Andrew Logan - 1998 Alternative Miss World

2004 (Universe): Took place at the Hippodrome, Leicester Square, London, on collaboration with Matthew Glammore and Kashpoint. 

Andrew Logan and Co-Host Julian Clary - 2004 Alternative Miss World

2009 (Elements): Took place at The Roundhouse, London.

Andrew Logan - 2009 Alternative Miss World

2014 (Neon Numbers): Took place at the The Shakespeare Globe, London.

Andrew Logan - 2014 Alternative Miss World