Miss Universe Singapore finalists strut their stuff at F1 after-party

It was her first time modelling, and she was also the first of the Miss Universe Singapore (MUS) 2016 finalists to go down the runway on Saturday night at the Amber Lounge F1 Driver Fashion Show held at Temasek Reflection.

To top it all off, Miss Shanice Hedger was wearing a $2,000 dress - the most expensive dress worn by any of the girls, who were in edgy black dresses by local designer Max Tan.

The 21-year-old communications undergraduate at Nanyang Technological University told The New Paper at the fashion show: "I was under heaps of pressure because this dress is so expensive."

Formula 1 drivers like Mercedes-Benz's new star Pascal Wehrlein and Renault's Esteban Ocon also sashayed down the same catwalk at the exclusive event.

The glamorous F1 after-party was part of the Singapore Grand Prix festivities and also featured international singers and DJs.

The MUS finalists attended a rehearsal at 5pm on the same day with fashion show producer and consultant Daniel Boey and former local supermodel Hanis Hussey.

FAB: Miss Shanice Hedger, who was the first of the MUS finalists on the runway, in a $2,000 dress by Max Tan. TNP PHOTOS: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Miss Hedger said: "I was very self-conscious and careful because of the length (of the outfit, which reached my ankles), but that rehearsal was a true eye-opener. I learnt to walk with style.

"I wanted to be prepared and look my best. I wanted to make sure I could walk well on such a huge platform," she said.

The New Paper New Face 2015 finalist Joeypink Lai agreed that the fashion show was exhilarating and "so much fun".

The 24-year-old real estate agent said: "It's wonderful appearing at such a high-profile eventas (an MUS) finalist and not just as a partygoer."

Miss Lai had also learnt how to calm her nerves before a show, thanks to her New Face experience.

"There is no point in panicking... it's a toxic habit that makes you unfocused. You just got to go up there, have fun and be yourself," she said.

Miss Joeypink Lai in Max Tan's dress. 

Miss Nuraliza Osman, national director of MUS and Miss Universe Singapore 2002, had secured the opportunity to be part of the fashion show at Amber Lounge for this year's finalists.

She said: "It gives them massive media exposure. (Max Tan's outfits) also helps the girls sport high fashion looks like top models... (and) break out of the big-haired beauty queen (image) stereotype."

Commenting on their performance, Miss Nuraliza, who is also one of the MUS judges, said: "All the girls were amazing, even those whom I had initially thought were weaker performed outstandingly.

"I'm so proud of all of them and how far they've come."

Co-organised by The New Paper and Miss Universe Singapore Organisation, this year's pageant is presented by Singapore Turf Club.

It is supported by official imaging partner Canon Singapore, official car BMW, official wellness partner Beaute Hub, venue partner The Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, official resort partner Bintan Lagoon Resorts, official makeup Cosmoprof Academy and other sponsors like BodyBurn Fitness, Indiba Technologies, Orchard Scotts Dental and Amber Lounge.