Nearly two months ago, I launched an online contest to select the
best design for Jake's national costume. I received several interesting and uninteresting submissions, some
without sketches and some without detailed description at all. Originally, I had thought of having Jake
wear an Elvis Presley costume, but Miss USA Rachel Smith had already beaten him to it. Duplicating Smith's
costume would suggest lack of originality and effort, and I certainly would not be content with mediocrity.
Thus, I solicited help from pageant fans.
And here it is... the winning design! A bold costume that takes its
inspiration from Daniel Boone!
Some of you may wonder who Daniel Boone was. I invite you the read this entry
from Wikipedia to get to know him better. I was looking for a costume that would reflect the true essence
of being an American - the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness - and I believe that Daniel Boone was a true
American in this regard. His life was a constant search for new adventures, and he ultimately acquired a significant
part in American folklore. I may not like the fact that he hunted and trapped thousands of animals for their fur, but
he still deserves recognition for his bravery, fortitude and perseverance.
So how will Jake look in his national costume? Hot and sexy, of course! LOL!
MEET THE DESIGNER
Coon tails in the Rocky Mountains and back to the grassroots of America.
David Michael Voytek was inspired by his students in West Palm Beach, Florida. David, a past graduate of
the Fashion Institute of Technology in design and Florida Atlantic University in education, combined his
talents to create the Daniel Boone-inspired costume.
The national costume for Mister USA 2007 is made from faux leather, faux ultra-suede, faux fur, and faux coon tails.
Raw edges of the material add a textural detail on the patchworked pants. The colors chosen are those from the earthshades
of neutrals with a hint of red and yellow.
David's past awards/achievements include:
- Rebecca Moses Critic Award for Best Design, 1992
- Klienfelds - Bridal Design 1st Place Winner, 1992
- Klienfelds - Bridal Design Finalist 1993
and
- Walmart Teacher of the Year 2003 Nominee, Greenacres, Florida
For his winning design, David will receive a $100 cash prize, a handsome framed
certificate from Critical Beauty, a cookbook of vegetarian recipes, and an autographed photo of Mister USA 2007.
Congratulations, David!
Posted on 9.3.2007
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