:: Editor's note

Pictured: Jimena Navarrete, Miss Mexico, has been crowned Miss Universe 2010 and it is going to be a big celebration in Mexico. The top four runner ups were Venus Raj, Miss Philippines, Jesinta Campbell, Miss Australia, Yendi Phillips, Miss Jamaica and Anna Poslavska, Miss Ukraine.

One of Australia's hottest fashion brands, Forever New, launched its 2010 Spring Collections with an exclusive event at the beautiful Ripponlea Estate Mansion. See all the pics in our Fashion Spotlights section.

I believe we were vindicated in what we said below about the evening gown worn by Miss Universe Australia, Jesinta Campbell, in her 3rd placing at the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas. She rightfully discarded the Izaro dress. Read what we said three weeks ago.

The Westin Hotel’s Martini Bar hosted this year’s official unveiling of the Australian National Costume and Evening Gown for 2010 Miss Universe Australia Jesinta Campbell. Whatever one makes of the national costume, it doesn't figure in the ultimate decision making aspect of the competition. It is the Evening Gown that will decide the merits of our contestant. Jesinta has opted for a sunshine coloured gown by Melbourne label Izaro for the evening wear section of the competition. This is where the pageant can be decided - on whether she can achieve Top 10 status. This outfit, by a relatively unknown designer, doesn't sit right at all. You'd never ask your girlfriend to wear an outfit like that at a large social event, let alone a Miss Universe pageant. It might have the 1930s/1940s type of cut, but that's where it remains. I believe Jesinta should opt out of wearing such a gown and, if she wishes to get a Top 10 place, perhaps she should revert to the one she wore when she won the national competition. Read the full piece in the Celebrity section.

One of the big weeks in the Melbourne events calendar is Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW). It is all exploring and immersing yourself in Melbourne's unique fashion culture, retail precincts and design havens. In 2010 the diversity and range of events on the program will ensure everyone has an opportunity to find their special piece of the city's fabulous fashion scene. There is a massive programme complete with official catwalk shows, after parties, and on-calendar events. MSFW will be held from Monday, August 30 to Sunday, September 5, 2010. Keep a check on happenings in the Fashion Spotlights section.

The third annual iSelect Fashion+Aid charity event will return to the Palladium Ballroom at Crown Entertainment Complex on Saturday, September 11 2010. In support of Mission Australia, iSelect Fashion+Aid will showcase an exciting fusion of food, fashion and entertainment featuring some of our hottest talents.

ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) recently announced some of the most significant changes in the ARIA Awards 24 year history. Read it all in the Music Spotlights section.

The Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards (SOYA), the leading award for Australia’s best emerging artists, designers, and creatives, has officially opened its 2010 registrations to young achievers wanting to boost their careers with a once-in-a-lifetime mentorship and grants program. See the Celebrity section for details.

After monumental sets at both this year's Coachella and Bonnaroo Festivals, one of Melbourne's finest exports, The Temper Trap, will return to the United States to play Lollapalooza and Outside Lands Festivals along with a run of shows that will take them west. This will be followed shortly after by a headlining tour throughout North America, including their biggest show to date and Austin City Limits Festival. All the dates are in the Music Wrap section.

Australian band Blue King Brown has teamed up with The Body Shop and Child Wise on a national campaign to help the fight against child sex trafficking. Read more in the Music Wrap section.

Ovation and EMI Music recently announced that Irish singing sensation Celtic Woman, is touring Australia for the first time, bringing their Songs From The Heart tour to five cities in October and November this year.

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You can contact myself carminep@mediasearch.com.au or Andrew Donald andrew@motile.net for details.

Enjoy reading.

Cheers,