Star Style: Miss Universe Singapore second runner-up Sonya Branson
Miss Universe S'pore second runner-up reaches for elegant outfits with clean lines
Last year's Miss Universe Singapore (MUS) second runner-up Sonya Branson would not describe herself as a fashionista.
But the 26-year-old model of English, Indian, Portuguese, Peranakan and Dutch descent certainly has her own sense of "effortless" style.
To her, simplicity and elegance is key.
Branson, who has been with Basic Models Management since 2014 and took part in the International Fashion Super Model Competition in Hong Kong last year, told The New Paper: "I don't usually think hard about matching clothes because I have a lot of one-piece outfits such as jumpsuits, playsuits and dresses."
Clean lines are her thing rather than flamboyant ruffles or loud colours.
Her go-tos are jumpsuits, which she said elongates and streamlines her already-statuesque 1.75m-tall frame.
And do not be surprised to see Branson running her hands along a clothing rack in a store.
She said: "...I like flowy things and textures."
When she was pursuing an honours degree in psychology at the University of Western Australia in Perth, she cultivated an interest in Australian labels such as C/MEO Collective and Zimmermann.
Branson, who is still a follower of Australian brands, said: "I started dressing a bit more maturely and ladylike after I went to Australia.
"Before that, I wore more girlish things - short shorts, a lot more pink."
She gained beauty insight during her MUS journey from the pageant's make-up artists.
She said: "They would tell us how a certain shade or colour of make-up would match our face shape, and I even learnt there are ways to contour and highlight the body."
ROMANTIC SONYA
For a dinner date at an al fresco place followed by a walk in the park, she chose a flowy blue pleated frock with a nude mesh bodice - from the London-based Three Floor - for a flirty touch, as well as nude heels from Charles & Keith.
She said: "This dress just cascades down and I would want to twirl around in this. It is a more feminine look."
GLAM SONYA
To Branson, elegance and simplicity come hand in hand.
And a backless black evening gown from local label Stolen embodies both qualities.
She said: "I think the back and nape are a woman's most elegant features, so I really like backless outfits."
TRAVELLING SONYA
For Branson, summer is the season for travel - and going abroad means being more uninhibited.
Referring to the white Sabo Skirt top from Australia, she said: "I do not really wear crop tops here, but I would overseas.
"I usually visit Europe where the culture is more open, and I feel less restricted when it comes to clothing."
DAYTIME SONYA
A regular day for Branson sees her attending casting calls and meeting up with a friend for lunch.
So this black off-shoulder top from Australian brand Finders Keepers and flared pants from local label Klarra - paired with black strappy sandals from French brand Kookai Australia - would be her uniform.
She said: "I dress comfortably but not too casually because I don't know when I will get called up for castings."
Be the next Miss Universe Singapore
HOW
Register online for Miss Universe Singapore 2017 at www.missuniversesingapore.com.sg by July 10. The event is organised by The New Paper and Miss Universe Singapore Organisation B.V.
PRIZES
Winner
- $10,000 cash, $45,000 worth of prizes, and a feature in Her World magazine
First runner-up
- $5,000 cash and more than $20,000 worth of prizes
Second runner-up
- $3,000 cash and more than $10,000 worth of prizes
PARTNERS
CSR partner: Singapore Turf Club
Official beauty partner: Beaute Hub
Official car: BMW
Official skincare: Skinceuticals
Official skin expert: The Urban Clinic
Venue sponsor: Resorts World Sentosa
Official make-up: Cosmoprof Academy. And thanks to Apgujeong Hair Studio, B-Fit and Orchard Scotts Dental
Official radio station: ONE FM 91.3
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