Alice Li Crowned Miss World Ontario 2018

On Sunday, January 21, 2018, after two days of competition and at the end of three hour show, Alice Li was crowned the new winner of Miss World Ontario 2018.

Miss World Ontario is the provincial qualifier to Miss World Canada, the official preliminary to Miss World.  Fifty contestants from all across the province were judged on a wide range of criteria including interviews, charity work, evening gown, swimsuit, and photogenic.  Alice Li, the winner of the competition is a 24 year-old graduate from the University of Toronto who studied business for her undergraduate and graduate programs.

What does it take to win a beauty pageant? We sat her down our new Provincial queen to ask her some questions.

Photo: Joshua Best Photography

Why did you decide to compete in a beauty pageant?

Did you think you had a chance at winning?I believe that healthy sportsmanship means going into a competition aiming for your personal best. You have to set yourself realistic goals and define your own meaning of success. Success could be finding the courage to walk up on that stage, or finding confidence in a swimsuit, etc.

My personal goal was to place in the Top 3.  With over six years of experience competing in beauty pageants I obviously believe I have what it takes. To me, finishing Top 3 would be a personal win, but look what happened. I did not expect to place first! That’s also why half of my crowning moment photos did not turn out well because I was so in shock, I suddenly didn’t know what to do or where to stand.

At Street Chic, we are all about fashion. Tell us more about your wardrobe for the competition!

This year I went with more of a pink theme. There were fifty contestants there so and anything that makes you standout is worth the effort.

In the morning, showed up to rehearsals in this super adorable Ted Baker dress. Although there is no dress code for rehearsals, I still like to put a bit of effort and feel like myself. After all, fashion is a way to express your personality and I thought this dress was so “me”.

My interview outfit was also pink and I went with a fitted, sleeveless Calvin Klein classic. You can’t go wrong with Calvin Klein for a modern, elegant look.

I went simple with the accessories and wore these gorgeous pearl earrings from The Modern Princess. So my approach to the beauty pageant and the classic dilemma of  ‘What should I wear to the interview?’, was to dress business casual with a pop of style.

For my evening gown, I took a risk and wore a pink tulle ballgown from Mac Duggal. In beauty pageants, big ballgowns are typically not as popular as sexier styles.  The top bodice is embellished in rhinestones and features a low waist. It was an interesting silhouette because the accentuation was on my hips instead of my waist. I’ve never competed in a ballgown before but it was fun to feel like a princess on stage! I guess it all worked out in the end, and perhaps that means pink is my best color.

Photo Credit: Charlie Lam Photography

Photo Credit: Charlie Lam Photography

As the ambassador for Ontario, what is your goal this year?

I believe that the most valuable asset we own is time. You cannot buy time or trade it with others. That is why I want to dedicate my time volunteering within my community. I have many charities and nonprofit organizations that I will be working with this year, including the Good Shepherd Ministries and Children’s Wish Foundation. Such an amazing start to 2018 and I look forward to this new journey!

Photo credit: Joshua Best Photography