MS Bikini India International aims to erase taboo on lingerie

The much-viewed and much-awaited international glamour event Ms Bikini International will now have an Indian version. The Ms Bikini India International 2007 is slated to be held in Goa in November 2007. While other prospective locations including Mauritius and Seychelles are being considered, our sources tell us that Goa tops the list for its scenic beauty. The idea is also to promote tourism in Goa rather than divert the business to any other country, explained an insider associated with the event.

Speaking exclusively to this journalist, Sanjay Manocha, ( http://www.lacenlingerie.com) Editor and Publisher of Lace-n-Lingerie Magazine - a classy, niche trade publication which caters to the intimate and inner wear industry in India - while confirming the news, said, "Yes my events and publishing company Niksan Info Media Pvt Ltd will be conducting the event."

Giving some details about the event, Sanjay said, "The inner wear and undergarment industry is booming and is worth several hundred crore in India. Several international inner wear and intimate apparel brands and products have already launched and the event will be a boost to the industry. It is being held under the auspices of the lace and lingerie Industry in India which till now was an untouched, taboo subject confined to the bedrooms of both men and women."

"A majority of the proceeds and profits of the event will be donated to charity - to women's causes, and for NGOs working in the arena of prevention of Breast Cancer and AIDS and HIV awareness. This is not a voyeuristic event as it may be promoted in some other parts of the world. We are Indian and we respect Indian culture and traditions. This is a trade event and is towards a noble and humanitarian cause," explained Sanjay

He emphasized that, "We have to change with the times. Such contests are held even in other conservative countries, so why not in India. We are not promoting it to cater to the carnal interests of a few unbalanced individuals. It is being held to promote the Indian lingerie, intimate wear and under garment industry, which till date was a 'dirty' topic."

Elaborating further, he added that the Indian event will be comparable or even better than some of the best events in terms of production, management, integrity and display. "It's an all-India event and all eligible participants are welcome to send in their entries. A special website is being launched for the purpose and is expected to go online soon."

Internationally the event is a big hit and guests pay up to Rs 25,000 per ticket to gain entry. When queried, Sanjay refused to elaborate, "We are talking to a few big corporate houses for sponsorship and do not want to give any details at this stage," was all that he would say. According to industry insiders a large corporate having interests in the spirits and aviation business is in advanced talks with the organisers. So also are a packaged drinking water company and a music and aviation training major.

The winner of the Indian contest is expected to participate in the International pageant, say sources. Internationally, there are three events - Ms Bikini International, Ms Bikini World and Ms Bikini of the Universe. Sanjay, refused to comment on which of the three contests the Indian winner would be sent to, only saying that all the details will be officially announced soon.

source : oneindia