The face that took Laura to t

By: watches2010 Mood: Date: 02/25/2010 18:34:33 Music: None

Byline: Hannah-Louise Dunne Showbusiness Reporter

MISS Irelands are known for elegant evening gowns and a splash of swimwear.

So if she wants to fit in, the incoming queen Laura Patterson may have to ditch these leopardprints and retro hairstyles. For from now on, there will be no more turning back to the Eighties for the 19-year-old - seen here battling for the Miss Earth title last month.

Then, Miss Patterson chose a motley mix of black patent shoes, super-size drop earrings and a nightie reminiscent of Bet Gilroy's tenure as the queen bee of the Rovers Return.

And it's a look that only someone like Miss Patterson could get away with, showcasing it at the regional semi-finals of Miss Earth.

The Derry native turned heads in a backless blue dress, which would not have been out of place on Miami Vice.

And to top off the retro look, she went for what appeared like a tousled two-tone perm.

Meanwhile, instead of the usual swim-suits that grace the catwalk, the Ulster lass went for a sarong.

However, Miss Patterson is likely to put the past behind her when she travels to replica rolex South Africa in December to compete in the Miss World contest in Johannesburg.

For the competition, the former Miss Teen Ireland will have her pick of the latest designer gowns, and has already been in talks to create a fresh, fashion-forward look. She explained: 'I have already been talking to designers about dress ideas so it will be an amazing experience.

'I plan to enjoy every moment of the next 12 months. Obviously going to South Africa will be the opportunity of a lifetime for me,' she added.

During her reign, Miss Patterson hopes to campaign for a cause close to her heart.

She explained: 'Something I would like to do is to raise awareness of multiple sclerosis because my aunt suffers from the disease.' One of 32 hopefuls competing for the Miss Ireland crown at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, on Saturday, Miss Patterson said that she never expected to win.

And her look was light years ahead of the Eighties theme that time. The aqua-marine gown was up to the minute, yet paid homage to the more traditional attire seen of victorious beauty queens. The outfit was matched by a suitably sleek hairstyle.

After the win, Miss Patterson said: 'I honestly didn't think I would win and then I was named. I am stunned by all this, my normal Sunday is so different. I sing in the choir and give Sunday school lessons.

'A whole new world has opened up for me, and now here I am sitting with a crown on my head.' She has brains as well as beauty - Miss Patterson is studying Law and Accountancy at the University of Ulster, but plans to take a year out to concentrate on Miss Ireland.

CAPTION(S):

Shop 'til you drop: The earrings

Cat-walk: Leopard-print returns

Back to the future: Backless gown

Crowning glory: Laura's tousled hair, and right, transformed for weekend win