Alexis flies to China with 35-piece wardrobe
`My wardrobe is to die for. I love each and every piece - Miss Guyana World, Alexis Glasgow
By Amanda Wilson in London

Alexis Glasgow in a stunning gold sari.

"Try to make as many friends as possible. This is a unique opportunity and this will only happen once in your life, so take advantage of that. If you win, fabulous, if you don't, you still are beautiful. Nobody is going to take that away from you, you're still a queen already."

She spent a few hours Thursday with the striking former queen, who won the crown at the age of 17 and remains the only Puerto Rican to have achieved that level of success at the Miss World pageant to date.

On the journey to Wilnelia's exquisite house, tucked away near the Exclusive Wentworth Golf Club, Alexis, who has a busy four weeks ahead touring China and participating in various competitions, was still delighted with her successful November 1 dinner held at the Classic Club 28 in London.

Well wishes at that event came from all parts of England and even home. Well wishers included Ms. Jacklyn Hamer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guyana High Commission First Secretary Marion Herbert and celebrated UK-based performer Frank Holder, UK-based Business Management Advisor Dr. Christopher A. Johnson and Immigration Consultant J..D. Assanah.

Alexis, dressed in a stunning gold sari, since the theme was Indian, immediately won over the dinner party with her smile and lively personality, promising to do her best in China.

Five days later, she pulled into Wilnelia's driveway. The former Miss World's husband, Bruce Forsyth, famous actor and comedian, was away at the time, but the Spanish Caribbean beauty's mother, Delia Cruz, Miss World Puerto Rico franchise holder, joined in.

With designer Derek Moore at a dinner she hosted in London.

Wilnelia, who this year designed the official Miss World swimwear, could be heard in the background speaking on the phone in her native tongue. A few minutes later, she joined the conversation.

"She's lovely, very, very lovely," was her impression of Alexis, who chose a simple white turtle neck sweater with ruffled bottom and jeans for the visit.

Derek was curious to see samples of Wilnelia's work. He loved the details of the 10 styles of colourful - yellow, green, purple and pink - beachwear. Wilnelia smiled, clearly happy a fellow designer shares her vision.

The suits were inspired by the Sanya Island landscaping, Wilnelia, dressed casually in fitted dark mahogany pants and pink tank top, revealed. "They're quite sexy," she beamed. The conversation shifted to a more serious note 15 minutes later. The former world queen, who looked as radiant as when she won the crown, advised Alexis to make her biggest impact on the day of the interview.

"It's very important to you when you sit down with the judges that you give them as much information as possible because it's the only time they have to judge you. I always say to the girls, don't wait to beautiful. You have to do the best...when you are doing the interview. That's really the day of the competition..."

Alexis with Miss World 1975 Wilnelia Forsyth

With a photograph of her being crowned on display and an expertly painted portray of her in an enticing red dress outlining her curvy frame a few steps away, the conversation would have been incomplete without mention of that famous day in 1975.

Reminiscing about her year as a contestant, a modest Wilnelia divulged she just wanted to be in the top 15. With all eyes in the room on her, her smile grew as if she were reliving it all over again.

"When I was competing, I had such a wonderful time because the last thing on my mind was winning. I just only wanted to be the last 15. I was too young; I was 17 (and) I couldn't speak English very well. There were so many things that I thought, `this is not going to happen.' So I just went and had a wonderful time and then on top of that, I won!"

Overall she added: "I think it's a lot to do with luck. If the luck is with you that day, that's it. I think that is what really makes the difference between one girl and the other. There are so many beautiful girls, and then sometimes...maybe some of them may not be as attractive physically as others, but then they do a wonderful interview and there's something about them that makes the difference."

On hearing the Berbice beauty was participating in all the contests - talent, sports, drama, model and swimwear - Wilnelia suggested she be involved in all the events on the programme. Miss World Guyana hopes to impress the judges with her version of `Beautiful Guyana' by Hilton Hemerding, which she worked on with performer Holder since her arrival in London.

The small group chatted about the various facets of pageantry, the tours outlined in China and lots about fashion. Increased excitement filled the room with mention of Alexis' 35-outfit wardrobe - a piece for every day, and then some.

Designer Derek described it as "very bold and eye catching. It just felt right doing it. The colours, the cuts (and) the materials. Most of the pieces are wraps with matching yarn and stones and beads accessories, which were all handmade."  Much to Derek's delight, his cream-coloured dress she wore to the Guyana High Commission exhibition on October 30 was a hit.

One can tell a designer is pleased with his or her creation when he or she continually peppers sentences with exclamations like `va-va-voom!' I managed a sneak peek earlier in the day of the Miss World Guyana's evening gown - a halter-effect top made of gold lace complemented by an asymmetrical lower section with pick and turquoise undertones.

"I know she will be recognised in this piece. I really feel she will make a great impact," Derek, who joins her in China in another two weeks, predicted.

Alexis, as always, was aglow. "My wardrobe is to die for. I love each and every piece," she quickly interjects.

It's now after 1 p.m., the tea cups are empty, yummy chocolate cookies eaten and photographs taken - the refreshing visit has ended for Miss World Guyana. But, not without a final world from the Puerto Rican queen: "You must understand there's only one winner."

"I will do my best," a cheerful Alexis promised.  On the ride back to the city, Ken, Derek and Alexis discussed her London visit, which she repeatedly swore she enjoyed.

The pageant will be aired worldwide on December 6.