Barbara Palacios Teyde, Miss Universe 1986

Her name was Barbara. Funny, she didn't look like a Barbara to me, but she won the Miss Universe title in 1986. I thought she was elegant and regal and had a quiet but captivating beauty. Her evening gown was simple but so interestingly cut that she looked arresting in it.

I loved watching the pageant that year. Miss USA was 1st Runner Up. Christy Fitchner was almost winning all the way with her great body, looks and evening gown.

But in the end, Barbara won, and I agreed with the judges all the way. She didn't have the most stunning face to me, but there was definitely something about her and she had the aura of a leader.



Apasra Hongsakula, Miss Universe 1965

She was Miss Universe 1965 -- one of the rare Miss Universes of Asian descent. All of 5ft 4 inches tall, she probably did not know what was going on or could even imagine that she could have a future so bright when she won the crown in 1965. Quite intriguing, really.

Time changes everything? If she was competing in 2010, I'm not sure she would have been noticed at all by the judges.

MY MISS UNIVERSE 2010 PREDICTIONS