Jewish Influence on Beauty Pageants
This page celebrates the remarkable ways Jewish women and men shaped the world of beauty
pageants — from the contestants themselves to the designers, cosmetics pioneers, and entrepreneurs
who defined style and elegance.
1) A Trailblazing Contestant: Bess Myerson (Miss America 1945)
Bess Myerson was crowned Miss America in 1945 — the first Jewish woman to win the title. Her
victory, just months after World War II, stood as a powerful symbol against antisemitism and inspired
pride in Jewish communities across the country.
2) Jewish Founders Who Shaped Beauty & Cosmetics
Jewish entrepreneurs helped create the global cosmetics industry that defines pageant glamour. Estée
Lauder built one of the world’s most famous beauty companies, and Charles Revson co-founded
Revlon. Their innovations in makeup and marketing set the stage for modern pageant style.
3) Jewish Designers and the Fashion Look of Pageants
Designers like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, both from Jewish backgrounds, influenced the elegance
and modern aesthetics we associate with pageant evening gowns and stage fashion.
4) Influence in Fashion, Photography, and Modeling
Jewish entrepreneurs, photographers, and publishers shaped the modeling and fashion industries that
supply contestants’ looks and define beauty standards worldwide. Their work connected fashion culture
with the pageant stage.
5) Why This Matters
From Bess Myerson’s crown, to the gowns, to the makeup and media, Jewish creativity and business
leadership left a lasting mark on beauty pageants. This influence shows how Jewish contributions
shaped opportunities for women and celebrated beauty, elegance, and culture worldwide.