Five Minutes With… Miss Universe China Roseline Luo

After being crowned Miss Universe China, former model Roseline Luo went on to compete in the international competition in Brazil. With the support of Yue-Sai Kan, the ‘Oprah of China’, Luo made a top five finish in the competition. Now back in Shanghai, the 24 year old beauty queen talks about her ugly duckling days, her experience working with Yue-Sai and the food she was dying for during the pageant.

How did you first become involved in beauty pageants?

I am not a typical Chinese beauty. I have dark skin, big lips. When I was growing up, I was not a xiao hua. I was too tall, so I slouched and didn’t talk very much. One day, my mother said, “You cannot always be like this”. I went to a doctor to correct my back, and learned to sit up straight. Eventually, I started modelling and then a friend suggested I should go out for the Miss Universe China pageant. It was my first beauty pageant, and it’s going to be my last.

What was your training schedule like during the competition?

Oh, I had so many tasks! When I was training in New York for the pageant, as soon as I sat down for breakfast, Yue-Sai would have everyone asking me questions to help prepare me for the Q&A. I also practiced samba for two hours a day because the competition was in Brazil. Some days I would have catwalk rehearsal. I also went to different places in New York, like the Met. I saw Alexander McQueen’s exhibit.

What was the first thing you ate after the pageant?

My dinner! I didn’t eat anything before the show because I didn’t want to look fat in my dress. But when I first arrived in Brazil, I tried the cheese bread. Only a little bit though! I have always been a meat and seafood girl, but when I was training I ate mostly vegetables and didn’t touch flour. I would have a little piece [of the cheese bread] every day for breakfast with some yogurt and fruit. After [the pageant] was over, I ate about four pieces.

How do you plan to spend your reign as Miss Universe China?

When I was participating in the Miss Universe pageant, we worked with Operation Smile, a non-profit that helps children who have cleft palates. At first, I felt so sorry for them, but then I sat through one of their operations. It only takes 45 minutes for the surgery. Then they have this new opportunity, a new chance at life. I want to help people.

And after you’ve passed on your crown?

Before I was Miss China, I wanted to open a clothing store. Now I think I can launch my own brand of accessories and clothing. I like evening gowns and also more masculine clothing for women. Women should have many ways to express themselves through style – if they want to go to a formal event they should be able to wear a t-shirt with a suit.

As Miss Universe China, you were the face of 1.3 billion people on an international stage. What did you want to convey to the world about your home country?

I wanted them to see that China is a friendly country that is inviting and welcomes everyone. So many foreigners still feel that China is a closed country, but we are open and inviting, and I wanted to convey that.

You stand 183 centimetres tall. What was it like to be one of the tallest competitors at Miss China Universe?

A lot of media asked me if I thought my height was an advantage during the competition, but I don’t think it was. In every picture, I’m in the back row – sometimes they put me in the corner!

Yue-Sai Kan helped to train you for the competition. What was working with her like?

When I first arrived in Brazil, I was so nervous. I was surrounded by so many beautiful women and I worried that I would not be able to perform. I texted [Yue-Sai Kan] about how nervous I was. She said, “The stage is meant for you to enjoy, not to be scared.” She was so helpful and supportive throughout the whole competition.