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Sunday World
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Ireland's Next Top Model winner reveals the darker side of modelling competitions
'I've seen at first hand the cut throat world of a beauty some of it's not nice' Kristine was proud to represent Ireland in Egypt at the Top Model of the World pageant Having finished in the top five of the Top Model Of The World pageant, gorgeous Kristine Subrovska has not only made friends for life with fellow contestants but she's also seen up close what a cut-throat business it can be. Dubliner Kristine recently won Ireland's Next Top Model and she has graciously opened up her talents to give aspiring young women a shot at making it in the beauty world through her agency The Model Method. Kristine flew to Egypt to take part in the contest, which was won by Miss Colombia. 'I bonded quite well with the girls, who were super lovely,' she says. 'There was a white dress round, swimwear round and then a ballgown round. 'The girls were introduced beforehand, they give a bio on screen as you're on stage 'Of course, coming closer to the finals you could really feel the tension between the girls, it got more intense, because at the end of the day while we're all lovely and friendly we're all there for the same reason. 'There are other titles in it as well, you have Miss Social, Miss Reputable, Miss Photogenic.' Kristine was proud to represent Ireland in Egypt at the Top Model of the World pageant Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th But Kristine also got to see a darker side. 'On the day of the finals, we had a final rehearsal, there were dresses cut up, there were rumours going around of girls sleeping with judges to get a higher ranking, there was make-up all over bikinis. It just got really nasty closer to the time,' she reveals. Kristine, who was born in Latvia but grew up in Citywest, had the full support of her fiance in the competition. Ireland's Next Top Model is run by Michael Martin Byrne, who also owns the Merrion and Dawson Spas in Dublin, of which Kristine is co-owner. The Merrion branch sees a string of celebrities visiting, with Celebrity Big Brother winner Big Zhu and his fellow rapper cousin AJ Tracey popping in last weekend before they appeared at the Longitude festival. 'Michael has over a decade of experience in the field and has the right contacts to make this Ireland's leading pageant,' Kristine says. 'To take part you need to be confident, you need to have a certain aura around you. You don't necessarily need experience in modelling, but you do need to have confidence, that's one thing the judges need to look at. 'It's not just wearing the crown and saying, 'I'm the queen, I'm the winner' or whatever the case is, it's more than that', like you will be asked to go work with charities, you will be asked to work closely with your community.' Kristine Subrovska. 'Like my chosen one is children, and I'm meeting Ronald McDonald House again this week. We'd like to see the community also getting involved with it, if it's children, it's animals, it's homelessness — whatever the case you choose that and you work closely with them. You do something with the crown, it's not just getting free blowdries and free sponsorship deals and collaborations with brands. 'That's where we differ from other pageants or competitions, it's not just about who has the most lifestyle and Instagram posts, or who has the most followers, it's about what you can bring to the table as well.' Kristine was delighted to do so well. 'When they announced 'Ireland' and I made it into the top 20 I was stunned but delighted,' she smiles. She adds that mental health is very important to her, and she works with charities like Pieta House, having had experience of being manipulated during her career with other agencies. 'I was manipulated, gaslit, and pressured into legal bindings, and faced stalking, harassment, and exploitation disguised as opportunity,' she reveals. Kristine says she has also seen how false accusations, courtroom lies, and endless legal battles have robbed children of time with loving parents, causing irreparable damage during the most critical years of development. 'I've watched incredible parents lose precious milestones and moments with their children because the system isn't working. 'I've seen the heartbreak of children pulled back and forth while adults argue in courtrooms, and it's affecting who these children become,' she says. 'It's time we put children first and support parents who are doing everything they can to love and protect their kids. 'It's time we demand systems that work, so families aren't destroyed by lies and delays.'
Irish Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland's Next Top Model shares next heartfelt venture after world competition
Ireland's Next Top Model has opened up about her next heartfelt venture after coming in the top five of the world beauty pageantry contest. Kristine Subrovska has just returned from Egypt where she competed in The World's Next Top Model, ranking in the top five in the global competition. The televised pageant was won by Miss Colombia. Kristine, who has a degree in Business and Law, also achieved the highest placement ever for an Irish contestant in the global competition's 30-year history, outperforming hundreds of contestants from across the globe. Speaking about the beauty pageant, she said: "Representing Ireland in Egypt to a sold-out crowd was unforgettable —it was a privilege." But it's not just the catwalk where Kristine is hoping to make waves. Long before the ground-breaking win, she became a vocal advocate for children's rights and social reform. Working closely with FashionHouse Ireland, she played a key role in shaping the upcoming Dublin Fashion Week and appeared on a series of motivational podcasts giving a platform to emerging creatives and unheard voices. Her advocacy sharpened in response to growing concerns about Tusla, Ireland's Child and Family Agency. Recent HIQA reports have flagged serious failings—staffing gaps, delays in child protection assessments and children left without assigned social workers. "This goes beyond numbers," Kristine said. "These are real children in real danger. No child in Ireland should be left without care or protection. I won't stay silent when I can help shine a light on this crisis." She's now collaborating with charities, welfare advocates and policymakers to push for urgent reform in child protection services. "What matters now is using this platform to drive change. Irish models can be more than faces—we can be forces for good," she added. With Kristine back on home soil, momentum is already building for the 2026 edition of Ireland's Next Top Model. Applications are flooding in, and pageant director Michael Martin Byrne has confirmed a revamped format, including regional heats and a grand finale in Dublin.
Sunday World
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Irish model reaches top five in international pageant final in Egypt
Kristine Subrovska was the recent first-ever winner of Ireland's Next Top Model IRELAND'S Kristine Subrovska is celebrating coming in the top five of the Top Model of the World pageant in Egypt. Dubliner Kristine, who was born in Latvia but grew up in Citywest from the age of seven, was flying the flag for Ireland among 30 countries competing for the top prize last night in Hurghada. Kristine was the recent first-ever winner of Ireland's Next Top Model, and soared past hundreds of global contestants to achieve the highest placement ever for an Irish representative since the pageant's launch in over three decades. 'Egypt was an unforgettable experience and an incredible honour to represent my country to a sold out arena' Kristine said. The televised pageant was won by Miss Colombia. Kristine has quickly emerged as a voice for children's rights, advocacy, and change. Kristine Subrovska in Egypt News in 90 Seconds - May 31st Since winning the Irish title, Kristine has worked closely with Fashion House Ireland in preparation for Dublin Fashion Week, playing a hands-on role in shaping the future of Irish designers. Her work includes motivational podcasts that give aspiring creatives and unheard voices a chance to be heard. In recent times, Tusla, Ireland's Child and Family Agency, has come under increasing scrutiny due to issues in staffing, resourcing, and service delivery, especially in the areas of child protection and welfare. HIQA inspections have uncovered deeply concerning gaps in some regions, large numbers of vulnerable children were left without assigned social workers, and many were not assessed or safeguarded in time. Having learned of these reports, Kristine felt compelled to act. 'This isn't just about statistics it's about real children, real lives,' Kristine said. 'No child in Ireland should ever be left without care, without protection, or placed in unsafe situations. If I can use my platform to amplify this crisis and help create change, then I will not stay silent.' Determined to make a difference, Kristine is now actively collaborating with charities, child welfare advocates, and policymakers to push for reform and bring greater visibility to these critical issues. 'What matters most is what I do with this platform now. I'm committed to helping our youth, standing up for vulnerable children, and showing that Irish models can stand for more than beauty—we can stand for change.' She admits it was difficult leaving Latvia and everything she knew behind at such a tender age. 'It was tough,' she confirms. 'But it made me stronger. It taught me that no matter what happens, I can rise.' With a degree in Business and Law and a powerful presence in the charity world, Kristine uses her opportunity to uplift, inspire, and give back. From working with Dean Ryan on youth-focused events to championing causes like the DSPCA and the Irish Cancer Society, her passion is matched only by her compassion — especially after her own mother's battle with cancer. Earlier this year she had her crowning moment the iconic George Bar in Dublin. The venue was packed with energy as the colourful drag queens Davina Devine and dazzling Dolly Grip joined the festivities. The crown was officially placed on Cormac Branagan of Tallafornia fame. 'This is more than fashion,' Kristine says. 'It's about proving to every girl who's ever felt small that she's powerful beyond measure. I want them to see me and say — if she can, so can I.' With Kristine returning home to Dublin, anticipation for Ireland's Next Top Model 2026 is already reaching new heights. Applications are flooding in from across the country, and pageant director Micheal Martin Byrne has confirmed a structured competition in regional heats nationwide, leading to a glamorous grand finale in Dublin.
Indian Express
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sushmita Sen celebrates 31 years of turning Miss Universe with rare pictures, was ready to withdraw her name from pageant due to Aishwarya Rai
Sushmita Sen gained worldwide glory on May 21, 1994, when she became the first Indian to be crowned Miss Universe. The actor celebrated 31 years of that occasion on Wednesday through a dump of some rarely seen photos on her Instagram handle. Along with the relatively unseen pictures, there was also the iconic shot of Sen looking flabbergasted when her name was announced as the pageant winner. 'A historical win that introduced an 18yr old indian girl to the Universe!!! (smile, dance, and red heart emojis),' Sen wrote in the caption. 'Opening up a world of possibilities, highlighting the strength of hope, the power of inclusion, the generosity of love… (hug and red heart emojis),' she added. 'To travel the world & to have the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring people…life defining for sure!!! (take a bow and red heart emojis),' she wrote further. Sen also thanked her parents Shubeer Sen and Subhra Sen for their support and encouragement. 'Happy 31st Anniversary of India's first ever victory at Miss Universe!!! To have the honour of representing my country, I will proudly cherish forever!!! (smile and red heart emoji),' Sen added. Sen also thanked the people of Manila, Philippines, where she won the Miss Universe pageant in 1994. She sent a shoutout to her fellow contestant, Miss Colombia Carolina Gomez. She added that she's celebrating her and thinking of her on the occasion. 'Here's to dreams, the impossible kinds…for I know, the UNIVERSE conspires in our favour,' Sen concluded her post. A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47) After making history as Miss Universe, Sen made her Bollywood debut as an actor in Mahesh Bhatt's 1996 psychological thriller Dastak. Sen even ran a project called I Am She – Miss Universe India from 2010 to 2012, through which India's representative to Miss Universe was chosen. Sen also appeared as a judge of the Miss Universe pageant in Manila in 2016. Appearing on the inaugural season of the chat show Koffee with Karan in 2005, Sen recalled how she almost withdrew her application from Miss Universe after learning that Aishwarya Rai was also participating. 'I had taken my form back knowing that Miss Aishwarya Rai was entering the pageant and I'm like why bother? I mean, she's beautiful, and then she's it for Miss India. Why bother contending with her and then coming back and saying, 'I tried mama,'' Sen recalled. Also Read — Rohman Shawl on being spotted with Sushmita Sen at events: 'I am single right now, but people think that I am still with her' She added that her mother insisted she participates. 'But thank God for my mother. She always has explained to me that there's a thing in life called an upset… and you will never know if you can be an upset to someone or someone else can be that to you, unless you give it a shot. So, she said, 'You come back to me having lost to the woman you think is beautiful, and that's fine,' Sen added.
