Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Reigning Miss Jamaica (World) Yendi Phillipps makes jaws drop when she flaunts this revealing red number. - File photos

Uzuri International has earned itself another milestone in the fashion business, winning 'Most Beautiful Evening Gown' by Global Beauties.com with a fabulous red dress worn by Miss Jamaica World Yendi Phillipps in Sanya, China, at last year's competition.

Global Beauties, the popular pageant website, choose the Uzuri International gown worn by Yendi as the most beautiful gown of all those worn by the top contestants in 2007. Coming in second place was the dress worn by Valeska Saab of Ecuador, followed by Jean Angeles Harn of the Philippines.

Masterminds behind Uzuri International, Karl Williams and Mark McDermoth were honoured when they heard about their win. One of Uzuri's founders and designer, Williams, told The Sunday Gleaner, "It was an exciting moment for us. I learned about it from a friend who called me and told to check out the website."

Outstanding piece of work

The Uzuri team says the gown is influenced by Yendi's personality.

The dress was one of many given to Yendi by Uzuri to be worn during the competition. An outstanding piece of work, the dress was in typical Uzuri style with feathers and glitter. Red with touches of gold, the top showcased Yendi's back and bust with rose-like designs, a long slit at the front showed of Yendi's long legs and a long train.

Williams explained what inspired the dress. "I guess it was really Yendi's personality and vibrancy. The fabric had a lot to do with it as well, how it moved and flowed. It was (the dress) something we took from the 2008 collection and we thought she'd do well with it," he said.

Uzuri also designs dress for the Miss Universe competition and the Miss St Kitts and Nevis competition, having won awards for best gown there as well.

Uzuri means 'beautiful'

The bodice drips with glitter; it hugs the curves and has yards of train.

Uzuri has had a long-standing relationship with the Miss Jamaica (World) pageant, designing for the winners over the last 10 years. Williams and McDermoth have been operating out of Ocho Rios, St Ann, and recently established a store in Kingston. In Swahili, Uzuri means 'beautiful', which is obviously seen in their designs.

Hailed as one of the Caribbean's premier evening wear designers, the talented duo works wonders with every collection. Their work is done with exquisite fabrics and unusual trimmings. Their creations are also available in ready-to-wear pieces for boutiques and speciality store collections.

For the future, Uzuri is looking to accomplish bigger and better. Williams explained, "We're hoping to spread our wings internationally. We've just returned from two great shows in Atlanta and New York, and we really want to target the pageant world."