Maybe it’s just my slanted way of looking at things, but I think Vanessa Williams’ nude pictures ‘way back when she was forced to relinquish her Miss America title made her a more honest beauty queen. The pictures showed her in all her glory, without props. On the other hand, fully clothed beauty contestants have all the advantages that allow them to display their assets (no pun intended) to their greatest advantage. They have high heels that curve their legs, hidden tape to perk up and enhance their breasts and hold them in place, supportive material in their clothing to accent their curves and hide perceived flaws, “butt glue” to keep the bathing suit bottom in the most flattering position, push-up bra under the swimsuit top to give that ready-to-pop-out look…and these are only the the few tricks I’ve heard about. If you’re naked, you can’t use any of them.
Not that I’m proposing that beauty pageants should all be held in the nude. It would be more honest, though.