In today's exclusive interview, I have the opportunity to acquaint readers with this french madame whom is the epitome of grace, elegance, femininity and sophistication. This lady revamped Japanese pageant, giving it glory years of recognitions. She is Inès Ligron, the Legendary Beauty Queen Maker.

Enter Inès Ligron! She is a former National Director of Miss Universe Japan from 2003 - 2010 and was appointed by Miss Universe organisation as the Best National Director. Under Ligron's coaching, Japan produced 1 Miss Universe Winner, 1 First Runners-up, 1 forth Runners-up and 1 Finalist. Inès Ligron, known for her bold attitude and notable fashion sense, proves and show to the world that Japanese Representatives could be just as bold as their Latin and American counterparts. Inès also worked with IMG Models, an international leading model management firm, with celebrity supermodels such as Tyra Banks, Kate Moss and Mirander Kerr. She became the Asia-Pacific Director in IMG Models. Moreover, Inès Ligron also worked with high-profile clients such as Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz and Sarah Jennifer Parker as a Celebrity Stylist. Ligron's success does not end there. She appeared in numerous television shows and magazines, publishing a best-seller book 'The 77 Secret to Beauty' and has collaborated with international brands such as Calvin Klein and Samantha Thavasa(also endorsed by Mirander Kerr and Girls' Generation). Let's get to know more about Inès Ligron in our exclusive interview.

1. Hello Inès, tell us a little about yourself and what are you up to lately?

I have opened a beauty academy called World Class Beauty Academy (WCBA). Hiroko Mima, who worked with me for the past 8 years, is the head teacher in WCBA. She worked together with me in Singapore but after we opened the academy, she went back to Japan. I am currently based in Singapore however my main business is in Japan.

2. What is fashion to Inès Ligron?

It is a living art form and a way to personalise and express yourself. It is also the possibility to reinvent yourself depending on the stages of your life.

3. Who are your style muses? Who are your favourite models?

Style Muses: Anna Dello Russo, Kate Moss, Rihanna, Zendaya Coleman, Cate Blanchett
Favourite Models (new generation):
F - Karlie Kloss, Cara Delevingne, Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Joan Smalls, Candice Swanepoel
M - Jon Kortajarena, Sean O'Pry

4. Do you consider yourself a trendsetter? What trends are you loving currently?

In Japan, I was the first person to promote that style should be defined by mixing high end brands and high street brands together to make it outstanding and 'more cooler'. Many magazines also promoted my statement.

5. What are the essentials in a woman's wardrobe?

White T-Shirt, White Blouse, Jeans, Black Tailored Jacket, Long Dress, White Bodycon Dress, Stilettos, Nude Flat Gladiators, Black High-Knee Boots.

6. How is it like working with Hiroko Mima again in WCBA?

Hiroko won Miss Universe Japan title in 2008, and placed Best of Asia at the Miss Universe pageant. I met Hiroko Mima when she was 19 years old and now she is already 28 years old. She has worked with me for so long that she knows from A to Z what my beauty philosophy is. She has a passion for teaching and Japanese women really connect well with her. They really transformed after her classes. I live in Singapore and will travel back to Japan once a month. After the opening of WCBA, Hiroko moved back to Japan to be the main teacher there. I could not dream of a better person than her to direct the school.

7. What is the difference between coaching Miss Universe representatives and WCBA clients?

When you coach beauty contest winners, there is always the same goal in mind... Winning! When you teach regular women, they all have different lifestyle, personal fashion style and career. Their goal is always different. Hence, I have to come up and design a personal style for them, be it looking taller or more elegant. I will also teach them the knowledge regarding fashion and style so that they will continue to blossom.

8. What were your most memorable milestone in the fashion industry?

Winning Miss Universe! Riyo Mori, a Japanese representative of the beauty pageant whom I scouted and trained, was crowned Miss Universe in Mexico in 2007. I proved to the world that Japanese women can also be recognised as Number 1 beauty in the world. I was told countless times by Japanese people themselves, that it was a "mission impossible" that Japanese representatives can become Miss Universe. 10 years later, I proved them wrong. I was also the spokesperson of Evian, Audi, Avon and Calvin Klein in Japan. I have worked with Jennifer Lopez and Penelope Cruz on advertising campaigns several times around the world. I was also the director of both Miss Universe and IMG Models in Asia. Both are very hot properties in the world of fashion.

9. This is personal. Do you have any pets?

I have a very beautiful Lusitano horse back in my homeland France. My hometown is in Camargue, located in South of France, between Monaco and Spain. I cannot wait for summer to come! I will go back home for 2 months and ride it with the toros (black fighting bulls) on the open lands around my house.

10. What are your advices to building inner confidence and making impacting and lasting first impression?

Understand yourself, know your body type and dress accordingly. Be classy and portray elegance even when you speak or when you are eating.

Labels: Beauty Expert, Celebrity Stylist, Fashion Expert, Interview