On the docket for 2013 fashion, former Miss America (2000) and fashion designer Heather French Henry predicts cocktail dresses will feature more sophisticated ideas of presentation with class coming back into style looking to Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, for a responsible and stylish representation. “We have great influences with Kate Middleton showing you can be stylish and trendy without being trashy. That bodes well for us at Miss America. The look that Kate puts forth is in line to look responsible yet stylish.” Expect lengthy, longer looks with a nod in the direction of traditional and sensible class. “Class never goes out of style,” says Henry who also forecasts details such as fabrics being tailored in an origami way.

The evening gown portion of Miss America competitions is Robin Fleming’s favorite part of competition. While everyone wants to see a glorious gown on Miss America, Fleming, the Gown Guru and Designer with La Casa Hermosa of Wellington in Florida, sees this time as an opportunity for girls to express their own personality.

When it comes to a classic, winning style and appearance Fleming likes to see, “A fitted gown—the silhouette of a woman. It’s really the emblem by which this whole contest is based upon, female power and female energy.”

“The dress should look amazing on her. It should feel like a marriage of gown to girl.” Miss America is really, “the people’s princess here in America,” says Fleming who thinks her overall look should be fresh, young, trendy and elegant.

So, what does Henry expect Miss America to look like on stage when she’s crowned?

“That’s tough because there is no model—none of us look alike. Miss America is crowned in the interview, which no one gets to see. I’m more interested in the fact that Miss America, regardless of what she looks like, has to be able to speak to crowds and take a leadership position and be a role model.”

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Source: Robin Fleming and Heather French Henry