from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Feb 25:  Two of the biggest trend-setters of the fashion world -- Femina Miss India and Pantaloons -- have joined hands to organize the 44th edition of Femina Miss India Pageant, officials stated.

"We have started our search for icons, who will represent India at international pageants such as Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Asia Pacific, this year," Kishore Biyani, Managing Director, Pantaloon Retail (India) Limited stated.

“The new Indian woman is conscious of her image, her fashion, as well as her abilities, and is playing a larger role in the society today. We feel that both Pantaloons and Femina are both, strong brands, catering to the needs and aspirations of this woman. Pantaloons, has therefore decided to be associated with the Femina Miss India pageant,” he added.

"With a strong 44 year old legacy, Femina Miss India is the oldest and the most credible beauty pageant in India," Vineet Jain, managing director, Bennette & Co. Ltd, said.

"Since it first began, the Femina Miss India pageant has changed considerably. The focus has shifted from finding the prettiest face in the country to fining a set of women having the level of finesse and class required to compete internationally," he said.

The event calls for unmarried girls in the age group of 18 to 25 (as on Jan 31, 2007) to live their dream of a sparkling career in the field of fashion and provides them with a stepping stone to international recognition. The entries for the event, this year, closes on March 4, 2007.