21-year-old Yvonne Phillips captured the top spot in the Miss Woolworth pageant. She received several prices, including a week to rest and rejuvenate at Arawak Hotel.

Published November 12, 1962

‘Miss Woolworth’ crowned

MISS YVONNE Phillips, 21, a clerk employed at the Cosmetic Department of Woolworth’s, King Street, was chosen to wear the crown and robe of 'Miss Woolworth 1963' at the South Camp Hotel on Saturday night.

Runners-up were Pearline Haughton and Avril Stevens, second and third, respectively.

Phillips’ measurements are 34-23-38. She weighs 120lbs and her hobbies are swimming and drama.

Witnessed by over 250 members of staff and friends at the company’s annual staff party, the crowning took place just after midnight in the open air by the pool and under a sparkling array of lights.

The 10 contestants, in cocktail-length dresses, paraded before the judges to the rhythm of light music.

They had already been seen in bathing suits and judged for intelligence by the judges, and points were awarded thus: intelligence, 20; personality, 25; figure, 20; face, 15; deportment, 20.

The popular choice in colour among the girls’ dresses was white in lace, chiffon, but the winner, Phillips, chose blue.

Her dress was of light blue drama fashioned in a bell-shaped shirt, featuring four large tucks meeting in a 'V' at the hem. A large self-rose was worn in the centre of the 'V'. Pale ful- length gloves and white shoes completed her ensemble.

The second-prize winner, Pearline Haughton’s measurements are 36-25-38. She wore white drama and was the only contestant wearing a tiara. Stevens wore a sky-blue organza dress with white accessories. Her measurements, 34-25-36.

For the crowning, the girls took their places in U-formation on the stage and the winners were announced in 3-2-1 order.

Marlene Murray

Miss Jamaica 1962, Marlene Murray,  then decorated the queen with the red and gold satin cape and crowned her. Murray also handed out the prizes.

Phillips, for winning the title, will spend one week, all expenses paid at the Arawak Hotel and receive many gifts from various business firms.

Each contestant was made up by Max Factor and will also receive a gift package of Max Factor preparations.

A hairstyling competition 'Miss Crowning Glory' also contributed to the evening’s entertainment and Josette Morrison emerged as the winner. The second was Ludella Foot (Miss Woolworth 1961) and the third was Una MacMillan.

The panel of judges, chaired by Ivan Levy, was comprised of  John Evelyn, Mrs V. Chinloy, Peggy Samuels, Ken Rhino and Winston Meeks.

Emceeing the show was Charlie Babcock and the Vagabonds provided music for dancing until four in the morning.

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