On September 1, 2007, at the legendary
Capannina in Forte dei Marmi (Italy), a panel of 15 expert judges (leaders in fashion, beauty, and the entertainment industry) selected the new
Miss and Mister Salute Tisanoreica among 16 talented young male and female finalists.
This innovative beauty contest, created and produced by Italian entrepreneur
Gianluca Mech, successfully challenges the widespread, contemporary obsession with ultra-thin bodies "at all costs" by putting health back on center stage. Participants, symbolically called
Sirens and
Dolphins, are not simply chosen for their harmonious proportions and good looks, but also for their intelligence, positive attitude and sense of humor, as well as for the high level of self-discipline necessary for leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Angelica Quatela, an 18-year old native of Biella, and
Emanuele Fiore, 19 years old, from Torino, were crowned
Miss Health and
Mister Health, respectively. Both embody and wholeheartedly embrace the contest's very positive and holistic definition of beauty: vibrant, healthy and health-conscious, balanced, and natural.
Also honored were
Andrea Bonaldo, 32, who received a sash "Dietro la Bellezza" (Behind the Beauty), and
Marija Mihaljevic, 22, who received a sash "Armonia delle Forme" (Harmony of Forms).
As winners of the contest, Angelica and Emanuele will tour through Italy for a year, inspiring and educating young people in the art (and discipline) of self-care. In March of 2008, their extraordinary journey will bring them to Los Angeles, where – thanks to two full scholarships offered by Patricia Sturla as part of their prize – they will study modeling and acting at Patricia Sturla Studios.
