It’s summer and time for the beauty contests of old.
While Italy is undergoing trials for the next Mediaset “veline” or showgirls, at the famous seaside town of Riccione, Claudia Ferraris has been crowned the Italian Miss Universe candidate for 2008, beating the other 23 finalists.
Claudia is 19 years old and had already cut her teeth in 2006 at the Miss Italia contest after having won the Miss Lombardia stage.
From the province of Bergamo, she has green eyes, light brown hair, is 1.
75 metres tall and has a size 40.
The economics and commerce student will represent Italy in Vietnam, where contestants from 90 countries will compete for the title of Miss Universe 2008.
The girl from Bergamo, who succeeds the previous candidate Valentina Massi, was crowned by current Miss Universe from Japan, Riyo Mori (seen in the below photo gallery).
Italy has never won the Miss Universe contest, although came close in 1960 with Daniela Bianchi winning second place (who also appeared in the James Bond 007: From Russia with Love film) and again in 1987 with second place going to Roberta Capua.
The beauty contest is the most prestigious of its kind, having been established in California in 1952 and currently managed by Donald Trump.
Below you can see some photos of Claudia Ferraris and Riyo Mori.
Claudia Ferraris, Miss Universe Italy 2008 Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007