by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Marleigh Petras is the new Miss Bikini US. And the seeds for her success were planted back in 2019.
2019 was the year when she first competed for Miss Bikini US. (The 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19).
Along the way, she competed in her home state in 2019 and 2021 for the Miss Wisconsin USA crown (a precursor to Miss USA). She finished in the top 15 both years.
“I had no idea what I was doing,” said Marleigh of the 2019 Miss Bikini US contest, which was her first ever pageant. “I was just happy to be there.”
Prior to Miss Bikini US, Marleigh had already been working on a career in fashion, with an ambition to become the next supermodel.
That’s when the Miss Bikini US organization stepped forward.
A representative spied her modeling photographs on Instagram and reached out to ask her to consider joining the competition, said Marleigh.
The timing was right, said Marleigh. So, she entered.
Marleigh didn’t win in 2019. But the Miss Bikini US experience did pay dividends.
Since that first Miss Bikini US competition, Marleigh said her modeling career began gaining traction. “I have been published in several magazines, have done numerous runway shows and was even signed by a modeling agency.”
Then 2021 happened. After not winning in 2019, she won the top prize.
“It feels incredible,” said Marleigh about winning the title. “I still feel like I am on cloud nine.”
Looking back to that moment on July 8 at the Hilton Cabana Miami Beach when the finals for Miss Bikini US were held, Marleigh recalled being somewhat disappointed when she didn’t hear her name announced as Miss Bikini US Model or as Miss Ocean.
However, Marleigh said she knew there was still a chance she could become Miss Bikini US.
She knew she could tick off yes on two of the requirements to win the Miss Bikini US crown.
Must be 5’7” or taller. Yes.
Must have a valid U.S. passport. Yes.”
However, there was still a question mark on the list of requirements for the top crown.
Was she the contestant who scored highest among the judges?
Marleigh didn’t know that one.
But then her question was answered.
When her name was called as Miss Bikini US, “I just felt a rush of emotion take over.”
“I did it.”
As a model, Marleigh said, she loves that she gets to meet new people. “I am a networker at heart, and I love hearing people’s stories.”
Marleigh also enjoys wearing the creations of designers.
During Miss Bikini US, Marleigh had the opportunity to wear swimsuits by a host of designers at a fashion show held by the organization during Miami Swim Week. She also wore a bunch of swimsuits of her own choice to appear before a team of photographers who were given the task to shoot the contestants and judge how photogenic they were.
Marleigh said her personal favorite style for swimwear is a “high-cut leg swimsuit bottom with a triangle bikini top, which is usually paired with a skirt tied at the hip. I love the classic black when it comes to color or a bright coral. Honestly, any two-piece bikini would make me happy as long as it is accompanied by an ocean view.”
When she doesn’t pull on a swimsuit, Marleigh said, “I love dressing up. All of my friends would agree that I am usually overdressed for absolutely everything and always encouraging others to do the same.”
“I am the girl that shows up in a pair of Steve Madden silver thigh-highs unapologetically,” said Marleigh.
“Fashion is fun. Dressing up is fun. Watching others feel beautiful is even more fun,” said Marleigh.
If she had to pick a fashion idol, Marleigh said her “more or less model crush, is Hailey Bieber. I love everything about her, and a lot of people tell me I look like her. Hopefully one day I can tell her that.”
Marleigh entered Miss Bikini US to amp her modeling career. Where does she see herself going next?
“From a modeling standpoint, it is my dream to walk in Miami Swim Week and get connected with Sports Illustrated,” said Marleigh.
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
