These days, you can’t go anywhere without seeing a middle-aged lady toting an expensive luxury handbag. Gone are the wet-market Aunties; the 20th century Hot Mamas are here to stay.
Fifteen mothers, aged from mid-30s to 70s, were the epitome of Hot Mamas during City Harvest Church’s Chinese Church service at Jurong West on Sunday, 9 November 2008.
With their impeccably styled hair, flawless make-up and silver tiaras carefully positioned on their heads, these housewives were out to prove a point: Confidence is the new sexy!
“The objective of this event is to help enhance their self-image and self-esteem. Most of them are full-time mothers and there is the misconception that they don’t need to dress up or doll themselves up,” explained the event’s organizer, Jonathan New.
These 15 ladies were selected out of 50 based on who showed the greatest transformation. “We selected people who were more shy and reserved. We want to show the other mothers that if they can do it, you can do it too,” said Jonathan.
As the judges were making their final decisions, the congregation was treated to a display of talents, such as karaoke, make-up application and even tambourine dancing. Jill Lowe, the founder and principal image consultant of Jill Lowe International, spoke on etiquette and make-up.
However, an improved self-image was not the only take-away for the contestants. Backstage, the mood was cheery as they chatted, took photographs with one another and gushed over each other’s new looks. One of the Hot Mamas, Alyssa Chia, 35, said, “The experience, so far, has been very enriching. Although all of us wanted to win, we were genuinely happy for the one who won.”
This event also turned out to be a family affair. Anastasia Chu, who was the makeup artist for her mother, Zheng Bao Zhen, one of the Hot Mamas, revealed to City News a few weeks after the event, “My mother is a housewife and she normally stays at home. After this competition, she started to put more effort into her appearance. She is more confident of herself now.”
Organizers assures that fathers are not forgotten. Next up on the cards will be an event to showcase the physical and mental strength of all the daddies.
