Pageant News Bureau

Kim Harlen, former Miss Georgia Teen USA and reigning Miss World United States

Garments are our favorite thing to wear

Photos by Joe Whiteko / PNB

Remember 1999? The world was holding its breath to see what the year 2000 would bring. (It turned out to be more of the same, just like every year, but that's another story.)

In August 2004, there was a similar sense of expectation all around the globe. The pageant world was awaiting Sept. 1, the ninth anniversary of PNB. There were happy jitters from Stockholm to Singapore, from Australia to Atlanta.

Ashley Hayes, University of Georgia grad, sister of Samantha Hayes (former Miss University of Georgia), cousin of Traci Hayes (former Miss Illinois). She will soon be joining the WECT news team in Wilmington, N.C., as a reporter.

Christie Doss, Teen Miss Cobb County (Ga.)

Lauren Stockton, former Miss Alabama Teenager

Samantha Casey of Virginia, Beauties of America - America's Teen winner

Speaking of Atlanta, much of the energy in late August was crackling in the air in the city's fashion marketplace.

It was the biggest and most important market of the year for pageant, party, prom and bridal retailers.

It was also a magnet for models, and wherever models and beauty queens gather, their thoughts turn inevitably to PNB. And the eye of PNB is never far away.

In the heat of late August, the legendary Joe Whiteko was in Atlanta to capture the scenes, just before he started on a grand tour of the Midwest and Northeast.

Jennifer Blocker Campen, Miss Atlanta and first runner-up at MIss Georgia

Jennifer Prodgers Johnson, former Miss Georgia USA

Lindsey Laufersweiler, Miss Marietta (Ga.)

Now you can see what he saw. Aren't the clothes breathtaking? The girls are lovely, too, but we couldn't expect you to notice. You'll just have to take our word for it.

Yes, August was a fashionable month. But what did September bring? We will tell you soon. In the meantime, try to breathe normally.