It was the first time I’d been up close to a Miss Universe contestant. I felt intimidated – how a pigeon must feel standing next to a flamingo.

I turned to cross the shopping centre forecourt and noticed a small crowd creating a hubbub on the plaza. Curious, I stopped beside a white marquee and read the placard: Miss Universe 2014 WA Parade, Today 1pm and 3pm.

From behind a partition, one of the contestants stepped out beside me. Gazing up at her, her pre-Raphaelite mane ringed by a halo of mid-afternoon sun, I craned my neck to make out the top of her head.