'Face of Allure' is Miss World 1st runner-up

MANILA, Philippines - Miss World 1st runner-up Gwendoline “Gwen” Ruais was our “Face of Allure” almost exactly a year ago, displaying a face and form that were definitely world-class.

In an interview with Allure’s Jerni May Camposano, Gwen said that as a child, she didn’t have a specific ambition. “I was too busy enjoying the present to seriously think about the future,” she confided. At the time, she was a popular model — appearing in major fashion editorials and countless print ads. She just represented the country in the Super Model of Asia in China and won “Best in Catwalk” in the modeling competition.

Last Monday, the 5-ft.-11-in.-tall Filipino-French model was crowned Miss World 2011 First Princess, the best finish of a Filipino beauty queen this pageant season. Armed with beauty and brains, Gwen easily got the judges’ nod at the 60-year-old pageant held at Earls Court in London on Nov. 6.

“People asked me why I stopped modeling when I was doing well. My answer, when you’re modeling, you do it for yourself. It’s a personal thing. But when you join Miss World Philippines, you represent your country. You’re an ambassador. You can help others in the causes you believe in,” Gwen, 21, said in an interview with Miss World judges, according to an AFP report.

Gwen, who started modeling at 12, looks up to her mom, former international model Malou Ramos-Ruais. She also describes her childhood as a perfect adventure because she was able to visit several beautiful places in the world as her dad Vincent Ruais was a former manager of Air France in Southeast Asia.

Gwen finished her Business Management degree (with honors) from Southville Foreign University. She believes that in life, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. “You just have to figure out if the goal is worth the effort to achieve it.”