‘Islam is about unity,’ Muslim Miss World Australia 2017 says

Esma Voloder, 25, has come a long way from her war-torn roots. (Photo courtesy: Miss World Australia 2017)
Updated 18 July 2017
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‘Islam is about unity,’ Muslim Miss World Australia 2017 says

DUBAI: A Muslim woman who fled the Bosnian refugee camp she spent time in as a baby has been named Miss World Australia 2017.
Esma Voloder, 25, has come a long way from her war-torn roots and was awarded the coveted crown in a competition in Melbourne on Friday.
Voloder said that she hopes to use the title to challenge stereotypes associated with Islam.
“The Islam that I know, that is in the Qur’an, I don’t associate that with any acts that are occurring around the world,” she said after her crowning ceremony.

 

My heart is full Gratitude and joy overtook me last night as I was crowned @missworldaustralia 2017 at @grandhyattmelbourne Last night re-affirmed that dreams really can become realities. We have all heard this and some of us have been fortunate to not only think it, but truly know it… though it has never prevented the doubt that creeps up on us... it is faith in the best outcome provides us with the strength and motivation to do our best and continue striving. So many people I would like to give a whole hearted thank you to- My family for your love and support. Miss World Australia team and @pageantqueenaus (Miss World Australia director) for your kindness, understanding, faith and trust in me. The judges who represented diverse and relevant elements and industries in Australia that I admire- from an organisation dedicated to helping those in need and giving women opportunity, comedy to keep us light hearted, fashion that keeps us feeling who we are, health and fitness which equips us with the energy to chase our dreams and send positive messages, and reality which showcases bravery to be who we are in front of a large audience. To @phuketpearls for the stunning crown inspired by the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge-it is so appreciated and considerate of you to have incorporated iconic Australian culture into your carefully handcrafted masterpiece, it is so beautiful and I love it dearly <3 The @hugthailand for your partnership and hospitality- I am so very excited to travel to the land of smiles once I have an extra big one to bring to your country @ozwearaustralia , @novoshoes and all our other sponsors for their generously donated gifts (products, thoughts, hospitality and love) . Each time I received something I felt so spoilt and meeting some of you has been a pleasure you are all so infectious and it really does translate in your products. Thank you for having myself as your ambassador. It has been a blessing to raise funds under #beautywithaprpose and for @varietyaustralia . Thank you Australia- for giving me a home and opportunity to do good #missworldaustralia2017

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“People tend to blame religion for the atrocities that are happening, but if we do that we take responsibility away from the individuals.”
The seasoned pageant competitor told the crowd that “a lot of things have been misconstrued about Islam.
“I feel that a category has been created that is not really what the Qur’an actually promotes. I believe Islam is about peace, unity, prosperity and inclusion.”

Voloder moved to Australia when she was five-months-old and went on to earn a degree in psychology.
She now works as a criminal profiler in Melbourne and said that she hopes to inspire unity in her new role.
“Despite what your personal beliefs are, if we all believe in what is good, we can work together and make this world a beautiful and liveable place while we are here.”

 


Chopard unveils new images featuring Bella Hadid

Updated 06 January 2026
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Chopard unveils new images featuring Bella Hadid

  • Wears jewelry, clothes from Happy Hearts collection
  • Model also reveals images celebrating the New Year

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Bella Hadid has become a key face for Chopard, fronting several of the maison’s campaigns and reinforcing her close ties with the brand.

She was featured in Chopard’s latest Instagram posts, pairing an off-duty outfit with pieces from the brand’s jewelry collections.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Chopard Official (@chopard)

In one image, Hadid embraced understated dressing in classic blue jeans and a crisp white T-shirt, elevating the minimalist look with statement pieces from Chopard’s Happy Hearts collection.

She layered five delicate gold bracelets along her wrist, each punctuated with the collection’s signature heart motif, creating a refined stacked effect.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Chopard Official (@chopard)

The look was completed with a matching gold heart necklace resting softly at the neckline, coordinating ring, and gold watch, all echoing the same heart design that defines the collection.

In another post, she wore a black halter-neck top, accessorized with rose-gold rings and a stacked bracelet set from the same collection, featuring heart-shaped motifs.

The model’s collaboration with Chopard began in 2017 when she became one of the faces of the brand’s high jewelry collections.

Since then, she has appeared in several campaigns and worn Chopard pieces at major international events, including the Cannes Film Festival, Met Gala, and Paris Fashion Week.

In August, Hadid starred in the latest campaign spotlighting Chopard’s L’Heure du Diamant collection. The brand shared a behind-the-scenes video from the shoot, showing her in a white halter-neck dress as she posed in the sparkling jewelry pieces.

Hadid marked the start of the new year by sharing a carousel of images this week, offering a glimpse into how she celebrated the occasion. She rang in the New Year in Aspen.

She spent the final moments of 2025 wearing a look by Lebanese designer Georges Chakra.

The sheer-black lace dress was intricately embroidered with black crystals, featuring sculpted lace appliques framing the neckline and bodice, with satin bands finishing the hem.

Hadid and her friends appeared to celebrate in a mountain lodge, where the group gathered around a wooden fire pit to stay warm, enjoyed a fine dining experience, and continued the celebrations into the night.