Kerstin Margareta “Kiki” Hakansson, the Swedish beauty and the first-ever Miss World in history, passed away at the age of 95 on November 4th at her home in California. She passed away peacefully in her sleep, leaving behind an eternal legacy in the beauty industry.
Born on June 17, 1929, Kiki Hakansson was crowned the first Miss World in 1951 in London, after winning the Miss Sweden title. This victory marked a significant turning point in the history of the global beauty pageant.
According to family information, Mrs. Hakansson passed away peacefully, comfortably, and with attentive care. Chris Andersen, her son, expressed his emotional remembrance of his mother: “She was sincere, kind, loving, and joyful. She had a sharp sense of humor and a compassionate heart,” he shared in a statement sent to Mrs. Julia Morley.
Mrs. Julia Morley, Chairwoman of the Miss World organization, deeply expressed her condolences to Kiki Hakansson’s family: “We send our heartfelt and sincere condolences to Kiki’s family during this time. We will always think of her with the utmost respect and love. Our prayers are with her family, wishing them the strength to endure this difficult loss.”
Mrs. Morley continued, “Kiki was truly a trailblazer, and she rightly holds a special place in history, not only as the first Miss World but also as a symbol of change and progress in the pageant. Her passing leaves a gap that cannot be filled, but we will forever honor and cherish the memory of Kerstin (Kiki) Hakansson – a woman not only of beauty but also of a kind heart and resilient spirit. She will always remain in our hearts.”
Kiki Hakansson not only made her mark in Miss World history as the first-ever winner but also as a pioneer. The Miss World competition, originally called the Festival Bikini Contest, was organized by Eric Morley as a promotional event for swimwear at the British Festival in the mid-20th century. It was during this controversial event that Kiki Hakansson became the first Miss World, and also the only winner in history to be crowned wearing a bikini. This event drew strong attention and sparked reactions from the public and the media at the time.
Due to the controversies and backlash, the pageant decided in 1952 to ban bikinis and replace them with more modest swimwear. However, although bikinis were reintroduced in later years, Kiki Hakansson remains the only winner ever to have been crowned in a bikini, cementing her place in the event’s unforgettable history.
Kiki’s image, graceful and confident in her bikini, became a symbol not only of physical beauty but also of strength and determination, breaking through societal biases and barriers. Her passing marks the end of a chapter in Miss World history, but the contributions and legacy Kiki Hakansson left behind will always be remembered, and she will forever live in the hearts of those who admired her.
