Afro-Caribbean models compete in Chocolate Model Tour in Paris.

PARIS, FRANCE (NOVEMBER 23, 2008) REUTERS -
A French magazine dedicated to Afro-Caribbean women sponsored a
beauty pageant in Paris on Sunday (November 23) to highlight the lack of
visibility of "black beauties" in the French media.

The bi-monthly Chocolate Magazine auditioned nearly 5000
"chocolate" women aged 15 to 25 over the past several months in
European, African and Caribbean cities to take part in the "Chocolate
Model Tour," which culminated in the Paris event which featured 25
finalists.

Models walked the runway in colourful, sexy evening gowns as well as
elegantly revealing bathing suits.

"All the girls were very beautiful. It was really difficult to
choose a winner," said Erica, one of the judges.

The winner was 20-year-old Charlene Cibault from Martinique.
"I am delighted, and also proud. I am very happy," said
Charlene Cibault, who was awarded a prize of 3000 euros.

Chocolate Magazine says the goal of the Tour was to present young black
women as Afro-Caribbean examples of beauty and glamour, to counter the
overwhelmingly white standard of beauty presented by the media and fashion
industry.