Okay, beauty pageants haven't exactly been the pinnacle of high fashion (despite some attempts at updating the events). However, the Miss Universe Japan competition gives us hope -- how is it that those Japanese girls are always so darn stylish?

Rather than the skimpy, sparkly outfits we've gotten used to seeing in the Miss USA competition, Miss Japan contestants were decked out in retro, 40s-inspired swimsuits and complementary hats -- so chic and stylish, making it more like a music video or photo shoot than a traditional pageant.

We can't say that we're surprised -- we're often drawn to Japanese trends well before they show up here in the States. But we're definitely intrigued. Will we see similar costuming for the Miss Universe pageant?