Apr 18, 2001 - 12:52 AM

Miss Israel Will Wear Bulletproof Dress in Miss Universe Contest The Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) - Here she comes ... Miss Bulletproof. Beauty meets the bulletproof vest in a gown designed for Miss Israel to wear at the Miss Universe pageant next month.

The top of the silk dress, embroidered with diamonds and pearls, is covered by an army-issue flak jacket adorned with diamonds for a so-called softer look.

The dress sends a message that everyday life should go on despite renewed violence, its designer said.

"I want people in Israel to continue to go out," said Galit Levi, a Tel Aviv fashion designer. "But be careful."

Levi also designed two prior Miss Universe dresses. In 1998, her design featured the faces of Yitzhak Rabin, Yasser Arafat and Bill Clinton, leaders known for Middle East peace efforts. In 1999, the first Arab Miss Israel, Rana Raslan, wore a dress with a large red Star of David, an Israeli symbol.

Ilanit Levy, an 18-year-old soldier from Haifa, will wear the bulletproof dress in the Miss Universe competition May 11 in Puerto Rico.

AP-ES-04-18-01 0052EDT © Copyright 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001

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-- Anonymous, April 18, 2001