At Camille’s of Wilmington, pageant gowns are never chosen at random. They are selected with the stage in mind. The lighting, the movement and the moment a young woman steps forward and introduces herself to the community. Each year, our work with the North Carolina Azalea Festival Scholarship Pageant allows us to bring that philosophy to life in one of Wilmington’s most meaningful traditions.
The Story Behind the Azalea Festival Scholarship Pageant
The North Carolina Azalea Festival Scholarship Pageant is a long‑standing Wilmington tradition, held each year during the second weekend of March. The pageant celebrates junior girls from area high schools who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and a commitment to community service.
Unlike traditional talent-based pageants, contestants are evaluated through a private interview, an on‑stage presentation, and an evening gown competition. The winner is crowned Azalea Festival Princess and spends the following year attending official events and appearances throughout the festival season and beyond. Camille’s of Wilmington is honored to serve as the Official Stylist of the Festival Princess, dressing her throughout her reign.
A Look Back: The 2025 Azalea Festival Princess
In March 2025, Mia Volety, a junior from John T. Hoggard High School, was crowned the North Carolina Azalea Festival Princess during the 77th Annual Scholarship Pageant, held at Kenan Auditorium on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Mia was selected from a field of 32 contestants representing nine area high schools. Alongside her court, she exemplified the confidence, grace, and leadership the Scholarship Pageant is designed to celebrate. As the recipient of the Beverly Anne Jurgensen Scholarship Award, Mia represented the festival throughout the year at community events and official appearances.
Moments like Mia’s crowning highlight why thoughtful gown selection matters. On stage, the right dress enhances confidence, photographs beautifully, and supports a strong, polished presence under bright lights.
Dressing the Princess: Gowns for a Year of Service
Once the Azalea Festival Princess is crowned, our team receives her measurements and begins thoughtfully selecting gowns for her year of service. These dresses are chosen not only for their beauty, but for how they perform on stage and at formal events.
Each gown is selected with intention — considering fabric, color, structure, comfort, and how it will move and photograph during long days of appearances.
The Azalea Queen & Her Court
In addition to dressing the Festival Princess, Camille’s of Wilmington also dresses the Azalea Festival Queen and her Court during festival events. Traditionally styled in signature pink gowns, the Queen and her Court embody the elegance and celebration that define Azalea Festival weekend.
These dresses are curated to honor tradition while ensuring each woman feels confident, polished, and stage‑ready.
What to Look for in a Pageant Gown
Many of the gowns at Camille’s are selected specifically with the Scholarship Pageant stage in mind. Below are key elements we look for — each one playing an important role in how a gown performs under stage lights.
Sparkle That Reads on Stage
Sequins, beading, and reflective fabrics help a gown come alive under bright lighting. Subtle sparkle can elevate a look, while intentional shine ensures a contestant stands out from a distance.
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Fabrics That Move Beautifully
Satin, chiffon, and layered skirts create fluid movement that feels elegant and confident during walks and turns on stage.
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Structure & Support
Corsetry, boning, and thoughtful construction provide comfort and confidence. A well‑structured gown allows a contestant to focus on her presentation — not adjusting her dress.
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Color That Performs Under Lights
Stage lighting can dramatically affect color. We select hues that photograph well and maintain depth and vibrancy under bright lights.
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Silhouettes That Command Presence
Clean lines and intentional silhouettes create a strong, polished look that reads clearly from every angle — on stage and in photos.
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Curated With Purpose
