CARLOS ALBERTO IS THE "OFFICIAL FASHIONS" SPONSOR OF THE 2009 MISS USA AND MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANTS

NEW YORK, N.Y., - January 23, 2009 - The Miss Universe Organization announced today that Carlos Alberto Haute Couture is the official sponsor for the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants in 2009 which will broadcast live on the NBC Universal television network.

Carlos Alberto is one of the most acclaimed fashion designers in Puerto Rico. Alberto is known for his high quality fashions that takes into consideration each individual as he designs for their unique personality and style. His various fashion shows in Puerto Rico have distinguished him as the top haute couture fashion designer in the region. The designer's numerous accomplishments have prompted him to create the new and innovative Carlos Alberto Haute Couture atelier. Throughout his illustrious career, Alberto has been chosen to design fashions for winners of the Miss Puerto Rico, Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions, including dresses for winners Zuleyka Rivera when she was crowned Miss Universe 2006 and Crystle Stewart when she was crowned Miss USA 2008.

"Carlos Alberto will be an incredible asset to our 2009 shows," said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. "Carlos has worked with our titleholders for years and now that he is a sponsor, we look forward to a broader relationship. His talent and unique vision will be a great addition to our productions."

"I am very honored and excited to be working with the Miss Universe Organization as the official sponsor for the 2009 Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants," said Carlos Alberto. "It humbles me to be the first designer from Puerto Rico to sponsor these incredible events and to represent Puerto Rico on the world's fashion stage. I have worked very hard and it brings me great joy that my dream has finally come true."

The 2009 Miss USA competition will air live on NBC on Sunday, April 19th at the Theatre for the Performing Arts located at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Donald J. Trump and Phil Gurin will again serve as Executive Producers for Miss USA® 2009.

The MISS UNIVERSEA®, MISS USAA® and MISS TEEN USAA® Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness and increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Gilda's Club, the women who champion these causes during their reign are armed to impact women today. The titleholders of the Miss Universe Organization personify the combination of beauty and intelligence that defines the 21st Century. Learn more at www.missuniverse.com.

PRESS CONTACTS:

The Miss Universe Organization
Lark-Marie Antón / Esther Swan / Carl Althoff
(212) 373-4999

Rubenstein Public Relations
Dara Busch
(212) 843-8079