It’s about this time of year that East Coast stockists experience a dramatic shortage in foundation, false eye lashes, sequins and spandex. The scale of the event is staggering and it’s only when you look at the weeklong format you realize how tough and talented these girls are!

From day one of the 2009 finals it was clear that this field was one of the finest in years and whoever was to take the title would have to have that special something. As it turned out, that special something was magic – literally. Amarli Inez from Sydney who had been smashing it all week unleashed her Magic tinged Chicago routine upon a very appreciative audience, a spectacular that would secure her the crown and a new legion of fans!

Also making crackerjack appearances were first and second runners up Chante’ and Angel Fox, both Perth ladies, proving once again the folk in the West have got it goin’ awn!

We caught up with the newly crowned Miss Nude Australia, Amarli Inez a few days after her win to relive the week long high. Sipping on a coffee over a relaxing cafe lunch, Amarli cooed about her win and the amazing week that lead to her to the title.

(RedHotPie) So what a week hey, what was the field like this year?

(Amarli Inez) Yeah good, Perth actually produced some really hot girls this year! I don’t know what’s going on in Western Australia.

Something in the water

Yeah all the dark horses come from Perth, but on the whole a lot of good girls this year, it was really challenging but that’s the way we like it!

And who were the favourites going in?

Well the girl I went down with from Sydney, she has the full Pamela Anderson look you know, the massive boobs and the long blonde hair and the perfect pouty lips she was always a real chance, and when I turned up and saw the show I fell in love with Angel from Perth, I loved all her props and her entire show was so professional and well rehearsed!

And I guess what the male readers are wondering is what goes on behind the scenes, is it all lovey-dovey or does it get a bit catty backstage?

Actually we all get on really well

Come on, that’s the boring answer

(laughs) Well I could fabricate some stories for you. No I think we’re all mature and sensible enough to know that there’s only going to be one winner

So does it go the other way then, does the party ever get out of control? Are you girls a bad influence on each other?

(laughs) It’s funny that you mention that because there were a few moments like that during the week yes.

Well what’s the dirt?

(laughs) No, no, no, it wasn’t me in the middle of things I can tell you that, so they’re not my stories to tell

So it’s something you’ve observed

Yeah all I can say is that there is indeed some behind the scenes girl love. It’s way better than fighting!

Absolutely! Now the big crowds turn out for the final night of competition on Friday but it’s actually a week long finals series… is that a bit of a grind?

Oh yeah, hugely, even when you’re not performing you’re at the club parading, full hair, full make-up.

What do you mean by parading?

Well there are stages you know, you have to do one in your evening wear then you come out again later in your bikini and the judges score your body parts, so, you know, one night will be best bum or best boobs or best overall body. So each night there are different parades and it gets pretty tiring you know, I mean you’re always doing your hair and your make-up so by the end of the week everyone’s just exhausted.

And recount your own show. Tell us about the fire!

Yes I had fire, I had seen a magician in Sydney and I loved his show, of course his trick are better than mine but yeah I had fire and some other tricks and then I began removing articles of clothing until I was down to my Chicago out fit and you know the rest.

Yes indeed and when they announced you as the winner, what was that moment like?

Oh it was surreal, I kinda went into shock for a few minutes but yeah it was crazy. I didn’t get really get a chance to call anyone or let anyone know for an hour or more after the show, everyone just kept coming up to talk to me.

Well everyone wants a piece of the champ Amarli

(laughs) yes it would seem so

So what’s next for Miss Nude Australia? Ceremonial duties? Baby kissing?

Yeah I’ll be cutting the ribbons at school openings, a lot of that kinda stuff (laughs) Nah I’m not sure, I’ve kinda won most things now, you know I had Miss Centrefold last year, I won Miss Nude this year. I think I’ll just concentrate on my teaching. I teach pole dancing so I think I’ll focus on that.

Pass the magic on to a new generation

Yeah exactly (laughs).

Traveller’s top picks included the Running of the Nudes, Nude Beach Olympics and annual World Naked Bike Ride events.

“Travellers looking to really make a statement have got some great choices in these naked events,” said Michele Perry, vice president of communications for TripAdvisor.

Nudist beaches from Greece to the Caribbean and the US have made the top five selection of the world’s best nude beaches.

“And for those looking to let it all hang out or express their inner selves, these top beaches are just the thing.”

Top five naked events

1. World Naked Bike Ride, worldwide, June and July

Held annually since 2004, bike riders from all around the world celebrate cycling in the nude. Nude cyclists bared their bods to stand up for what they believe in, with messages painted on their bodies. If you plan to participate next year, one TripAdvisor traveller advises, “Remember the sunscreen…those saddles will be hot, hot, hot, so cover them up before alighting, people!”

2. World Record Skinny Dip, US, July

More than 12,000 people stripped off and gathered in pools across the US to form the “largest number of people skinny dipping at once,” now a category in the Guinness Book of World Records. All participants were required to don their full birthday suits, and word has it they plan to strip down again next year in hopes of beating the record again.

3. Nude Beach Olympics, Maslin Beach, Australia, January

The Nude Olympics take place on South Australia’s sunny Maslin Beach, where the games are a celebration of the town’s status as first official nude beach in the country. A three-legged race is included among the events.

4. Running of the Nudes, Pamplona, Spain, July

The “Running of the Nudes” protests the cruelty of bullfighting, with participants showing some skin in hopes that one day Pamplona’s bulls won’t have to, donning plastic bull horns, red scarves, and little else, and running the half-mile Pamplona course.

One TripAdvisor traveller says, “I was shocked but entertained because everything was jiggling around and flopping around, if you know what I mean.”

5. Burning Man, Black Rock Desert, Nevada, August – September

The annual Burning Man project is a self-proclaimed haven of self-expression, creativity and community that draws 50,000 people to the Black Rock Desert. Participants often take advantage of the free-spirited attitude by getting nude.

Top five nudist beaches

1. Haulover Beach Park, Miami Beach, Florida, US

With more than a million visitors annually, Haulover Beach Park is known for being a busy, family-friendly area with the option to experience a laid-back naturist environment, plus it is close to the steamy South Beach nightlife.

2. Wreck Beach, Vancouver, Canada

With spectacular views and five miles of sand, Wreck beach is Canada’s first and largest clothing-optional beach.

One TripAdvisor traveller said, “Wreck Beach is a magical place where I can strip off my layers of clothes and judgments, troubles and insecurities, and become one with the earth.”

3. Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece

A party atmosphere and amazing scenery make this beach a favourite amongst clothing-optional travellers.

4. Orient Beach, St. Maarten, Caribbean

Coral reefs keep the water calm, and also make for unbelievable snorkeling. Just watch out for the sea urchins.

5. Black’s Beach, San Diego, California, US

Black’s has a history of sunbathers who let it all hang out. Surfers also enjoy the beach, where they can ride the sometimes-dangerous waves naked. One TripAdvisor traveller said, “This is simply a stunning beach…all of us found Black’s Beach to be a very comfortable place to shed our clothes and inhibitions.”

Our fascination with sexy snaps

Who of us had heard that Pauline Hanson had re-entered the political arena a few months back? Sure it made the news and it may have made a fleeting smudge on our radars but the story was never going to stop the presses. But how many of us sat up and took note when the Sydney Telegraph published naked photos of a woman they claimed to be a 19-year-old Hanson.

Ever man and his dog hit the internet looking for the pictures of the fiery redhead, sans kit, and the whole thing went off like the proverbial frog in the sock. If we were to ask our friends over at Google how Pauline went in their search term rankings that week you can bet the farm her numbers would have shot through the roof, and all because of a little skin, which as it turns out wasn’t Pauline’s skin anyway, but the point is made.

A recent RedHotPie poll revealed that 78% of people had sent naked pictures of themselves to others via their mobile telephones – 78%! Get your head around that number and you start to realise how comfortable we are becoming with our bodies and sexuality. Sure the intent is rarely to blast these pics into public forums but the possibility of this outcome doesn’t douse the exhibitionist in us the way it once did.

Pop duo The Veronica’s have had a string of hits, launched their own fashion label and toured the world, but last year, one of their biggest headlines came when pictures of Lisa Origliasso appeared on the internet showing the young siren starkers, posing for an ex lover. Of course through her reps the validity of the photos were questioned but in the end, the fanfare went away and The Veronicas powered on, more than likely with a few extra fans.

The media don’t lynch celebs that feature in these sexy pics and tapes anymore, careers are not ruined the way they once were, in fact they quite often receive playful, even positive press.

Just look at the recent careers hit by these “scandals”. Vanessa Hudgens: still working, Pamela Anderson: still working, Pete Wentz still working… there’s a pattern beginning to form here and it’s pretty clear that we are emerging from the sexual dark ages. Hallelujah!

Of course it would be very clear to most of you that we’re not talking about celebrities exclusively. We’re all plugged into the grid, we’re all techno users and we’re all sexual beings, so as the recent RHP poll results prove, the bulk of us are snapping away; and why the bloody hell not?!? What’s hotter than sharing some smouldering skin with a lover, a little reminder of the carnal wonderland awaiting us upon our next encounter?

So pull out the old Box Brownie or get into the digital camera market, hell you phone will more than likely do the job! Re-ignite the night, splash a little spice on things and start shooting some truly sexy stuff! SEND.