What Style means to me...

By Love Bradley

As I reflect on the evening gown I chose for the Miss California Competition this year, I think deeply about the woman I’ve grown into and the vision I wanted to present on stage. This was the first year I intentionally researched gown styles that resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to honor one of my greatest fashion inspirations: Audrey Hepburn. Her classic, timeless elegance has always been something I admired not just in fashion, but in the way she carried herself with grace and purpose. 

After being crowned Miss San Fernando Valley 2025, I felt as though I had achieved one of my biggest dreams: showing up as my authentic self while radiating the confidence the Miss America Organization has helped me build over the last seven years. My very first competition in this organization was Miss Los Angeles County 2018. I’ll never forget that night I won the evening gown and on-stage question awards. During the question portion, I was asked, “What does confidence mean to you?” I remember saying something along the lines of it being my very first competition ever, and that confidence meant having the courage to stand on that stage and speak my truth in front of so many people. 

Fast forward to now, winning the evening gown award again on that same stage, and walking away with a title was one of the proudest moments of my life. In those seven years, I’ve grown into a woman who is bold, joyful, thoughtful, passionate, and fiercely committed to service. But one thing has remained the same-my heart for others, and my belief that true leadership is rooted in compassion. 

Even as I watch videos of myself walking in my dress for the first time, it melts my heart. I reflect on that 13-year-old girl who had a spark and see how that spark has grown. She’s still there, just older, wiser, and even more determined to live a life led by love and dedication to others. 

When I began trying on gowns for this year’s competition, I wanted one that truly reflected who I am. And then it happened with the very first gown I tried on. I had never seen myself glow in that way. I felt confident, beautiful, and completely myself. I didn’t need any alterations; it fit perfectly, like it was made for me. It felt like a symbol of how far I’ve come, and of who I am today: a woman who is elegant yet bold, poised yet powerful, with a deep love for people and a passion for public service. I believe this gown honors the timeless elegance I admire in Audrey Hepburn and modern icons like Lori Harvey. 

Audrey once said, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands—one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” That quote resonates deeply with me. My Community Service Initiative, Love Leads the Way: A Call to Service, is built on that very belief that beauty and style are not just about how we present ourselves, but about the light we carry within us. I want everyone reading this to know that elegance begins on the inside and when you lead with love, it shows in everything you do. 

As I prepare to compete for the title of Miss California, I’m putting in the hard work not just to show the judges that I’m ready, but to prove to myself that this moment is the culmination of everything I’ve worked for every act of service, every ounce of growth, and every step I’ve taken in faith. I’m ready, and beyond proud of myself.

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Love Bradley is the current Miss San Fernando Valley (CA). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.