PERFECT ENDINGS

Last week, as world leaders prepared to gather in Washington, D.C., to discuss the global economic crisis, a meeting of a very different sort was taking place: in Paris, experts in the human posterior gathered in their quest for the world’s most beautiful bum. More than 11,200 well-reared individuals submitted photos for consideration in the competition, sponsored by an underwear manufacturer. The gruelling selection process saw 45 finalists strut their stuff for a “VIP jury” including a supermodel, an astronaut and a “bum-painting artist.” Of all the hindquarters on display, it was that of Melanie Nunes Fronckowiak, 20, of Brazil, which won for women. Scoring for the men was 27-year-old Saiba Bombote of France, whose back bumper most impressed the jury. Both will receive a modelling contract, prize money, and the much-admired title, “Most Beautiful Bottom in the World.” The manufacturer, meanwhile, gets to put its name on their beautiful derrières.