Project Runway Recaps: NY Fashion Week Finale Episode --Waiting for the WOW!

Project Runway Recaps: NY Fashion Week Finale Episode --Waiting for the WOW!

Did Anyone "Wow" Me, Finale Runway Show DISH from the Bleachers, Side Boobs and Wonky Center Backs...Oh, and The Winner Is...

NY Fashion Week Stars: (left to right) Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Jennifer Hudson and Nina Garcia--the judges for the Finale Episode of Season 10 Project Runway

Last night was the Finale Episode of Lifetime Network's Project Runway Season 10. This is the episode when the four top designers get to show at Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week. Because of when the season was filmed (they shot the season over this past Summer),the collections they showed were for Spring/Summer 2013. The actual runway show occurred in early September, and I was there.

NIKOLAKI Duo: Nick Verreos and David Paul--Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 Season 10 Project Runway Finale Runway Collections

I happened to be in NYC with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul for meetings in my NYC showroom with various big department stores for a new line of mine, NV by Nick Verreos, so it was nice that I could also attend this Project Runway Finale fashion show at Lincoln Center.

So, the big question is Did Any of The Designers "WOW us"?. All season long, Tim, Nina, Heidi, Michael...and ME (on my Lifetime.com Blog) PLEADED that someone...anyone "Wow Us". And nothing (except for Christopher Palu's FABULOUS "Rockettes" creation). So, then it was down to the final four, and even Miss Heidi (in last week's episode) suggested for them to "Wow" her (and the rest of the judges) with their Finale NY Fashion Week 10-look collections. So...did they? Well, out of 4 designers one did bring the Wow!

The Best Seatmates: Season 1 Winner Jay McCarroll, Nick Verreos and Season 2 Winner Chloe Dao--Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 Season 10 Project Runway Finale Runway Collections

I sat next to Jay McCarroll and Chloe Dao, Project Runway Season 1 and Season 2 Winners, respectively. And let me tell you, we had a BLAST. Not just because we like each other (a lot!) but because of the running commentary we had going through the runway show. Lifetime Network really missed an opportunity to have us mic'd and be doing a LIVE video feed that would later be on their website--"The Chloe, Jay, and Nick Show". If only you heard what we were saying (very quietly and discreetly but still...). Now, before I get to my RECAP of the episode and my "Two Cents" on the Finale Collections, I wanted to reiterate that sitting there in the Lincoln Center bleachers and then watching it on TV, edited and on HD, is a whole different thang. With that said...



Christopher Palu:

Christopher was the cutest--and funniest this season--when it came to his queeny/bitchy commentary. And he also won four challenges so I called him the Season 10 "Golden Boy". When it came time for his Finale Collection, it was a bit of a potpourri. I was a little disappointed. It was too much black and too much leather--for a Spring/Summer Collection (yes, there's always some black in every season's collection, but especially this coming Spring/Summer 2013, it's ALL ABOUT COLOR!).

I Liked: If I had to pick an item I really liked from his collection, it would be this cropped leather jacket. This was chic, young and fresh albeit very Fall.

Not So Mucheey: This was his first "exit"/look and judge Michael Kors really liked it. I liked the top but it was the skirt that was a bit off-putting. It was mainly the "OH HUNEY" thigh showing in that slit. It made an impact as she began the show, and well, at least in my row, it wasn't a good impact.

The Gown: I liked Christopher's "finale" gown. It was very him; the raw edge bias-cut ombré organza panels...this gown had his "signature". But then when the model turned around, the Fashion Instructor-For-The-Last-9-Years set in, and...

Wonky Back: I noticed all thee "ooopsies". The back silver/gray panels should have matched. Period. Unforgivable. And then, the "lifting up" of the center back and the finishing of the invisible zipper was sloppy. This is something I saw from many of my fashion school students when making bustiers and strapless dresses/gowns. The center back should have been "tru'ed"/shaved off, so it would not "lift up" like you see in the photo. It also shows that the zipper was sewn incorrectly--it was stretched out. Call me a "Sewing Negative Ninny" but sorry. this is a sign of someone who needs a little more time in, as Tim Gunn says "the Fashion Incubator". That back should not look like that in the NY Fashion Week "stage". Never.



Melissa Fleis:

Melissa was one of the designers in the LA Castings that we let through to the "next round" when I judged. I loved her Chic Goth Girl aesthetic and designs, especially since she looked like the complete opposite with her nice bubbly personality and blond hair (usually those girls look like Rooney Mara!).

I Liked: The new "blood orange" leather asymmetrical dress she made. The draping, pleating, high cowl-neck...so FAB! Paired with the hair and those booties: Go Girl!

I also liked the look above. Thank goodness she took out those Johnny Depp "Pirates of the Caribbean" turn-up oversized cuffs. This model looked sleek and in control.

Not So Mucheey: This blue and black leather "swimsuit" was a big "Oh No She Didn't"--as an attendee, sitting there LIVE in the Finale runway show. Why? Well, as she walked, you could see her underwear. It was a bit disconcerting, to say the least as well as HOOCHIE. I was surprised to see that from Melissa. But on TV, this looked so SUPER Fab! So, there you go...what matters? TV or sitting there in the audience watching it?

Uh Oh: THE White Tank Dress. It took the model--what felt like TEN MINUTES--to make it to the end of the runway and back--as I sat there in my seat and watched this. She could not walk in that dress. Not because of her heels, but because of the lack of sweep in the hem. She need a slit. ASAP. And then, I noticed the side-boob. Again, the Fashion School Instructor in me screamed "Add 3 inches to the side seam and fill in the side, PLEASE!". 

More Side Boobage: And yeah, the white dress wasn't the only garment with a peek-a-boo breast sighting. This LBD above also needed my "Nick V. Pattern Making 101" help. Notice the double-stick tape. Major No No. 



Fabio Costa:

Fabio--Freegan, Dumpster Diving, UBER skirt-wearing bearded hipster...I LOVE his own sense of style. He reminds me of Malcolm McLaren's "Buffalo Gals" from the early 80's. Or a really hip Amish from Brazil! His collection WOWED. Not in a "OMG That's some COUTURE fabulousness!" but more of "That's a breath of fresh air" wow. The pastel colors, the askew draping...the directional styling. It was modern, fresh and "The Next Thing".



I Liked All These:

Layered Buffalo Gal 2013: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

Charmeuse Chic: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

 1930's Dinner Party: Fabio Costa Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

When I walked out of the show, back in September, Jay, Chloe and I all said "It's Fabio!" in terms of whose was the the "Winning" collection. But as seen from last night's episode, we were WRONG. Shows you how much we know.



The Winner: Dmitry Sholokhov

It was Belarus-born former professional ballroom dancer Dmitry, who took home the prize.  He was in my Top Two for sure. I liked a lot of his looks because they were elegant, very NY fashion editorial but, I felt there was a bit of a disjointed quality to the ten-look collection as a whole...



I Liked:

Houndstooth Cocktail: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

Jacket and Cowl-pant Love: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

 One Shoulder Sleek: Dmitry Sholokhov Season 10 Project Runway Finale Collection

But then, he brought out a "fringed" and sequined gown:

Ballroom Dancer Fashion Week: I am sure his intentions were right--finishing his collection with a impact of a supposed "red carpet"-looking gown. But it's just the effect it had when shown with the rest of his looks. It was like "WHU..WHU...WHUUUT???" The silhouette is actually quite nice, perfect for the next Miss Universe. But, it just did not go with the rest of his polished looks. It was a very expensive-looking version of an actual Ballroom Dancing Dress...

Ballroom Dress Muses

I just did not think he needed it. In the end, it did not matter. He won the Grand Prize! And now, Dmitry Sholokhov goes down in Wikipedia and IMDB history. Good luck Dmitry!

Віншуем і жадаем поспеху (according to "Google Translate" this means "Congrats and Good Luck" so I hope it means that! LOL!)

OK, so A) What did you think? And B) Here's my Final Recap of this season's Project Runway...Enjoy and PLEASE, don't forget to let me know what you REALLY thought after my Recap on the MyLifetime.com BLOG site

Waiting for the WOW

Le FINALE. Yes, kids, last night was the
Finale of “Project Runway.” Four designers showed on the biggest fashion
stage—Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. All season long, the judges,
Tim (and I) have made a plea for the designers to “WOW US.” So did they
succeed on the most important stage? Well, before I answer that, I
have lots of other things to say, so if you will indulge me...



Middle-of-the-Road Four

When we last left our four designers—Christopher, Dmitry, Fabio and
Melissa—they had gone home (or to somebody else’s home) to create their
collections. Five weeks passed, and they returned to NYC and showed
three looks to Heidi, Michael and Nina. It was hinted that one designer
may be eliminated, but our esteemed judges could not make up their
minds, and so all four designers stayed to show at NY Fashion Week.



No Wigs Allowed

As we begin this Finale episode, there are quick recaps of what the
judges told each of the designers that their collections needed. Fabio’s
garments lacked sophistication and required polish; Dmitry’s needed to
look younger; Christopher’s leather items were praised, but the judges
wanted more “wow”; and Melissa’s clothes were deemed “limited.” In
addition, we can’t forget all the questionable styling issues from last
week, including those wigs (Fabio, Melissa), HOOCHIE leather shorts
(Melissa, Christopher) and Dmitry’s dowdy girls. They now had two days
to somehow correct their styling mishaps and improve on what they
already had.



Producer Nick

If I had produced what would be next in the episode, I would have begun
with Tim walking into the workroom and announcing to the four designers
that he recruited a Hollywood A-List stylist to come in and guide these
kids through the 101’s of Runway Show Styling, followed by a shopping
excursion to Lord & Taylor with an unlimited budget for accessories.
A second scenario would have involved Tim dragging out some of the
auf’ed cast members (like they’ve done in the past—with their
downtrodden attitudes) to help the finalists in their last 48 hours.



Mood Shopping Gift Card

In reality, Tim eventually does walk in—not to introduce a stylist or say that Kooky Kooan
will be everyone’s intern for the next two days, but, among other
things, to give the designers an extra $300 to shop at Mood. This is a
not-so-subtle way of telling the designers that their collections need
help. At Mood, Fabio looks for more luxe fabrics to add sophistication...



 To read the rest, CLICK HERE !!!

CFDA 2016: BEST AND WORST LOOKS FROM THE RED CARPET

CFDA 2016: BEST AND WORST LOOKS FROM THE RED CARPET

On Monday (June 6) A-list fashion designers, editors, actors and models gathered at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City to celebrate this year's top talents in the fashion industry. 

The so called Oscars of fashion, aka CFDA Fashion Awards, finally announced its winners: as we previously wrote Italy took home the International Award thanks to Alessandro Michele’s work at Gucci, while the late David Bowie was honoured with the Tribute Award.

2016 CFDA winners list

Womenswear Designer of the Year

Marc Jacobs

Swarovski Award for Womenswear

Brandon Maxwell

Swarovski Award for Menswear

Orley: Alex Orley, Matthew Orley, Samantha Orley

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design

Paul Andrew

Menswear Designer of the Year

Thom Browne

Accessories Designer of the Year

Mansur Gavriel: Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

Norma Kamali

The Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert

Donna Karan

International Award

Gucci: Alessandro Michele

The Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award

David Bowie

The Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard

Imran Amed, editor in chief of The Business of Fashion

One of the highlights of the night has to be Diane Von Furstenberg presenting Beyoncé with the Fashion Icon Award: the superstar took the stage in an eye-catching Givenchy outfit and made a touching speech about her family and the power of fashion.

Among the past Fashion Icon honorees we have Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, Iman, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Kidman.

Read Beyonce’s full speech:

“I feel so much love and I feel so proud right now. Thank you guys for this incredible honor. As long as I can remember, fashion has always been a part of my life. Its effect on me actually started before I was born. Most of you guys don’t know this but my grandmother was a seamstress. My grandparents did not have enough money and could not afford my mother’s Catholic school tuition, so my grandmother sewed clothes for the priests and the nuns, and made uniforms for the students in exchange for my mother’s education. She then passed this gift down to my mother and taught her how to sew.

When we were starting out in Destiny’s Child, high-end labels didn’t really want to dress four black, country, curvy girls. And we couldn’t afford designer dresses and couture. My mother was rejected from every showroom in New York. But like my grandmother, she used her talent and creativity to giver her children their dreams. My mother and my Uncle Johnny, God bless his soul, designed all of our first costumes and made each piece by hand, individually sewing hundreds of crystals and pearls, putting so much passion and love into ever small detail. When I wore these clothes on stage I felt like Khaleesi. I had an extra suit of armor. It was so much deeper than any brand name.

My mother — who’s so fabulous and beautiful and is here tonight, I love you — my grandmother, and my uncle were always with me so I could not fail. My mother actually designed my wedding dress, my prom dress, my first CFDA Awards dress, my first Grammy dress, and the list goes on and on and this to me is the true power and potential of fashion. It’s a tool for finding your own identity, expression, and strength. It transcends style and is a time capsule of all of our greatest milestones. So to my mother, my uncle, my grandma, thank y’all. Thank you for showing me that having a presence is far more than the clothes you wear and your physical beauty. Thank you for showing me to never take no for an answer. Thank you for showing me how to take risks, work hard, and live life on my own terms.

I want to say thank you to every designer who works tirelessly to make people feel like they can write their own stories. Y’all are fairy godmothers, magicians, sculptors, and sometimes even therapists. I encourage you to not forget this power you have or take it lightly. We have an opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or magazine cover and see her own reflection. Soul has no color, no shape, no form. Just like all your work it goes so far beyond what the eyes can see. You have the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, to show people how to embrace their complications and flaws and see the true beauty that’s inside all of us. Thank you so much for this incredible award I’ll never forget this night. Got bless y’all.”

These words are truly inspiring, we appreciate that she took that moment to thank all the people that worked hard to support her career. Isn't this a true Queen? 

Ok, let's not forget the purpose of this article: what about the red carpet?

Best Dressed

Beyoncé in Givenchy

Demure, elegant, classic, costumy...call it as you want it, but this look to us is a win.

We all were expecting the next sheer embellished gown, but Beyoncé surprised all of us in a crystals-embellished Givenchy suit.

The hat is a reminder of the Lemonade's era, as well as a smart advertise for her Formation World Tour.

Fashion as a communication tool: the queen slayed again.

Elsa Hosk in Naeem Khan, Shanina Shaik in Givenchy, Jessica Hart in The Row

Elsa Hosk stole our hearts wearing a custom Naeem Khan gold jumpsuit. 

This look could have easily looked messy, if overstyled: fortunately this is not the case, because at the end of the day it's not simple to deal with net, sheer patterns, metallic emebellishments and fringes at the same time! 

The new Victoria's Secret angel completed her look with statement earrings, light make-up and elegant waves.

Australian beauty Shanina Shaik opted for something less flashy, as she wore a light Givenchy dress. At first sight it felt too simple for the occasion, but it is impossible to not appreciate the proportion, the silhouette, the cuts and drapes of this beautiful design. Shanina styled her outfit with a dainty necklace, which matched the triangular shaped cut-outs of the dress, Tamara Mellon sandals with clear vinyl inserts and a fur Lanvin purse.

Jessica Hart was all about minimal designs last night, as she wore a three piece silk ensemble and Alexandre Birman 'Clarita' velvet sandals. 

Worst Dressed

Taylor Hill in Thakoon, Constance Jablonski in J. Mendel, Adriana Lima in Marc Jacobs

It hurts to see such beautiful women wearing expensive looks that do nothing for their figure: let's get a closer look...

First we have Taylor Hill in what we could easily describe as Granny-chic or Hamish couture: this Thakoon's design definitely needed a bit more drama.

Costance Jablonski seems to have borrowed Taylor's stylist for the night: just another beautiful design...by aprons' standards.

Last but not least one of the most beautiful models in the indutry, Adriana Lima, trapped in a Marc Jacobs suit, that simply does nothing for her bombshell figure.

Written by: Stella & MsD

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

World Fashion Designer Top 10: Maybe, Maybe Not--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Event, Sanya China

Photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

Events leading up to the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant are occurring this past week. The Finals are December 19th but yesterday there was a "Preliminary" event for the Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress Event, where all the 100+ contestants wore ensembles/gowns made by designers from their home countries. Tomorrow are the Finals of this event where the Miss World Top Model and World Designer Award fashion gala take place.

But at the Preliminary event, the contestants modeled their designs in front of the judges and the Top Ten "World Designer Dresses" were chosen. Here they are in alphabetical order (country-wise).

I'm not so sure these would have been my Top Ten Best Designer Dresses/Ensembles, in fact I would have probably put one or two in my "Uh Oh!" List. Not so sure what "Designer Dress" Kool-Aid the judges were drinking but here were their choices..

Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Marijana Marcovic: Right away, I have an issue with this big ol' mess being named as Top Ten Miss World 2015 "Best World Fashion Designer Dress". This cha-cha black and silver trimmed design was created by Carmen Line according to the Miss World website. It is tacky and very "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". The pointed strapless neckline is not just obnoxious but would be ripped to shreds by any red carpet correspondent if this was ever worn at a red carpet event. It's BAD.

Miss Brazil Catharina Choi: Catharina wore this midnight blue lace gown designed by Olga Blanc. It's OK; nothing extraordinary. I've seen these styles in the back of an "After Five" Dress section at Macy's. I think that a gown worn at the "Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress" event should be just a little more Haute and a little less department store-like. Maybe it's just me.

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: I actually like this mustard yellow jumpsuit with vest/cape design worn by Andrea. It's elegant, contemporary and makes a strong impact. I especially love her accessorizing; the gold earrings, gold belt, and THAT head-turban is EVERYTHING! I just wished that the top was a bit more interesting--an asymmetrical drape/pleat perhaps. The princess-seamed pattern to this silhouette is very "Design School 101".

Miss Guadeloupe Arlene Tacite: Arlene wore this ivory crepe gown with blue sequin applique featuring a strapless bustier designed by Jessica Jordan. I liked this. Once again, it's not very innovative--design-wise but it is quite nice; maybe that's the criteria I need to be considering. At least it fits well and the length is perfect.

Miss India Aditi Arya: I expected much more from a Miss World India. Seriously. This gold and ivory sequined column gown designed by Monisha Jaising is, again, just OK, but nothing spectacular. I could see this dress at a department store...or in the Downtown L.A. Garment District.

Miss Indonesia Maria Harfanti: Maria wore this blue and ivory gown which evokes a possible "Ming Vase" inspiration. The gown was designed and created by private clientele designer brand Windy Chandra Couture. It's nice but certainly not on the scale of an UBER fabulous Guo Pei creation.

Miss Italy Greta Galassi: Greta wore this golden and silver/pewter colored satin-and-sequined gown from Erasmo Fiorentino. The design featured some cut-out's and peek-a-boo's. It had a hint of "Art Deco" but I just don't understand why this ended up as a Top Ten. The sketch was better than Greta wearing it. I think on a dark-skinned contestant, this might have had a bit more of an impact, but on her, it was a "meh".

Miss Mongolia Anu Namshyrin: Anu wore this white illusion, chiffon and silver sequin gown designed by Tserenlkhagva Khuyag-Ochi. It featured sheer sleeves, 80's shoulders, and a drop waist silhouette. This was a bit wedding gown vibe to the dress; too cutesy and too Mother-of-the-Bride--or maybe the father's Mistress(!)...at a Russian millionaire's wedding. Just saying.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: Keysi's black nude netting/illusion with black sequin applique gown , designed by Jose Karlo, was one of the better ones chosen in the Top Ten Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I loved the architectural aspect of the design and sharp shoulder/front detail, as well as the contrast fabric knit long sleeve top section. I just wished the sequined lace applique would have started a little lower in her hips/thigh area; it was just a little too close to her "Uh Oh" regions.

Miss Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Not sure how this rather plainly-designed ombre-hued blood red-to-yellow gown ended up as one of the Top ten best. The off the shoulder dress was designed by Ly Qui Khanh. I think this was rather basic and not memorable. And certainly not "Best World Designer Dress" material.



*UP NEXT: MY CHOICES for BEST Miss World 2015 "World Designer Dresses"...and the OH DEAR!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show: My TOP 15 GOWNS!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show: My TOP 15 GOWNS!

Worldly Gowns: Miss World 2017 contestants modeling designs of designers from their own nations at the 2017 Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show/Miss World Top Model Competition", People's Republic of China

Some Photos Courtesy of Miss World Official Facebook Page

The 2017 Miss World Beauty Pageant is taking place in the People's Republic of China with the Grand Finals happening next week on November 18th in Sanya China. Lots of pre-Finals competitions and events have been happening in advance of the final crowning night and earlier this week was one of MY FAVORITES: The Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show and Miss World Top Model" Competition.

Miss World 2017 contestants in their "Word Designer" gowns--Miss World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition, China

The Miss World Beauty Pageant has a fabulous fashion show showcasing the contestants modeling gowns created by designers from their home countries and this year they continued the tradition with all the 118 contestants doing just that. The designs were judged and a special award is given to the "World Designer" whose design was judged the best. On the same night, 30 contestants were chosen to compete in the Miss World Top Model competition with the winner being fast-tracked to be in the Top 40. The Miss World 2017 Top Model was the 6 foot+ tall Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue. She was so tall that the gown she wore from a featured Chinese designer was VERY SHORT (see photo below!).

Miss World Supermodel: The winner of the "2017 Miss World Top Model Competition", Miss World Nigeria Ugochi Ihezue (2nd from left), with her Runners-up (L to R) Miss World Croatia Tea Nlinaric, Miss World Thailand Patlada Kulphakthanapat, and Miss World China PR Guan Siyu--Miss World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition, China

OK, now to more important matters: MY TOP 15 BEST Gowns worn by the "Miss World 2017" contestants for the 2017 Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show". I watched the video of the fashion show (watch at the end of this post)--showing all the 118 contestants in her home-designers gowns--and so I have to say that my criteria was based A LOT on how they modeled the designs and basically how they "worked it!"...

Too Typical and Boring...for Miss World Designer--(L to R) Miss World Rwanda Elsa Iradukunda, Miss World Ecuador Romina Zeballos and Miss World Uruguay Melina Carballo--Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show/Top Model Competition

I also think of this "Miss World "World Designer" Competition/Fashion Show as a way to not just showcase the hometown designers but show some creativity that might be "unique", but still chic and stylish with an Haute taste level. Several contestants wore gowns that, while pretty and OK--looked like they came from a "Pageant and Prom" Shop (like the ones above). And then, there were some that were TACKY-LICIOUS, like the ones below:

Oh Dear!--Miss World 2017 contestants wearing designs that would end up in the "Uh Oh" List (L to R) Miss World Egypt Farah Shaaban, Miss World Scotland Romy McCahill, and Miss World Equatorial Guinea Catalina Mange Ondo--Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show/Top Model Competition

So...yeah, I wasn't interested in those but more with ones that had a unique creativity and at the same time, looked RUNWAY FAB.



I will start with the actual winner--Miss World Indonesia:

1. Miss World Indonesia Achintya Holte Nilsen: Achintya wore this beautiful creme colored gown from Indonesian brand and designer, Provocate by Melta Tan. And yes, she--or her dress--was judged to be the BEST design from the Miss World 2017 World Designer Fashion Show. The gown was gorgeous and very Haute Couture in its style, design and perfect fit. The dress featured that very popular "nude dress" look with a see-through ivory colored crinoline base with gold sequin applique/embroidery, topped off with a stiffened overskirt that had a sweeping train and the same gold applique that was featured in the main dress. It was pretty much THE PERFECT Miss World gown.

Score: 9.95

2. Miss World Cote D'Ivoire Mandjalia Gbane: Mandjalia wore this SUPER FAB gown above. Her runway presentation was EVERYTHING! She was not only beautiful but supermodel fab. The brick-red colored gown itself also was fab, featuring lots of drama with that outstanding cape and gold details. The fit was IMPECCABLE. Take a look at the length and where all the seams hit: Just right! Mandjalia served them Cote D'Ivoire Couture HUNEY!!

Score: 9.85

3. Miss World Mexico Andrea Meza: OK, I have to say that for Andrea it was A LOT about her FIERCE runway presentation as I watched the video. She blew me away with how she worked this gown overtime and I was excited by the bold neon hue of her highlighter yellow gown. When I finally simmered down my excitement and took a closer look at the entire look including the gown and those UBER KRAY-KRAY strappy platform shoes, it was all a little TOO MUCHEEY but...here's the thing: I LOVED IT! I expect this Miss World "World Designer Fashion Show" to be almost like a Runway/Fashionable version of the "National Costumes Competition" so...for me, Andrea's gown and entire look/presentation was one the BEST!

Score: 9.75

4. Miss World Thailand Patlada Kulphakthanapak: I LOVED this elegant and classic gown design worn by Miss World Thailand. The golden silk design featured a simple sheath/column gown style with a dramatic "Queen of Siam"-like cape and gold sequined embellishment on the neck and back of the cape at the hem. This was one of those perfect examples of a unique gown that had "hints" of its Thai origins but still did not look like a costume and remained Runway Fab!

Score: 9.60 

5. Miss World Liberia Wokie Dolo: I LOVED this gown worn by Miss World Liberia. This was unique, colorful and entrance-making impacting! The neon yellow/green color looked AMAZING against the contestant's luxurious skin color and I also enjoyed the Haute Couture-like oversized leaf embellishments. This reminded of an old-school Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture gown-meets-Jean Paul Gaultier. If I had any critique, it would be the nude platform heels. Those looked like an afterthought and were the wrong styling choice. But I will just pretend those shoes are not there...for now.

Score: 9.50

6. Miss World India Manushi Chhillar: First off--Miss world India is GORGEOUS! OK, now, onto her gown: Also GORGEOUS! The heavily beaded dress was from Indian designers Falgune and Shane Peacock and featured that popular 'nude gown" look of nude illusion with geometrically placed rhinestones, all ending with a small flourish of pink colored ostrich feathers at the hem. She looked like a Hollywood A-List star on the red carpet of Cannes.

Score: 9.40

7. Miss World China PR Guan Siyu: The "Host Candidate" from the People's Republic of China had the pressure of making her nation's fashion designers proud with her gown choice for the Miss World/World Designer Fashion Show & Top Model Competition...and I think she did quite well! There were elements of Parisian Haute Couture--the fit, silhouette, expensive fabrication, Marie Antoinette mini panier--as well as hints of Chinese Traditional Dress with the neckline/collar, cap sleeves, embroidery. This was a strong World Designer Statement for the beautiful contestant from China. If there was any wish, it would have been stronger more "Runway Diva" hair.

Score: 9.30

8. Miss World Honduras Celia Monterrosa: Three words came to mind when I saw Miss World Honduras SAUNTER down the runway and they were YOU GO GIRL! I mean, seriously, look at her in this photo! Bravo Mija! I thought this royal blue/purple jersey gown was SEXY as all heck, and dramatic (that fabulous cape!) and fit perfectly. It definitely was impacting and she could stop traffic ANYWHERE (and for good reasons!) wearing this.

Score: 9.25

9. Miss World France Aurore Kichenin: Miss World France's gown made my Top 15 List here at No. 9. I thought this was an elegant design that looked refined and very Haute Couture in its intricate and exuberant gold sequined/metallic embroidery. The design featured a column gown with an attached overskirt. It was dramatic but without going over-the-top and reminded me of something from the Lebanese Couturiers who show in Paris, like Elie Saab or Zuhair Murad. I also have the same wish for her as I had for Miss World China: More Diva-like hair; her hairstyle looked way too sporty for such a red carpet-like gown.

Score: 9.10

10. Miss World Vietnam Do My Linh: This gown worn by Miss World Vietnam was stunning, elegant and very entrance-making. While it didn't really have any hints of traditional Vietnamese dress elements (I would have LOVED a Chic Couture Ao Dai perhaps!), it still made a strong classic impact, especially with the beautiful star-studded sequins and flowing overskirt silk chiffon drape.

Score: 9.05

11. Miss World Guyana Vena Mookram: I was impressed with this strapless sequined overskirt-style gown worn by Miss World Guyana. The dress fit very well, was the PERFECT length and the color and fabrication looked rich! I also loved her slicked-back hair and minimal accessories of earrings and a statement ring.

Score: 9.00 

12. Miss World Hungary Virag Koroknyai: OK, I'll be honest, at first I thought "Ummm, that's A LOT of flowers!" but I actually loved this entire look! The fit-and-flare shaped gown itself featured a sheer white iridescent organza-like fabrication with hand-sewn raw-edged flowers and a satin waistband. I loved the raw-edged organza/tulle flourish at the shoulders and yes, I even liked how it was all topped off with a matching hair accessory. It was unique (and in a good way) and made a strong runway impact.

Score: 8.99

13. Miss World Nepal Nikita Chandak: LOVE LOVE LOVE this mermaid-shaped gown worn by Miss World Nepal. It meshed elements of a tradition "pageant gown"(with the silhouette, sweetheart neckline and pouf bottom) as well as East Asian/Nepalese influences with the very rich and striking gold sequin work. She looked like the Queen of Nepal!

Score: 8.95

14. Miss World Canada Cynthia Menard: Cynthia wore this white fit-and-flare gown with a dramatic chiffon cape at the Miss World/World Designer Fashion Show and I thought it was a strong enough gown statement that I wanted to include it in my Top 15. She looked like a Runway Snow Angel in this look which was appropriate being that she was from Canada! The silver sequined lace scalloped hem trim reminded me of snowflakes and icicles and I also loved how she presented the design on the runway.

Score: 8.92

15. Miss World Russia Polina Popova: Last but certainly, not least, I also liked this red ballgown worn by the beautiful Polina Popova Miss World Russia. The red was so rich and vibrant, it definitely made everyone stop and gasp a "Wow!" and the gown itself looked expensive and fabulous with the dramatic tiered overskirt covered with hundreds upon hundreds of shimmering paillettes. There was a hint of a Supermodel Russian Doll in the overall look.

Score: 8.90



EXTRA:

Miss World Cook Islands Alanna Smith: I wanted to add Alanna's gown here because it was "different', made a DEFINITE IMPACT as she came down the runway and for its quite glorious way of celebrating her South Pacific islands' flora and fauna. This could have been a perfect costume for her but...it also made for a very glorious gown choice. I absolutely loved the feathered and flowered details at the shoulders/neck/bust and her crown...and the pretty ombre dyed chiffon. This to me, was like the Cook Island version of a very elegant and Haute Indian sari. And for that, I wanted to give Alanna (and whoever designed this) props!

Click below to watch Miss World 2017 "World Designer Fashion Show":





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